Actresses Who Are Taller Than Their Leading Men

As a movie reviewer, I’ve noticed a common trick in Hollywood – filmmakers often use camera angles to make the male leads look bigger. But there are actresses who completely defy that, naturally towering over their co-stars! It’s refreshing to see, and sometimes it even adds to the on-screen chemistry. This is a rundown of some of the most well-known actresses who are famously taller than the men they share the screen with – they’re breaking the mold, and I, for one, am here for it.

Zendaya

Zendaya is quite tall, standing at five feet ten inches, which makes her significantly taller than her ‘Spider-Man’ co-star, Tom Holland. Their height difference was often noticeable when they filmed scenes together in the ‘Spider-Man’ movies. Many viewers liked that the director didn’t try to disguise this difference in films like ‘Far From Home,’ as it added to the realism. Zendaya has often said she’s proud of her height and how it benefits her work as both a model and an actress.

Nicole Kidman

The celebrated actress Nicole Kidman is five feet eleven inches tall, and was often taller than her ex-husband, Tom Cruise. They starred in films together, such as the drama ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ and the action movie ‘Days of Thunder’. Throughout their marriage, her height was a frequent topic of media and public interest. Kidman famously quipped that she could finally wear heels again after their divorce was completed.

Gwendoline Christie

At six feet three inches tall, this actress is notably taller than many of her male costars. She became famous for playing Brienne of Tarth in ‘Game of Thrones’, where she towered over Kit Harington and other leading actors. Her height has proven to be an asset, helping her land strong roles in popular franchises like ‘Star Wars’.

Elizabeth Debicki

Elizabeth Debicki is a strikingly tall actress, standing at six feet three inches, which often makes her appear taller than her co-stars. Her height was a notable feature when she played Jordan Baker in ‘The Great Gatsby,’ and she towered over Tom Hiddleston in several key scenes of ‘The Night Manager.’ Debicki continues to be one of Hollywood’s tallest actresses, and she’s successfully taking on a wide range of roles.

Sophie Turner

Sophie Turner is a well-known actress who is five feet nine inches tall. She’s notably taller than her ex-husband, Joe Jonas, and often appears to be in photos. Her height helped her portray a strong and commanding lead role in the movie ‘Dark Phoenix,’ and she’s consistently viewed her stature as a benefit throughout her career in entertainment.

Uma Thurman

Uma Thurman is five feet eleven inches tall, making her taller than many of the actors she’s worked with, including her ex-husband, Ethan Hawke. Her height and long limbs were a striking feature in films like ‘Pulp Fiction,’ contributing to the memorable portrayal of her characters. Despite Hollywood’s typical preference for shorter leading ladies, Thurman has enjoyed a consistently successful career.

Sigourney Weaver

Sigourney Weaver is almost six feet tall, and for years, she’s often been taller than her co-stars in movies and TV shows. Her height was striking in the classic sci-fi film ‘Alien,’ where she powerfully commanded attention. Throughout her career, she’s frequently worked with actors much shorter than herself. Weaver is widely recognized as a trailblazer for tall women in action and dramatic roles.

Geena Davis

This skilled actress is six feet tall and often towers over her fellow actors on set. For example, she was even taller than Jeff Goldblum in ‘The Fly,’ despite his own considerable height. She also used her height and athleticism to great effect in the comedy ‘A League of Their Own.’ Davis has repeatedly demonstrated that being a tall woman can be a real asset for an actress.

Brooke Shields

Standing at six feet tall, Brooke Shields started her career as a model and later became a successful actress. She was often noticeably taller than the men she starred alongside, as seen in films like ‘The Blue Lagoon’. Throughout her acting career, filmmakers frequently used camera techniques to make her co-stars appear taller. Shields has always been candid about both the difficulties and advantages of being a tall woman in Hollywood.

Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz is five feet nine inches tall, which sometimes made her appear taller than her male co-stars in movies. For example, she seemed taller than Jude Law in several scenes from ‘The Holiday’ and was noticeably taller than Tom Cruise while filming ‘Knight and Day’. Throughout her career, Diaz has often played self-assured characters who are comfortable and confident in their own skin – and with their height.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron is five feet ten inches tall, which often makes her taller than her male costars in movies. This height proved useful in creating the strong and imposing character she played in ‘Mad Max: Fury Road.’ Throughout her career, she’s also appeared taller than many of her love interests in both romantic comedies and dramas. Theron is well-known for dramatically changing her appearance for roles, and her height frequently contributes to her impactful presence on screen.

