The Best Short Male Actors

Height has never limited talent in film and television, and plenty of shorter leading men have stacked up awards, box office results, and unforgettable roles. Here are standout actors on the shorter side, with quick facts about their height and the work that put them on the map.

Peter Dinklage

Peter Dinklage stands around 4 ft 5 in or 135 cm and is one of the most awarded performers in modern television. He won four Primetime Emmys for his role in ‘Game of Thrones’. His film work includes ‘Cyrano’, ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’, and ‘Avengers: Infinity War’. He is also a prominent voice actor with credits like ‘The Croods’ and ‘Ice Age’.

Danny DeVito

Danny DeVito is about 4 ft 10 in or 147 cm and built a long career in comedy and character roles. He won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for ‘Taxi’. His films include ‘Twins’, ‘Batman Returns’, and ‘Matilda’, which he also directed. He later found a new wave of fans on television with ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’.

Joe Pesci

Joe Pesci measures around 5 ft 4 in or 163 cm and is known for powerful performances in crime dramas. He won the Academy Award for ‘Goodfellas’. His other major films include ‘Raging Bull’, ‘Casino’, and ‘The Irishman’. He also showed range in comedies like ‘Home Alone’ and ‘My Cousin Vinny’.

Dustin Hoffman

Dustin Hoffman stands about 5 ft 6 in or 168 cm and is widely recognized for transformative roles. He won two Oscars for ‘Kramer vs. Kramer’ and ‘Rain Man’. His filmography includes ‘The Graduate’, ‘Tootsie’, and ‘Marathon Man’. He has also worked extensively on stage and in voice roles like ‘Kung Fu Panda’.

Al Pacino

Al Pacino is roughly 5 ft 7 in or 170 cm and remains a defining figure in American cinema. He won an Oscar for ‘Scent of a Woman’. His essential films include ‘The Godfather’ series, ‘Scarface’, and ‘Heat’. He has also earned Tony Awards and continued high profile work in projects like ‘The Irishman’.

Daniel Radcliffe

Daniel Radcliffe stands around 5 ft 5 in or 165 cm and became globally known through the ‘Harry Potter’ films. He has since built a varied career across stage and screen with titles like ‘Swiss Army Man’ and ‘Guns Akimbo’. On Broadway and the West End he has starred in productions such as ‘Equus’ and ‘The Cripple of Inishmaan’. He also received acclaim for the TV series ‘Miracle Workers’.

Elijah Wood

Elijah Wood is about 5 ft 6 in or 168 cm and first gained fame as Frodo in ‘The Lord of the Rings’. He has produced and acted in independent projects like ‘Come to Daddy’ and ‘I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore’. His voice work includes ‘Happy Feet’ and ‘Tron: Uprising’. He also co founded a production company focused on distinctive genre films.

Michael J. Fox

Michael J. Fox measures around 5 ft 4 in or 163 cm and became a household name with ‘Back to the Future’. He won multiple Emmys and Golden Globes for television work including ‘Family Ties’ and ‘Spin City’. He authored bestselling memoirs and founded a major research foundation for Parkinson’s disease. He continues to appear on screen and at public events supporting medical research.

Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart stands about 5 ft 4 in or 163 cm and is one of the most successful stand up comics of his generation. His arena tours set records and spawned specials like ‘What Now’ and ‘Irresponsible’. On film he headlined hits such as ‘Ride Along’, ‘Central Intelligence’, and ‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’. He also runs a production company and a widely streamed interview show.

Ben Stiller

Ben Stiller is roughly 5 ft 7 in or 170 cm and has worked as an actor, writer, director, and producer. He won an Emmy for ‘The Ben Stiller Show’. His films include ‘Zoolander’, ‘There’s Something About Mary’, and ‘Night at the Museum’. He directed the acclaimed series ‘Severance’ and has multiple Producers Guild and Directors Guild recognitions.

Seth Green

Seth Green measures around 5 ft 4 in or 163 cm and has a long resume across film, TV, and voice acting. He co created and stars in the Emmy winning series ‘Robot Chicken’. Audiences know him from ‘Austin Powers’, ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’, and voice work on ‘Family Guy’. He also works as a producer and director on animation and live action projects.

Martin Freeman

Martin Freeman stands about 5 ft 7 in or 170 cm and is known for versatile roles in drama and comedy. He won BAFTA and Emmy awards for ‘Sherlock’. His credits include ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy, ‘Fargo’, and ‘The Office’. He also appears in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with ‘Captain America: Civil War’ and ‘Black Panther’.

