• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Modest Man

  • .
  • Start Here
  • Blog
  • About
  • Outfit Ideas
  • Free Guide
Home / Blog / Inspiration

100 Famous Short Men Everyone Can Look Up To

Published on May 5, 2015 by Brock McGoff · Inspiration May contain affiliate links (what's this?)

100 Famous Short Men

Being a shorter man isn’t easy. It’s usually seen as a negative thing. You’ve probably heard about studies that supposedly prove short men make less money and are less attractive than their taller counterparts.

The crazy thing is, even though the media loves to spread these “facts”, many of them aren’t even true. Even if some of this stuff is true, it’s not worth dwelling on. After all, you can’t change your height.

Here’s the annoying thing – no one ever talks about short men in a positive way.

I think that’s lame. I may be shorter than average, but I’m still successful, healthy and well-dressed. More importantly, I’m happy and surrounded by people who love me (and who I love).

I’m not saying you can just flip a switch to magically make your height (or lack thereof) stop bothering you. It’s a huge source of insecurity for so many people, men and women included, and I still struggle with it.

But it doesn’t have to hold you back in life. To drive this point home, here’s a list of 100 amazing men who just happened to be shorter than average.

Some of the men on this list achieved amazing things before they died. Many are still doing awesome things with their lives.

From actors, rappers and musicians to CEOs and athletes, here are 100 remarkable short men everyone can look up to:

NameHeightAccomplishments
Martin Luther King, Jr.5'7"Leading the African American Civil Rights Movement using nonviolent civil disobedience
Bruce Lee5'7"Being one of the most influential martial artists of all time and creating Jeet Kune Do
Winston Churchill5'7"Becoming the greatest wartime leader of the 20th century AND winning the Nobel Prize for Literature
Napoleon Boneparte5'6"Winning hundreds of battles to seize control over most of Europe in less than 10 years
Urijah Faber5'6"Becoming one of the best pound-for-pound mixed martial arts fighters in the world
Mahatma Gandhi5'4"Igniting freedom across the world by leading India's Independence Movement using nonviolent civil disobedience
Josh Hutcherson5'7"Co-starring in one of the highest grossing film franchises of all time, The Hunger Games
James Madison5'4"Serving as the fourth President of the United States and helping draft the Constitution and Bill of Rights
Rivers Cuomo5'6"Founding Weezer, an American rock band that sold over 17 million albums worldwide
Prince5'2"Winning 7 Grammy Awards, selling over 100 million albums and being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Andrew Carnegie5'2"Going from poor immigrant to wealthy businessman by leading the growth of the American steel industry, then giving away almost all of his money
Robin Williams5'7"Entertaining the world through his work in such films as Good Will Hunting, Dead Poets Society, Aladdin and Mrs. Doubtfire
Bob Marley5'8"Selling over 75 million albums while popularizing reggae music and Rastafarianism worldwide
Robert Downey, Jr.5'8"Playing Tony Stark in the blockbuster film series Iron Man and overcoming addiction
Martin Short5'7"Winning numerous awards for his role in plays and films like Three Amigos, Father of the Bride and SNL
Paul Simon5'3"Winning 12 Grammy Awards as a solo singer-songwriter and one half of Simon & Garfunkel
Yuri Gagarin5'2"Being the first human to enter into outer space
Charlie Chaplin5'5"Becoming one of the most famous people in the world during the silent film era by writing, directing, producing, scoring and starring in his own films
Frodo Baggins3'6"Returning the "One Ring" to Mount Doom
Bono5'7"Being the front man of rock band U2 and one of the most influential philanthropists in the world
Ulysses S. Grant5'8"Leading the Union Army to victory as Commanding General during the Civil War and serving as the 18th President of the United States
Tom Cruise5'7"Becoming one of the most famous actors in Hollywood and one of the most powerful celebrities in the world
Pablo Picasso5'4"Co-founding one of the most influential art movements of the 20th century, Cubism
Thom Yorke5'6"Writing and performing for the award-winning, best-selling alternative rock band Radiohead
Peter Dinklage4'5"Winning an Emmy and Golden Globe Award for his role as Tyrion Lannister in HBO's hit series Game of Thrones
Al Pacino