Gwyneth Paltrow

As a movie fan, I’ve always found it interesting how much attention is paid to actor heights. It’s well known Gwyneth Paltrow, who’s won an Oscar, is around five foot nine, and honestly, she often seems much taller than her male co-stars, especially when she’s in heels! Apparently, she was even taller than Robert Downey Jr. during the ‘Iron Man’ films, and the producers actually had her wear flats sometimes just to make the height difference less noticeable on screen. It’s pretty cool that she’s managed to stay a leading lady for so long, even being taller than a lot of her male counterparts – it just goes to show talent shines through!

Katie Holmes

At five feet nine inches tall, Katie Holmes is noticeably taller than her ex-husband, Tom Cruise. The height difference between them was often commented on by the media during their public appearances. She’s also taller than many of her ‘Dawson’s Creek’ costars. Despite her height, Holmes hasn’t limited the roles she takes in movies and television.

Liv Tyler

Liv Tyler is relatively tall for a Hollywood actress, standing at five feet ten inches. This allowed filmmakers to portray her as being the same height or even taller than many of her male co-stars, as seen in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Inventing the Abbotts’, where she appeared taller than Joaquin Phoenix. She inherited her height from her father and has successfully leveraged it throughout her career in both fashion and film.

Mandy Moore

Mandy Moore, known for her role in ‘This Is Us,’ is surprisingly tall – five feet ten inches – which often makes her taller than her on-screen love interests. For example, she was taller than Shane West in the movie ‘A Walk to Remember.’ Early in her career as a singer, she used to feel insecure about her height, but now she’s recognized and admired for both her acting skills and her graceful presence on television.

Tilda Swinton

Tilda Swinton is a strikingly tall actress, standing at five feet eleven inches. This often makes her appear taller than her male colleagues in movies like ‘Snowpiercer’ and ‘Doctor Strange’. Her height and somewhat gender-neutral appearance have allowed her to play many unique and unforgettable roles. She’s known for her artistic approach to acting, using her physicality as a key part of how she tells stories.

Blake Lively

Blake Lively is a striking actress who stands at five feet ten inches, making her noticeably taller than most people she meets. During filming of ‘Gossip Girl’, she towered over her co-star Penn Badgley. Even with her husband, Ryan Reynolds, she appears almost the same height when she wears heels. Lively is also a fashion icon, often showcasing her long legs and impressive height in her public appearances.

Julia Roberts

At five feet nine inches tall, Julia Roberts often towers over her male costars. Her height and long legs were particularly highlighted in films like ‘Pretty Woman,’ contributing to her character’s appeal. Throughout the 1990s, she frequently stood taller than the actors playing her love interests in romantic comedies. Despite any height differences, Roberts remains one of the most successful actresses of all time.

Famke Janssen

Famously tall at six feet, Famke Janssen began her career as a fashion model before becoming a successful actress. Her height was noticeable alongside her costars in the ‘X-Men’ movies, and in the James Bond film ‘GoldenEye,’ it even enhanced the intimidating presence of her villainous role. Throughout her career, Janssen has often portrayed strong, commanding women, and her height has been a key part of bringing those characters to life.

Saffron Burrows

This actress is six feet tall, and often towers over her co-stars in movies and TV shows. Her height was particularly noticeable in films like ‘Deep Blue Sea’ and the series ‘Boston Legal,’ where she stood taller than many of her fellow actors. Throughout her career, she’s consistently been cast in roles that showcase her impressive height and slender build.

Janet McTeer

At six feet one inch tall, McTeer is one of the tallest actresses currently working in Hollywood. She received praise for her performance in ‘Albert Nobbs,’ a role where her height played a key part. Her impressive stature also proved beneficial when portraying a strong, commanding character in the series ‘Ozark.’ Throughout her career, she’s frequently been noticeably taller than most of her co-stars.