James McAvoy

James McAvoy is roughly 5 ft 7 in or 170 cm and has led major franchises and prestige dramas. His roles include ‘Atonement’, ‘Split’, and the ‘X-Men’ series. He earned multiple BAFTA nominations and a London Evening Standard Theatre Award. He also continues stage work in productions like ‘Cyrano de Bergerac’.

Jack Black

Jack Black measures around 5 ft 6 in or 168 cm and built a career mixing comedy, music, and acting. He earned Golden Globe nominations for ‘School of Rock’ and ‘Bernie’. He co leads the ‘Jumanji’ films and voices Po in ‘Kung Fu Panda’. He also performs with the band Tenacious D and hosts a popular online channel.

Ken Jeong

Ken Jeong stands about 5 ft 5 in or 165 cm and is also a licensed physician. He broke out with ‘The Hangover’ and starred on television in ‘Community’. He created and headlined the series ‘Dr. Ken’. He appears as a panelist on ‘The Masked Singer’ and continues film and stand up work.

Gael García Bernal

Gael García Bernal is roughly 5 ft 7 in or 170 cm and is a leading figure in international cinema. He won a Golden Globe for ‘Mozart in the Jungle’. His acclaimed films include ‘Amores perros’, ‘Y tu mamá también’, and ‘No’. He also co founded production outfits that support Latin American filmmakers.

Emile Hirsch

Emile Hirsch measures around 5 ft 7 in or 170 cm and has worked across independent and studio films. His roles include ‘Into the Wild’, ‘Lone Survivor’, and ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’. He has appeared in genre projects like ‘Alpha Dog’ and ‘The Autopsy of Jane Doe’. He continues to alternate between acting in films and television.

Josh Hutcherson

Josh Hutcherson stands about 5 ft 5 in or 165 cm and gained international recognition with ‘The Hunger Games’ series. He has also produced and starred in independent features such as ‘Detention’ and ‘The Kids Are All Right’. His recent work includes action and thriller projects for streaming platforms. He has long supported youth service organizations and equality efforts.

Toby Jones

Toby Jones is roughly 5 ft 5 in or 165 cm and is known for precise character work. His credits range from ‘Infamous’ and ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’ to ‘Captain America’ and ‘Jurassic World’ series entries. He has earned nominations from BAFTA and the Emmys for screen roles. On stage he has appeared in major productions in London and New York.

Warwick Davis

Warwick Davis measures around 3 ft 6 in or 107 cm and has led fantasy and adventure titles for decades. He starred in ‘Willow’ and appeared across the ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Harry Potter’ franchises. He hosts television programs in the UK and works as a producer through his company. He also supports charities connected to dwarfism and disability representation.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise is about 5 ft 7 in or 170 cm and has led some of the biggest blockbusters in history. He anchored the long running ‘Mission Impossible’ series with extensive practical stunts. His dramatic turns in ‘Jerry Maguire’ and ‘Magnolia’ earned major awards recognition. He has also worked repeatedly with top directors and continues to headline global releases.

Robin Williams

Robin Williams stood around 5 ft 7 in or 170 cm and moved easily between comedy and drama. He won an Academy Award for his role in ‘Good Will Hunting’. Audiences also know him from ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’, ‘Dead Poets Society’, and ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’. He performed acclaimed stand up specials and voiced the Genie in ‘Aladdin’.

Rami Malek

Rami Malek measures about 5 ft 7 in or 170 cm and gained wide attention on television before headlining films. He won an Academy Award for portraying Freddie Mercury in ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. On TV he led ‘Mr. Robot’ across multiple seasons. He has also appeared in franchise titles like ‘No Time to Die’ and ‘Oppenheimer’.

Michael Peña

Michael Peña stands around 5 ft 7 in or 170 cm and is known for roles that mix humor with grounded drama. He played key parts in ‘Crash’ and ‘End of Watch’. He joined the Marvel universe with ‘Ant Man’ and became a fan favorite through quick fire storytelling scenes. His filmography also includes ‘The Martian’ and ‘Narcos: Mexico’.

Aziz Ansari

Aziz Ansari is about 5 ft 6 in or 168 cm and built his career through stand up and television. He starred in ‘Parks and Recreation’ and created ‘Master of None’. His specials reached wide audiences on streaming platforms. He has also written a bestselling book on relationships and modern communication.

Patton Oswalt

Patton Oswalt measures roughly 5 ft 3 in or 160 cm and balances acting with stand up. He voiced the lead character in ‘Ratatouille’. On television he appeared in ‘The King of Queens’, ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’, and ‘The Sandman’. He has released multiple award winning comedy specials and authored memoirs.