5'7"Playing the two most famous Hollywood mobsters, Michael Corleone in The Godfather and Tony Montana in Scarface
Michael J. Fox5'4"Starring in the Back to the Future trilogy, helping find a cure for Parkinson's Disease
Roger Daltrey5'7"Singing for The Who, one of the greatest rock bands of all time
Voltaire5'3"Writing thousands of poems, plays, books and letters as one of the most influential thinkers of the Age of Enlightenment
Tyrone "Muggsy" Bogues5'3"Being the shortest man to ever play professional basketball in the NBA
Ben Stiller5'8"Writing, starring in, directing and/or producing more than 50 films that have grossed billions of dollars worldwide
Woody Allen5'5"Becoming one of the most influential and successful actors, writers, comedians and directors of all time, and being nominated for 24 Academy Awards
Harry Houdini5'4"Becoming the most famous escape artist of all time
Daniel Radcliffe5'5"Starring in the Harry Potter series, the highest grossing film franchise of all time
Humphrey Bogart5'8"Appearing in over 75 films, including Casablanca and going down in history as one of the greatest American movie stars of all time
Dustin Hoffman5'6"Winning two Academy Awards and 13 Golden Globe Awards for movies like The Graduate, Rain Man and Hook
Bruno Mars5'6"Rising to fame incredibly quickly to become one of the best-selling musical performers of all time and a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter
Jack Black5'6"Starring in Hollywood hits like King Kong, Tropic Thunder and Kung Fu Panda, and co-founding the comedic rock band Tenacious D
Spud Webb5'7"Winning the NBA Slam Dunk Contest as one of the shortest players in the league
Kevin Hart5'4"Being an award-winning actor, comedian, writer and producer
Ludwig van Beethoven5'3"Earning the status of one of the most famous and influential musical composers of all time
CeeLo Green5'6"Composing hit songs like "Forget You" and "Crazy", and appearing on NBC's reality show The Voice
Aziz Ansari5'6"Starring in NBC's Parks and Recreation
Danny DeVito5'0"Co-starring in Taxi, Batman Returns and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and co-producing movies such as Pulp Fiction and Garden State
Jason Schwartzman 5'6"Acting in movies like Rushmore and The Grand Budapest Hotel, and playing drums in the rock band Phantom Planet
Mark Wahlberg5'8"Becoming the rapper Marky Mark, a Calvin Klein underwear model, and an award-winning actor and producer
John Stewart5'6"Hosting satirical news program The Daily Show and winning 19 Emmy Awards
Elton John5'7"Selling over 300 million records and co-writing more than 50 Top 40 hits over a 50 year musical career
James "Logan" Howlett5'3"Defeating his archnemesis Sabertooth and holding his own against the Hulk in some of the most epic battles the Marvel Universe has ever seen
Jason Bryant Acuña4'1"Playing "Wee Man" in the MTV reality franchise Jackass and skateboarding professionally
Apolo Ohno5'8"Winning eight medals in the Winter Olympics
Mario Andretti5'7"Being the only racing driver to win the Indianapolis 500, Daytona 500 and Formula One World Championship (plus over 100 other major wins)
Yogi Berra5'7"Becoming one of the best MLB catchers of all time and being named MVP three times
Henry Winkler5'6"Playing "The Fonz" on the classic American sitcom Happy Days
Beck5'7"Winning five Grammy Awards as one of the most influential and diverse multi-instrumentalists and composers of our time
Jason Alexander5'4"Playing George Costanza on one of the greatest TV series of all time, Seinfeld
Martin Scorsese5'3"Directing some of the most iconic films of all time, including Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas and Gangs of New York
Manny Pacquiao5'7"Being the first and only boxer to win titles in eight different weight classes and being elected to the Philippine House of Representatives
Genghis Khan5'1"Using political and military tactics to unite disparate nomadic tribes of Northeast Asia to form the Mongol Empire
Flea5'6"Being the bassist and co-founder of the legendary rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers
T.E. Lawrence5'5"Serving as a liaison officer for the British Army in Egypt during WWI, writing The Seven Pillars of Wisdom and becoming the subject of the film Lawrence of Arabia
Sean McColl5'7"Earning multiple professional climbing medals and winning American Ninja Warrior
