The 20 Best Short Actresses in Hollywood

Being short hasn’t stopped these actors from becoming major stars! They’ve earned critical acclaim, won awards, and starred in popular franchises, despite being 5’3″ or shorter. This guide highlights their impressive careers – from blockbuster movies to respected projects and long-running TV shows – and tells you where to watch their work and what they’re famous for.

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon is about 5’1″ tall. She’s an Academy Award-winning actress, recognized for her role in ‘Walk the Line,’ and also an Emmy winner as a producer of ‘Big Little Lies.’ Through her production company, she’s helped create many successful films and shows that center around women. While she’s had a long and acclaimed career, many people first fell in love with her in the iconic movie ‘Legally Blonde,’ which has become a lasting part of pop culture.

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman is a highly accomplished actress, standing around 5 feet 3 inches tall. She’s known for both critically acclaimed roles, like the Oscar-winning performance in ‘Black Swan’ and nominations for ‘Closer’ and ‘Jackie,’ and for her work in popular franchises like ‘Thor.’ A Harvard graduate who speaks several languages, Portman’s diverse skillset supports her successful international career.

Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson is around 5’3″ tall. She received two Academy Award nominations in the same year for her roles in ‘Marriage Story’ and ‘Jojo Rabbit’. Her portrayal of Black Widow was a key part of the success of the Marvel movies globally. Starting her career as a young actress, she easily transitioned between independent films and big-budget action movies.

Salma Hayek Pinault

Salma Hayek is approximately 5’2″ tall and received an Academy Award nomination for her role in, and production of, ‘Frida’. She’s known for a diverse range of films, from action movies like ‘Desperado’ to the superhero film ‘Eternals’. Beyond acting, Hayek has also produced many projects that focus on sharing Latino stories in Hollywood.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster is around 5’3″ tall. She’s won two Academy Awards for her roles in ‘The Accused’ and ‘The Silence of the Lambs’. Starting her career as a child actor, she later became a director, with films like ‘Money Monster’ to her name. She still works in both movies and television.

Helena Bonham Carter

I’ve always been fascinated by Helena Bonham Carter. She’s not very tall, around 5’2″, but her presence on screen is huge! She’s a truly gifted actress, and it’s no surprise she’s been nominated for an Oscar twice – for ‘The Wings of the Dove’ and ‘The King’s Speech’, both fantastic films. Of course, a lot of people probably first know her as Bellatrix from the ‘Harry Potter’ movies, and more recently, her portrayal of Princess Margaret in ‘The Crown’ was just brilliant. What I really admire is how often she works with really interesting, creative directors, and she just seems perfectly at home in both historical dramas and fantastical worlds.

Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh is around 5’3″ tall. She first gained recognition for her roles in ‘Midsommar’ and received an Academy Award nomination for ‘Little Women’. Since then, she’s become a popular actress in large-scale films like those in the Marvel universe, playing Yelena Belova, and more recently, ‘Oppenheimer’. In addition to film, Pugh has experience performing on stage and occasionally contributes music to her projects.

Emilia Clarke

Emilia Clarke is around 5’2” tall. She’s best known for playing Daenerys Targaryen in the popular TV series ‘Game of Thrones,’ but she’s also appeared in films like ‘Solo’ and ‘Last Christmas.’ In addition to her work on screen, Clarke has performed on stage in both London and New York. She’s also a dedicated supporter of charities that help people with brain injuries, following her own health challenges earlier in her career.

Christina Ricci

Christina Ricci is about 5’1″ tall and first became well-known for her role in ‘The Addams Family’. She’s received praise for her work in films like ‘The Opposite of Sex’ and ‘Monster’. More recently, she’s starred in the popular series ‘Yellowjackets’ and made an appearance in ‘Wednesday’. Beyond acting, Ricci also produces independent films and frequently works as a voice actor.

Rooney Mara

Rooney Mara is a petite actress, standing around 5’3″. She’s received Academy Award nominations for her roles in both ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ and ‘Carol’. Some of her other well-known films include ‘Her’ and ‘A Ghost Story’, and her work has been featured at several film festivals. Beyond acting, Mara is also a co-founder of a vegan fashion company and actively supports humanitarian causes around the world.

Gillian Anderson

Gillian Anderson is around 5’3″ tall. She first gained fame playing Dana Scully on ‘The X Files,’ and has since starred in popular shows like ‘The Crown’ and ‘Sex Education.’ Beyond television, she’s a seasoned stage actress with performances in London and New York, and is also a published author of fiction.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson is around 5’3″ tall. She’s known for her roles in movies like ‘Creed’ and as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the ‘Thor’ films. Thompson has also acted in highly praised independent films like ‘Sylvie’s Love’ and ‘Sorry to Bother You,’ and she occasionally produces music related to her acting projects.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg is around 5’3″ tall. They first became well-known for their role in ‘The Hunger Games’ and later starred in the movie ‘The Hate U Give’. Currently, Stenberg is featured in the series ‘The Acolyte’ and also appeared in the film ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’. They are also a passionate advocate for empowering young people and increasing diverse representation in the media.