Missi Pyle

At five feet eleven inches tall, this actress is known for her comedic roles and often towers over her male costars, as seen in films like ‘Dodgeball’. Her height is frequently used as a source of humor or to help her create unique and memorable characters. Having appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, she consistently stands out due to her impressive stature.

Brigitte Nielsen

At six feet one inch tall, Brigitte Nielsen became a prominent actress in the 1980s, largely known for her height. She was even taller than her ex-husband, Sylvester Stallone, and famously appeared with him in ‘Rocky IV’. Her striking physique made her well-suited for action and fantasy roles, such as her part in ‘Red Sonja’. Nielsen continues to be a recognizable figure, often remembered for her impressive height and distinctive appearance.

Allison Janney

The award-winning actress is six feet tall and frequently towers over her fellow actors. For example, she was noticeably taller than Anna Faris on the show ‘Mom’ and often taller than her male costars in ‘The West Wing’. Despite her height, Janney has enjoyed a successful acting career and hasn’t let it hold her back in Hollywood.

Laura Dern

At five feet ten inches, Laura Dern is notably tall, often towering over her male costars. She confidently held her own alongside established actors like Jeff Goldblum and Sam Neill in ‘Jurassic Park,’ and frequently appears taller than her on-screen love interests in both independent films and television. Throughout her long and successful career, Dern has consistently maintained a striking and natural presence on screen thanks to her height.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch is a well-known comedic actress, famous for playing Sue Sylvester on the show ‘Glee’. At six feet tall, she towered over many of her co-stars, and her height was a key part of making Sue Sylvester both intimidating and funny. Lynch has successfully used her impressive stature to become a memorable figure in television comedy.

Gal Gadot

I’ve always been struck by Gal Gadot’s presence – she’s a genuinely tall woman, standing at five feet ten inches, and it really makes her command attention on screen. It was noticeable even when she started out in the ‘Fast and Furious’ films, she often towered over her fellow actors! That height, combined with her incredible physique, was perfect when she became Wonder Woman and really brought the character to life in ‘Justice League’. She’s proven that audiences love seeing a strong, tall woman lead an action movie, and she’s a huge success because of it.

Aisha Tyler

At six feet tall, Lisa Lampanelli is a well-known actress and TV host who naturally commands attention. People often noticed her height – she was significantly taller than the actors on ‘Friends’ when she made guest appearances. She frequently jokes about it in her stand-up routines, and it’s become a recognizable part of her public image. Beyond live-action roles where she often stands head and shoulders above her co-stars, she’s also a voice actor, having lent her talents to the animated series ‘Archer’.

Adrianne Palicki

At five feet eleven inches tall, actress Katee Sackhoff is well-known for her work in action films and TV shows. She’s often cast in roles that utilize her height, like the powerful warrior she played in ‘John Wick’, where she even towered over many of her male co-stars. Similarly, in ‘Friday Night Lights’, she frequently appeared taller than the actors portraying the football players. Katee has intentionally used her stature to land roles demanding a strong and commanding physical presence.

Lucy Lawless

Lucy Lawless, famous for playing ‘Xena Warrior Princess’, is a tall woman, standing at five feet ten inches with an athletic build. Her height was intentionally used to make her character appear strong and imposing as a legendary warrior – she frequently towered over both the heroes and villains on the show. Even in her other television roles, Lawless’s height continues to be a noticeable feature.

Leslie Jones

Standing at six feet tall, she’s a well-known actress who previously starred on ‘Saturday Night Live’. She’s particularly noticeable for being taller than the other actors in the recent ‘Ghostbusters’ movie. Her height, combined with her lively personality, makes her memorable in everything she does. She often playfully references her height, using it to create funny physical comedy.

Miranda Hart

Miranda Hart is a well-known British actress and comedian who is six feet one inch tall and openly embraces her height. Her TV show, ‘Miranda,’ frequently joked about how tall she was, making it a central part of the comedy. She was noticeably taller than her co-star, Tom Ellis, during romantic scenes. Hart has become popular because people connect with her humor and appreciate how she celebrates being a tall woman in the entertainment industry.

Milla Jovovich

Milla Jovovich, standing at five feet nine inches, is known for playing tough, athletic roles. Throughout her work in the ‘Resident Evil’ movies, she often appeared as tall as, or even taller than, the men she acted with. Her experience as a model gave her a commanding presence on screen, emphasizing her height and long limbs. Jovovich remains a popular leading actress in action-packed films that demand both physical skill and a strong on-screen personality.