Truman Capote5'4"Writing iconic literary classics like Breakfast at Tiffany's and In Cold Blood
Jonah Hill5'7"Writing for and acting in critically-acclaimed films like Moneyball, The Wolf of Wall Street, Superbad and Knocked Up
Lionel Messi 5'7"Garnering the reputation of one of the best soccer players of all time by the age of 27
Mel Brooks5'4"Creating ultra popular comic parodies like Spaceballs and Robin Hood: Men in Tights, and being an EGOT winner
Salvador Dali5'7"Becoming one of the most prominent surrealist artists in the world through such works as The Persistence of Memory and The Elephants
Bob Dylan5'6"Winning 11 Grammy Awards as one of the most influential, successful and enduring singer-songwriters of all time
William Faulkner5'6"Winning two Pulitzer Prizes and the Nobel Prize for Literature
Alfred Hitchcock5'6"Earning the nickname of "The Master of Suspense" and being regarded as the greatest British filmmaker of all time
Spike Lee5'5"Producing and directing over 35 award-winning films, and examining racial relations and urban life in an honest, often controversial way
John Leguizamo5'8"Winning multiple awards for producing and acting in a wide variety of movies, plays and TV shows
Mike Myers5'7"Starring in comedies like SNL, Shrek, Austin Powers and Wayne's World (which was based on the character he created)
Aristotle5'5"Remaining one of the most influential thinkers of all time, thousands of years after his death
Steven Spielberg5'7"Directing and producing some of the most popular and amazing movies ever made, such as E.T., Jaws, Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones and Saving Private Ryan
F. Scott Fitzgerald5'7"Writing The Great Gatsby, which became one of the most popular books ever written after his death
J. R. R. Tolkien5'5"Writing The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings
Ralph Lauren5'6"Founding one of the most successful American clothing brands to date
Henri Toulouse-Lautrec4'11"Making a name for himself as the best-known painter of the Post-Impressionist period
Kanye West5'8"Winning 21 Grammy Awards, selling over 100 million albums and helping create the "alternative rap" genre
Bob Costas5'7"Hosting nine (and counting) Olympic games for NBC Sports, among countless other televised sporting events
Daymond John5'7"Founding the clothing company FUBU and appearing as an investor on ABC's Shark Tank
Sean Sherk5'6"Holding a 36-4 mixed martial arts record, including a win against Nick Diaz, while fighting in both the UFC and PRIDE
Danny Padilla5'2"Earning the nickname "The Giant Killer" after repeatedly beating much taller men in international bodybuilding competitions
Alexander the Great5'6"Creating the largest political empire in the ancient world through military conquest and spreading Greek culture across the East
Franco Columbu5'5"Achieving champion level status in professional bodybuilding, Olympic powerlifting and amateur boxing
Jet Li5'6"Becoming a national Wushu champion, action movie star and fight choreographer in China and America
Darren Sproles5'6"Setting records in college and professional sports as one of the shortest and most talented athletes in the NFL
Simon Cowell5'8"Serving as the first judge on American Idol before creating the show The X Factor and signing numerous major musical acts to his own record label
Seth Green5'4"Starring in movies like Austin Powers, creating the show Robot Chicken and being the voice of Chris Griffin on Family Guy
Marc Anthony5'7"Winning two Grammy Awards and five Latin Grammy Awards, and acting in major Hollywood productions like Man on Fire
David Sedaris5'5"Writing multiple New York Times bestsellers like Naked and Me Talk Pretty One Day that have sold over 10 million copies worldwide
Carlos Slim5'8"Becoming the wealthiest person in the world (the "Warren Buffett of Mexico") by building an investment and telecom empire
Jesse Eisenberg5'7"Playing Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg (who is 5'9") in the movie The Social Network
Gael Garcia Bernal5'6"Becoming an award-winning actor and director in both Mexico and the United States
Sergey Brin5'8"Co-inventing one of the world's most popular and profitable companies - Google
Giorgio Armani5'8"Founding the brand Armani and becoming one of the most successful fashion designers of all time
George Lucas5'7"Creating Star Wars and Indiana Jones
Isaac Newton5'6"Laying the groundwork for classical mechanics