Kiernan Shipka

Kiernan Shipka is about 5’2” tall. She became well-known for her role as Sally Draper on ‘Mad Men’ and later starred in ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.’ More recently, she’s appeared in thriller films like ‘Totally Killer’ and has taken on guest roles in various streaming shows. She also does voice work for animated family-friendly projects.

Joey King

Joey King is around 5’3″ tall. She’s best known for starring in ‘The Kissing Booth’ movies and has also received critical acclaim for her role in ‘The Act’. Recently, she’s been working on action-packed and historical projects like ‘Bullet Train’, as well as television series. King also takes on producing roles and partners with popular streaming services.

Lily-Rose Depp

Lily-Rose Depp is approximately 5’3″ tall. She first gained recognition with her role in ‘The King’ and more recently starred in the series ‘The Idol’. Depp appears in films from around the world, including both large-scale international productions and smaller, independent English-language films like ‘Voyagers’. In addition to acting, she works as a fashion ambassador and is a frequent presence in European films.

Rachel Brosnahan

Rachel Brosnahan is about 5’3″ tall. She’s best known for winning awards for her role in ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,’ but she’s also appeared in films like ‘I’m Your Woman’ and the ‘Superman’ movies. In addition to screen work, she performs on Broadway and is a supporter of arts education.

Lea Michele

Lea Michele is around 5’3″ tall. She first became well-known for her work on the TV show ‘Glee’, appearing on several of its soundtrack albums. More recently, she’s starred in leading roles on Broadway, including in ‘Funny Girl’. In addition to acting, Michele is also an author and often performs in concerts that benefit health-related charities.

Lucy Hale

Lucy Hale is a petite actress, standing around 5’2″. She first gained fame for her role in the popular TV show ‘Pretty Little Liars’. Since then, she’s starred in series like ‘Katy Keene’ and films such as ‘The Hating Game’. In addition to acting, Lucy also pursues a music career and occasionally hosts live television events.

Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato is around 5’3″ tall. They first became known as a star on Disney’s ‘Camp Rock’ and continued acting in smaller roles while also building a successful music career. Lovato has also created documentaries focusing on mental health and the challenges of working in the entertainment industry, and currently works as a judge and mentor on TV competitions.

Camila Mendes

Camila Mendes is around 5’2″ tall and is known for her role as Veronica Lodge on the TV show ‘Riverdale’. She’s also appeared in films such as ‘Palm Springs’ and ‘Do Revenge’. Beyond acting, Mendes works with various fashion brands and is a supporter of efforts to prevent bullying.

Jenna Coleman

Jenna Coleman is a British actress who stands around 5’2″ tall. She became well-known for her roles in popular TV series like ‘Doctor Who’ and ‘Victoria’. More recently, she’s starred in thrillers such as ‘The Serpent’ and ‘Wilderness’, and also continues to perform in British theater and audio dramas.

Sarah Hyland

Sarah Hyland is about 5’2″ tall and is best known for her role on the TV show ‘Modern Family’. She also hosts and produces reality shows, including ‘Love Island USA’. Having received organ transplants herself, Hyland is a passionate advocate for organ donation and health awareness.

Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande is about 5 feet tall. She first became known on the TV show ‘Victorious’ and has continued to appear in film and television projects alongside her music career. Currently, she’s playing Glinda in the movie version of ‘Wicked.’ She also shares her expertise as a mentor on ‘The Voice’ and actively supports various charities that provide disaster relief.

America Ferrera

America Ferrera is approximately 5’1″ tall. She’s best known for her leading role in the TV show ‘Ugly Betty’ and later for starring in ‘Superstore’. She’s also appeared in films like ‘Barbie’ and has done voice work for ‘How to Train Your Dragon’. Beyond acting, Ferrera directs and produces her own projects and is actively involved in encouraging people to vote.

Gina Rodriguez

Gina Rodriguez is about 5’3″ tall. She’s an award-winning actress, best known for her Golden Globe win for playing Jane in ‘Jane the Virgin’. She’s also appeared in films like ‘Annihilation’ and currently stars in the series ‘Not Dead Yet’. Beyond acting, Rodriguez is dedicated to supporting Latino filmmakers and helping them gain opportunities in the entertainment industry.

Melissa McCarthy

Melissa McCarthy is around 5’2″ tall. She first became well-known for her role in the movie ‘Bridesmaids,’ which earned her several Academy Award nominations. She then starred in the TV series ‘Mike & Molly’ and has appeared in films like ‘Can You Ever Forgive Me?’ and ‘The Little Mermaid.’ Beyond acting, McCarthy also has her own fashion line and runs a production company with her family.

Constance Wu

Constance Wu is approximately 5’1″ tall. She’s well-known for her roles in the TV series ‘Fresh Off the Boat’ and the hit movie ‘Crazy Rich Asians’. She’s also appeared in the crime drama ‘Hustlers’ and does voice work for animated projects. Beyond acting, Wu is a strong voice for diversity and inclusion, and she’s shared her personal story in a memoir about navigating the entertainment industry.