Rebecca Romijn

At five feet eleven inches tall, Rebecca Romijn began her career as a model before becoming a well-known actress in movies and on television. She’s famous for playing Mystique in the ‘X-Men’ films, where her height was emphasized by the character’s look. She’s often been taller than her co-stars in romantic comedies and dramas, and she embraces her height, using it to add depth to her performances.

Daryl Hannah

This actress is six feet tall and has been a major star since the 1980s. Her height actually helped create her memorable, ethereal look as a mermaid in the movie ‘Splash,’ and she often towered over her costars in ‘Kill Bill.’ Throughout her successful career, she’s frequently been taller than the male actors she’s worked with.

Penny Johnson Jerald

Standing five feet nine inches tall, Penny Jerald has been a familiar face on television for years, appearing in many well-known shows. In ‘The Orville,’ she plays a doctor who often seems to tower over her fellow crew members. She also played a commanding role in ’24,’ where her height helped emphasize her character’s strength and professionalism. Throughout her long career, Jerald has consistently portrayed characters who are both powerful and intelligent.

Elle Macpherson

Elle Macpherson, a six-foot-tall supermodel, has also enjoyed a successful career as an actress. She’s known for roles like her appearance on ‘Friends,’ where she famously towered over Matt LeBlanc, and films such as ‘Batman and Robin’ and ‘The Edge,’ where she starred alongside leading actors. Macpherson has always been proud of her height and considers it one of her defining features.

Erika Christensen

Standing at five feet ten inches, this actress is known for her work in both television dramas and movies. Interestingly, during her time on the show ‘Parenthood,’ she often appeared taller than the actors who played her husband and family. She first became widely recognized in the film ‘Traffic,’ where her height contributed to a sophisticated and memorable presence. Throughout her career, Christensen has consistently worked in the industry, frequently standing taller than many of her male co-stars.

Judy Gold

As a huge fan of comedy, I’ve always been struck by this performer – she’s six foot two, which makes her a standout in a field where most comedians aren’t known for their height! She’s been on tons of TV shows and specials, and she brilliantly uses her height as part of her act. It’s always funny to see her towering over everyone on sitcoms and talk shows. She’s really built a fantastic career by embracing both her impressive physical presence and her big, bold personality.

Jameela Jamil

This actress is quite tall, standing at five feet ten inches, and frequently towers over her fellow actors on set. She became well-known for her role in ‘The Good Place,’ where her height was a striking feature of her sophisticated character. She’s often noticeably taller than her colleagues at public appearances and on TV. Jamil also uses her influence to promote body positivity and inclusivity in Hollywood, encouraging acceptance of all body types.

Tyra Banks

Standing at five feet ten inches, Tyra Banks is a well-known model who has also acted in movies and TV shows. Many remember her guest appearance on ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air,’ where she stood noticeably taller than Will Smith. Her height and strong stage presence were ideal for roles in films like ‘Coyote Ugly.’ Throughout her career, Banks has embraced her height and inspired other women to do the same.

Jenna Elfman

Okay, so I’m a bit of a TV buff, and I’ve always noticed this actress. She’s about five ten, which is pretty tall, and she’s really made a name for herself in comedy. I remember watching ‘Dharma and Greg’ and thinking how much taller she was than Thomas Gibson! It was always noticeable, but the show never really made a big deal out of it, which I always thought was kind of funny. She’s continued working steadily on TV, and honestly, her height just gives her this really graceful and commanding presence on screen.

Stacy Keibler

I’ve always been fascinated by Shaquille O’Neal, but Keibler is someone who really stands out too – literally! At almost six feet tall, she used to be a pro wrestler and actress, and you couldn’t help but notice her – especially those legs! I remember seeing her on ‘How I Met Your Mother’ and she towered over most of the cast. Her height was always part of what made her so memorable, both in the wrestling world and on screen. It’s awesome how she’s built a great career by owning her athletic physique and incredible height; she really made it work for her.

Please share your favorite tall actresses and their most memorable roles in the comments.

2026-02-13 05:19