Pretty impressive list, eh? And that’s just a small sample (pun intended) of short men who have helped shape the world and touch our lives.

If this post made you smile, you should share it with another man of modest height.

Who would you add to this list? Leave a comment below!

Inspiration celebrities, Famous Short Men

Related Posts

grant ft
3 Shortest U.S. Presidents | Truth About Presidential Height
Best Sports for Short Men
The Best Sports for Short Men (Based on Data)
Billy Joe Armstrong height
32 Short Musicians Who Rocked the World
Tom Cruise famous short actors
Famous Short Men, Part 1: Actors and Movie Stars

About Brock McGoff

The Modest Man founder, Brock is an aspiring minimalist who enjoys working out, spending time with his family, discovering new brands and creating great content.

Background: Brock McGoff has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a professional background in digital marketing. He believes that men's fashion is just one facet of self-improvement, and he started The Modest Man to help regular guys feel more confident by improving their appearance.

An east coast native, Brock currently lives in Arizona with his wife and daughter. When he's not working, he spends time with family, training BJJ, reading/listening to books and podcasts, and unsuccessfully trying to decide which movie to stream.

Expertise: Brock has built a men's lifestyle YouTube channel with over 400k subscribers. He's also worked as the creative marketing manager in a men's apparel startup. Brock has been quoted in, mentioned by or featured in publications like Esquire, Huff Post, Men's Health, WWD and Forbes.

More Articles by This Author

Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube LinkedIn

Join the Club

Never miss a post, plus grab this free guide (instant download). No spam. Ever.

Subscribe Now

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Ask Me Anything Cancel reply

    Got questions? Want to share your opinion? Comment below!

  1. Shreyan Aditya Dash says

    January 21, 2023 at 9:05 am

    Sachin Tendulkar 5’5

    Reply
  2. Jacob 5' 6.5" (don't forget the half) says

    January 19, 2023 at 3:12 pm

    Eddie Vedder 5’7″
    Jimmy Buffett 5’7″
    Jeff Bezos 5’7″(even though I and probably the rest of the world hate him -as one of our tech over-lords)
    Mark Zukerberg 5’7″(see Jeff Bezos above)
    Al Roker 5’7″
    Willie Nelson 5’6″
    Steve Goodman 5’2″ (songwriter -wrote City of New Orleans & Go Cubs Go)

    This is just off the top of my head -with confirmation via Google. This list is probably only 1/2 complete actually. Once complete, it should really should published -as a sort of public-service-announcement. It would totally go on my coffee table at home (front and center).

    Reply
  3. Jacob 5' 6.5" (don't forget the half) says

    January 19, 2023 at 3:09 pm

    Barry Sanders 5’8″ (best running back in NFL history -FYI, Walter Payton is a close second)

    Reply
  4. Jacob 5' 6.5" (don't forget the half) says

    January 19, 2023 at 2:46 pm

    Eddie Vedder 5’7″
    Jimmy Buffett 5’7″
    Jeff Bezos 5’7″(even though I and probably the rest of the world despise him -as one of our tech over-lords)
    Mark Zukerberg 5’7″(see Jeff Bezos above)
    Al Roker 5’7″
    Willie Nelson 5’6″
    Steve Good 5’2″ (songwriter -wrote City of New Orleans & Go Cubs Go)

    This is just off the top of my head -with confirmation via Google. This list is probably only 1/2 complete actually. Once complete, it should really should published -as a sort of public-service-announcement. It would totally go on my coffee table at home (front and center).

    Reply
  5. Whoopster says

    December 16, 2022 at 11:04 am

    Sometimes being of small physical size is a distinct advantage. I’m sure he was otherwise qualified, but Yuri Gagarin’s “littleness” probably is why he was chosen to sit in that tiny early space capsule.

    Reply
  6. Satyam says

    October 8, 2022 at 11:43 am

    Bro.. If you think you’re short… Then, what about me, I’m 5’7″

    Reply
  7. Andy says

    September 30, 2022 at 3:08 pm

    Mozart was 5’4”! can’t believe he didn’t make the list.

    Reply
  8. Robert says

    August 17, 2022 at 9:59 am

    Ringo Starr is 5’ 6”
    Ronnie James Dio was 5’ 4”
    Billy Joel is 5’ 5”
    Phil Collins is 5’ 5”
    Angus Young (AC/DC) is 5’ 2”
    Keith Emerson was 5’ 4”

    Short guys rock!