Anna Kendrick

Anna Kendrick is a petite actress, standing around 5’2″. She’s known for her roles in films like ‘Up in the Air’ – which earned her an Academy Award nomination – and the popular ‘Pitch Perfect’ movies. You might also recognize her from ‘Into the Woods’ and the thriller ‘A Simple Favor’. Beyond acting, Kendrick is also a writer and producer, creating content that explores what relationships are like today.

Kristen Bell

Kristen Bell is about 5’1” tall. She’s well-known for voicing Anna in Disney’s ‘Frozen’ and starring in the TV show ‘The Good Place.’ She first gained a dedicated fanbase with ‘Veronica Mars,’ which later returned for a revival. In addition to acting, Bell also produces and hosts podcasts and projects focused on wellness.

Jenna Ortega

Jenna Ortega is approximately 5’1″ tall. She became widely known for playing the lead role in ‘Wednesday,’ which was a huge streaming success. Ortega also appears in the recent ‘Scream’ movies and films like ‘X.’ Starting with family-friendly TV shows, she transitioned to horror and dark comedy as she grew older.

Maisie Williams

Maisie Williams is about 5’1″ tall. She’s best known for playing Arya Stark in the hit TV show ‘Game of Thrones.’ Since then, she’s worked in films like ‘The New Mutants’ and has also become an entrepreneur in the fashion and technology industries. She continues to act in British TV dramas and projects made with international partners.

Vanessa Hudgens

Vanessa Hudgens is around 5’1” tall. She became well-known for her role in ‘High School Musical’ and has since worked in both theater and movies, appearing in films like ‘Spring Breakers’ and ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’. She’s also performed on Broadway and in televised musical events like ‘Grease Live’.

Lucy Liu

Lucy Liu is a petite actress, standing around 5’3″. She’s well-known for her roles in television shows like ‘Ally McBeal’ and ‘Elementary’, and has appeared in popular films such as ‘Kill Bill’ and ‘Charlie’s Angels’. Beyond acting, Liu is a talented visual artist who has showcased her work in exhibits around the world, and she’s also directed television episodes.

Winona Ryder

Winona Ryder is about 5’3″ tall. She’s received Academy Award nominations for her roles in ‘Little Women’ and ‘The Age of Innocence’. More recently, she gained renewed popularity with the show ‘Stranger Things’. Her early films, ‘Heathers’ and ‘Edward Scissorhands’, are still well-known and often discussed.

Awkwafina

I’m a huge fan of Awkwafina! She’s not very tall, around 5’1″, but she’s absolutely amazing. I was so thrilled when she won a Golden Globe for ‘The Farewell’ – it was a groundbreaking moment as the first Asian American woman to ever win in that category! You probably know her from movies like ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ and ‘Shang-Chi’, and her show ‘Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens’ is hilarious. She’s a seriously talented actress and comedian.

Rachel Zegler

Rachel Zegler is a rising star who stands at approximately 5’2″. She began her acting career with a leading role in the 2021 film ‘West Side Story’ and has since appeared in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’. Currently, she’s starring as Snow White in Disney’s live-action adaptation. Beyond acting, Zegler is also a musician and performs live at large events.

Hayden Panettiere

Okay, let’s talk about Hayden Panettiere. You probably recognize her from her early days on ‘Heroes,’ and she really showed her range later on in ‘Nashville.’ She’s consistently worked, popping up in the newer ‘Scream’ films and doing a lot of voice work for animated projects and video games. But it’s not just about the screen for her; she’s also a dedicated advocate, lending her voice and support to important causes like ocean conservation and fighting domestic violence. She’s a solid performer and clearly someone who cares about making a difference.

Kristin Chenoweth

As a huge fan of musical theatre and film, I’ve always been captivated by Kristin Chenoweth. She’s petite – around 4’11” – but incredibly powerful on stage. I was thrilled when she won a Tony for ‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’ and an Emmy for ‘Pushing Daisies’, both totally deserved! She’s constantly working, juggling film and TV roles with a busy concert schedule. And, of course, she’s best known for originating the role of Glinda in ‘Wicked’ on Broadway, which she revisits often – it’s wonderful to see!

Eva Longoria

Eva Longoria is a petite actress, standing around 5’2″. She became well-known worldwide for her role in ‘Desperate Housewives’. Beyond acting, she’s a director and producer working in both film and television, recently making her debut as a feature film director with a sports drama. Longoria is also dedicated to charitable work and advocating for Latino communities.

Zoë Kravitz

Zoe Kravitz is around 5’2″ tall. She’s known for her roles in the TV series ‘Big Little Lies’ and ‘High Fidelity’. On the big screen, she’s played Catwoman in ‘The Batman’ and appeared in films like those from the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ series. Beyond acting, Kravitz is also a musician and is starting to work as a director, taking on more creative roles behind the scenes.

Let us know your favorite movie or TV performances by these actresses in the comments! Also, tell us if there’s anyone else you think should be on the list.

2025-11-01 06:51