David Spade

David Spade stands around 5 ft 5 in or 165 cm and rose to prominence on sketch comedy television. He starred in films like ‘Tommy Boy’ and ‘Joe Dirt’. His long sitcom run includes ‘Just Shoot Me’ and ‘Rules of Engagement’. He continues to tour as a comedian and host talk shows and specials.

Martin Lawrence

Martin Lawrence is about 5 ft 7 in or 170 cm and established himself in stand up before moving into films. He co leads the ‘Bad Boys’ franchise alongside Will Smith. His hit comedies include ‘Blue Streak’ and ‘Big Momma’s House’. On television he fronted the popular series ‘Martin’.

Jason Alexander

Jason Alexander measures around 5 ft 5 in or 165 cm and is widely recognized for his television work. He played George Costanza on ‘Seinfeld’ across nine seasons. His film credits include ‘Pretty Woman’ and voice roles in animation. He has performed on Broadway and directed for stage and screen.

Wallace Shawn

Wallace Shawn stands about 5 ft 2 in or 157 cm and is known for distinctive roles and writing. He appeared in ‘The Princess Bride’ and ‘My Dinner with Andre’. Television audiences know him from ‘Young Sheldon’ and ‘Gossip Girl’. He has written acclaimed plays and screenplays performed internationally.

Billy Crystal

Billy Crystal is roughly 5 ft 7 in or 170 cm and has worked in film, television, and on stage. He starred in ‘When Harry Met Sally’ and ‘City Slickers’. He voiced Mike Wazowski in ‘Monsters, Inc.’ and its sequel. He has hosted major award shows multiple times and earned Tony recognition for his stage work.

Bob Hoskins

Bob Hoskins measured about 5 ft 6 in or 168 cm and built a career on intense and empathetic characters. He led ‘Mona Lisa’ to critical acclaim and awards. Audiences remember him for ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’ and ‘Hook’. He worked across British and American productions for decades.

Jet Li

Jet Li stands around 5 ft 6 in or 168 cm and is a major figure in martial arts cinema. He headlined international hits such as ‘Hero’ and ‘Fearless’. In Hollywood he starred in ‘Lethal Weapon 4’, ‘Romeo Must Die’, and ‘The Expendables’. He trained from a young age in wushu and brought that background to stunt heavy roles.

Aamir Khan

Aamir Khan is about 5 ft 5 in or 165 cm and is one of the most influential stars in Indian cinema. He led landmark films including ‘Lagaan’, ‘Dangal’, and ‘PK’. His productions often combine box office success with social themes. He also hosted the televised series ‘Satyamev Jayate’ which focused on public issues.

Rajkummar Rao

Rajkummar Rao measures roughly 5 ft 7 in or 170 cm and is known for grounded performances in Hindi films. He earned major awards for ‘Shahid’. His notable titles include ‘Trapped’, ‘Stree’, and ‘Newton’. He frequently collaborates with independent directors and appears in mainstream hits.

Tony Leung Chiu-wai

Tony Leung Chiu-wai stands about 5 ft 7 in or 170 cm and is a leading actor in Hong Kong and international cinema. He worked with Wong Kar wai on ‘In the Mood for Love’ and ‘Chungking Express’. He joined the Marvel universe in ‘Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’. His career includes multiple best actor honors at major Asian film awards.

Tom Hollander

Tom Hollander is around 5 ft 5 in or 165 cm and has an extensive resume across film and television. He appeared in ‘Pride and Prejudice’, ‘The Night Manager’, and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’. He portrayed real life figures in series and films with precise detail. He also performs on stage in the West End and on Broadway.

Peter Falk

Peter Falk measured about 5 ft 6 in or 168 cm and became a television icon. He starred as the title detective in ‘Columbo’ across many seasons and specials. His film credits include ‘A Woman Under the Influence’ and ‘The Princess Bride’. He received multiple Emmys and Golden Globes during his career.

Mickey Rooney

Mickey Rooney stood around 5 ft 2 in or 157 cm and worked from the silent era into modern times. He headlined the ‘Andy Hardy’ series and starred alongside Judy Garland in several musicals. His later roles included ‘The Black Stallion’ and ‘Night at the Museum’. He earned multiple Oscar nominations and honorary recognition.

Charlie Chaplin

Charlie Chaplin was about 5 ft 5 in or 165 cm and helped define screen comedy. He created the Tramp character seen in classics like ‘City Lights’ and ‘Modern Times’. He wrote, directed, produced, and scored many of his films. His work influenced generations of filmmakers and remains widely studied.

Share the short kings you would add to this list in the comments and tell us who we missed.