    Reply
  9. SANDEEP GUPTA says

    June 19, 2022 at 2:35 am

    I’m 5’6″ & think that Males With Same Heights 5’5″ To 5’8″ Rule The World In Their Respective Fields & Their Taller Opponents Follow Them !

    Reply
  10. Donna E. says

    May 14, 2022 at 11:10 am

    Here is an advantage to being short! Shorter, smaller bodies, have lower death rates and fewer diet related chronic diseases, especially past middle age. Shorter people also appear to have a longer average life span. – Google it!

    Reply
  11. Shoe says

    March 30, 2022 at 7:29 am

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, standing up to Russia, is 5’5″.

    Reply
    • Ryan Hallstrom says

      April 19, 2022 at 9:18 pm

      Great addition “Shoe!” In fact, we recently published an article about him! https://www.themodestman.com/volodymyr-zelensky-height/

      Reply
  12. Wii says

    February 15, 2022 at 9:14 am

    Deng Xiaoping

    Reply
  13. Caleb says

    October 19, 2021 at 6:54 pm

    Where’s Joe Bartolozzi?

    Reply
  14. AL says

    October 15, 2021 at 1:42 pm

    Andy summers of The Police is only 5′ 5″

    Reply
    • Mirri says

      October 15, 2021 at 1:47 pm

      Andy Summers is a multi-instrumentalist from Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire, England and he is best known as the guitarist for “The Police”. It is said that he is between 5’4″ and 5’5″ tall. Wiki User

      Reply
    • Robert says

      August 17, 2022 at 10:02 am

      Plus he was ten years older than Sting and Stewart Copeland

      Reply
  15. MM says

    September 17, 2021 at 3:19 pm

    Economists Milton Friedman – 5’0”
    Paul Krugman – 5’7” Nobel laureate

    Reply
  16. Peter Lorimer says

    September 5, 2021 at 6:51 pm

    James Cagney (actor)
    Dudley Moore (actor, musician, comedian)
    Allen Joyce (Head of Qantas Airline)

    Reply
  17. Dan T Rode says

    April 17, 2021 at 1:22 am

    Stallone has to be around 5.6

    Reply
    • Daniel says

      February 8, 2022 at 5:14 pm

      5’10” i thought he was short as well but no

      Reply
  18. Marcus says

    April 4, 2021 at 7:34 am

    Hailee Selassie

    Reply
  19. Chetanna says

    February 18, 2021 at 5:35 pm

    Articles like this uplift me so much.I’ll be 18 this year and i’m 4’10.8” tall.Its obvious this is the end of the road for me in height gain.It hurt me so much then my mates were all growing except me.I’ve not increased in height eversince i was 11yrs old coupled with the fact that i attended an all-girls secondary school.Trust me,girls are just perfect when it comes to bodyshaming,like they are so good at it.I want to be a great person,I’ve battled with so much insults,teasing,disrespect and disregard even from the Juniors all because of my height,teachers arent left out.This article has proved that anyone can be great,renowned.It’s just the society that turns thing upside down,or so it seems.
    Thanks so much
    from Nigeria

    Reply
    • Art says

      November 2, 2021 at 1:53 am

      Inspired by your comment. Keep growing that strength and do good things!

      Reply
  20. James Richard says

    December 29, 2020 at 2:05 am

    Napoleon Bonaparte wasn’t 5.6 ft he was 5.8 ft, get you facts right

    Reply
  21. thomas t samaras says

    November 3, 2020 at 3:29 pm

    I’ve researched the advantages and disadvantages of shorter height for about 40 years. Besides being great achievers throughout history, shorter individuals have a number of inherent advantages. These include living longer, faster reaction times, greater endurance, greater agility, and stronger on a pound for pound basis (e.g.; easier to lift your own weight). Some of the greatest Olympic weightlifters were Suleymanoglu (4’10) and Vardanyan (5’7).

    Another important factor is that shorter, lighter people require less food, water and other resources. They also produce less pollution with the same life style. In other words, a world population of 8 billion shorter, lighter people can improve the chances of humanity’s future survival.

    Many scientific papers have been published on the physical and longevity advantages of shorter, smaller body size. See my website for some references.

    Reply
  22. TJ says

    September 18, 2020 at 10:43 pm

    I’m 5’2 married twice, two kids, happy and positive all my life and I’ve never given a damn about my height. If anything it helps weed out the women who have issues with height which I have no time for anyway. Their loss, not mine.

    Reply
    • Frank Skoda-Simmons says

      June 23, 2022 at 5:32 am

      Absolutely great comment.

      Reply
  23. Amargao says

    September 13, 2020 at 4:42 am

    Hello, I’m 19 years old, My height is very short, 1 meter with 50 centimeter. I lose my confidence.
    Pls help. I stopped attending school.

    Reply
    • Godwin says

      September 14, 2020 at 1:09 am

      Amargo
      Don’t feel bad the society that we are living measure males not in height of their physique but depth of their wisdom and humanity.
      Just focus on how to treat people good and like urself you will see how attractive you will be.
      Im 5.6 but when I walk in the crowd I see myself 6.2.Because I understood what people likes out of individual

      Reply
    • Mary Kennedy says

      February 2, 2022 at 12:41 am

      Some of the historical GIANTS were not even 5 foot five. Height is not
      the measure of greatness. Anyone who thinks tall men are smarter, etc.
      is a moron.
      Beethoven, Napoleon and others.

      Reply
    • Mary Kennedy says

      February 2, 2022 at 1:00 am

      Never quit school. Being fabulous has nothing to do with how tall
      one is but rather with what lives in your talents. Some of the most
      famous changers of history were not tall. Look it up. Napoleon, who
      conquered the existing European world, for example wS 5’4″. Being
      dumb or uneducated is really the biggest waste of
      a person. Get a master’s degree or a Ph.D. Write a book or a symphony.
      Paint a picture. Do something that you love. Learn martial arts.
      That’s where the real test is. Beethoven, the real giant of classical music,
      was 5’4″. Don’t let dummies bully you.

      Reply
  24. Adam says

    August 19, 2020 at 1:49 pm

    One thing all of these guys have in common is that to them their height wasn’t even a consideration or issue. One bit of advice for any other short guys out there is to work on your posture. It takes time but good posture will make you an inch or so taller

    Reply
  25. Damilare says

    July 19, 2020 at 3:52 pm

    This page really made me feel better about myself. Thank you. I’m 167cm(5ft 5.7in)

    Reply
  26. Alexander Hendrickson says

    February 9, 2020 at 12:17 pm

    Is Daniel Radcliffe still 5′ 5″, or was that just when he was younger starring in the original movies? Either way, still one devilishly handsome guy!

    Reply
  27. Nathan says

    January 6, 2020 at 10:50 am

    I’m 5’3 🙂

    Reply
    • Haribabu says

      September 10, 2022 at 2:25 am

      Cricket legends don bradman nd sachin tendulkar

      Reply
  28. infonomics says

    November 28, 2019 at 10:39 am

    Immanuel Kant, the great Prussian German philosopher, Critique of Pure Reason, 5′ 2″.

    Reply
  29. Ball Seater says

    October 16, 2019 at 3:25 pm

    is there a reason for including fictional characters on this list? Frodo Bagins?

    Reply
    • Brock says

      October 17, 2019 at 8:40 am

      Yes, because they achieved monumental accomplishments and reached great heights, despite their smaller stature.

      Reply
  30. Jimmy says

    May 30, 2019 at 2:58 am

    So glad you are continuing with your posts, you are awesome. Nice to visit again!

    Reply
  31. J.R. says

    May 24, 2019 at 5:56 pm

    Great list. I already knew of some of them, but not others. Yes, size has nothing to do with intelligence or success.

    Reply
  32. Jeremy says

    April 26, 2019 at 2:16 pm

    I’d add Gen. Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller, he was 5’7″.

    Reply
  33. Ryan Woodward says

    February 11, 2019 at 11:38 pm

    Robert Reich is 4’11”. He is a famous economist and former economic advisor to Bill Reich.

    Reply
    • Swarup Mondal says

      March 8, 2019 at 2:56 pm

      No, not Genghis Khan! I needed a positive role model, I don’t want to become Genghis Khan, lol.

      Reply
    • Mary Kennedy says

      February 2, 2022 at 12:43 am

      He is also a genius.

      Reply
  34. TH says

    January 19, 2019 at 1:37 am

    ADD: Mark Hamill (5’ 7”) Luke Skywalker

    ADD: Matt Bellamy (5’ 7”) Lead Singer of The Muse [His fiancé is 5’ 10”]

    It’s not the size of your stature that matters, it’s the size of your heart.

    I can’t tell you how many times I have felt depressed, valueless, and even ignored because I thought because my body wasn’t “long” enough according to some people’s standards.

    If someone doesn’t respect you simply because of your height they aren’t worth wasting your valuable time.

    Reply
  35. Steve Hallford says

    January 5, 2019 at 12:33 pm

    …oh, and a nod to Barney Rubble.

    Reply
  36. Steve Hallford says

    January 5, 2019 at 12:31 pm

    Curley, Moe & Larry:
    Persona 5’4” stooges.
    Reality: 5’4” towering successes

    Reply
  37. Steve Hallford says

    January 5, 2019 at 9:39 am

    William Wilberforce; one of the greatest abolistionists, politicians, world leaders and dedicated follower of Christ was 5’ 3”. He was a GIANT man in troubled times; always strong in his convictions and steadfast in manner. At the bottom of this line is a big, big, man.

    Reply
  38. Joy says

    December 23, 2018 at 7:24 pm

    My grandson J.C. is the most wonderful, talented, precious, shorter than most person I know!

    Reply
  39. ANDREW says

    September 7, 2018 at 7:02 pm

    Couple of thoughts…. Diego Maradona whom many consider to be the greatest soccer player of all time was 5′,5″. Also, if you substitute ‘long’ for ‘tall’ (a more suitable antonym for short, think long piece of string vs short piece of string, never tall string), then describe those over 6′ as ‘long’ people, it really doesn’t sound so good. Always do it and it makes people adjust their opinions.

    Reply
  40. John says

    August 18, 2018 at 3:22 pm

    Who’s taller laying down?

    Reply
  41. JUDE says

    May 6, 2018 at 8:23 pm

    My father, a Wiseman, told this Maxim to his Sons and Grandsons:
    “IT IS NOT HOW TALL YOU ARE BUT HOW HIGH YOU HOLD YOUR HEAD”

    Reply
  42. Martin says

    April 20, 2018 at 2:49 pm

    Funny to see two famous fashion designers in the list of short men, as they allegedly hate their own kind. I can’t comment about Giorgio Armani but Ralph Lauren is definitely not a brand for short men. I remember trying one of their “small” polo shirts untucked. It covered almost all of my butt while it looked a lot better on my friend who is an athletic 6´2.

    Reply
  43. Kevin Gary says

    April 20, 2018 at 2:49 am

    Great article! Many of these people have been idols in my life and it was fun to hear they’re my height or shorter. Uplifting for the rest of the year.

    Reply
  44. Diego Sita de Pieri says

    April 3, 2018 at 7:49 am

    I know this doesn’t seem relevant, but you’ve only stated one of Isaac Newtons shortest (no pun intended) contributions to humankind. He actually invented calculus, which is the core of all modern physics, mathematics, engineering and other sciences, without which we would still be living in the medieval age (in terms of scientific advances and technology). Now that should give him a reason to be appraised for.
    Nice article, btw. I’m a short guy (5’5″ or 1.70m) and I stuglle with this every single day. I might as well read this on a daily basis in order to keep reminding myself I can be in fact a happy even though I’m a a bit taller than a hobbit.
    Peace, man.

    Reply
    • Mary Kennedy says

      February 2, 2022 at 1:21 am

      And is also a genius.

      Your value as a human being is not how tall you are. Our last
      chief executive is almost 6 feet in height and about -200 in
      intellect.
      Who cares what his height is or his shoe size or his collar size.
      His brain size is similar to a rodent’s.

      Reply
  45. Paulee says

    March 25, 2018 at 6:21 pm

    Cheers matey, Im an actor and was looking to find famous people I could portray. Fascinating! I’m 5’5″ and don’t believe in all that classical view of beauty and ugliness. Still get insecure and annoyed with myself though, haha. Best of fortunes

    Reply
  46. Ralph says

    March 14, 2018 at 7:31 pm

    Homer Simpson?

    Reply
  47. Nemo says

    February 16, 2018 at 3:47 am

    Oh and you forgot Mayweather Jr. He’s 5’8. But probably even 5’7 cuz he wears men’s shoes with high-heel all the the time.
    Another shorty that NEED to be on this list is the all famous Demetrious Johnson (5’3 – 160 cm)

    Reply
  48. Nemo says

    February 16, 2018 at 3:43 am

    I’m 5’7 170cm in height. I’m from Asia, in my country, it’s the average height, but in the States. It’s pretty short. I must admit, i feel very insecure about my height, but this article really boost my confidence. So thanks a lot Brock!
    Best wishes to everybody, short or no short 😀

    Reply
  49. Julien says

    January 30, 2018 at 6:08 pm

    This might be controversial but Vladimir Putin ! He is 5’6 and he’s basically the most powerful man in the world right now.

    Reply
  50. Gerald says

    January 18, 2018 at 8:03 pm

    Nice list. I would include Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos. Both are supposedly 5’7″.

    Reply
  51. Anonymous says

    January 10, 2018 at 10:07 pm

    One thing that annoys me is how you seem to judge everyone’s height on what’s normal in Europe/America. For example, Gandhi makes this list even though 5’4″ isn’t that short for an Indian man.

    Reply
  52. Bob says

    November 23, 2017 at 8:00 pm

    I’m 5’6″ and regardless of what short men throughout history have achieved, it is extremely difficult to get any attention from women being this height. Even short women prefer a tall guy. And for the record, I’m 40, not 14.

    Reply
    • Sue says

      August 12, 2018 at 8:15 pm

      Bob, Just wanted to encourage you to not give up hope. I used to be one of the women who preferred taller men. At least 5’10”. And that’s what I would put on dating sites. But I’ve realized that there are a lot of good looking shorter men too. Btw, I’m 5’2″.
      What attracts me is a good looking man. He doesn’t have to be a 10. A man who dresses nice. Good haircut. Smelling good. A guy that smells good drives me nuts. Don’t tell anybody, lol. Way under utilized though. I used to tell my son’s put on just enough that a women has to get closer to smell it. Sense of humor. Personality should be #1 but you only get to know that once you know someone. Anyway… hope this helps. And good luck.

      Reply
  53. Lufingo Mwakilasa says

    November 13, 2017 at 8:13 am

    Hello there,im 5″5 i like the way im and my wife is 5″7 we enjoy each other sometime i laugh to her and joke that she is too tall,and she joke back to me ,you are too short and we are still happy couple.
    You know what there is a lot of qualities that will make you great apart from height…that is where you need to capitalize.Height doesn’t make you good person anybody can be,Height doesn’t make you successful anybody can be,Height doesnot give you ticket to heaven anybody can be.
    If you find wish-list of matured and elite female height is optional not mandatory..so anybody can have virtuous women……Im proud with my height

    Reply
  54. Brian J. Ffrench says

    October 24, 2017 at 7:39 am

    Been through the list twice and didn’t spot the greatest hero of all time: Lord Admiral Horatio Nelson at just 5 feet 4 inches tall or Queen Victoria at barely 5 feet, I’m only 5 feet 3 inch tall and absolutely love being short! Lill’ Brian

    Reply
  55. D2 says

    September 28, 2017 at 10:31 pm

    Jon Stewart, not John Stewart. (no H)

    Reply
  56. Charlie says

    September 20, 2017 at 9:38 pm

    Angus Young 5’2 from AC/DC

    Reply
  57. Armadillo says

    July 4, 2017 at 1:00 am

    What about Patrick Stump (5’5) and Pete Wentz (5’6)

    Reply
  58. Asish says

    June 23, 2017 at 11:35 pm

    Sachin Tendulkar only 5’5″, he is known as GOD of Cricket.

    Reply
    • Piotr says

      April 4, 2018 at 5:11 am

      Let’s not talk about niche sports, Kamil Stoch is one of the greatest ski jumpers ever and is 5’8″, but as I said it does not make sense to mention niche sports as these people won’t be recognized by 99,9% of the world population.

      Reply
      • Joeboxuan says

        July 20, 2022 at 2:27 am

        Polish or what? Any way, you are too self-centered to make the judgement, especially when you mention the word “population”. Tendulkar is a well-known star as least in south Asia, which contains 1.8 billion people, more than all western countries combined.

        Reply
  59. Schar says

    April 22, 2017 at 12:50 am

    What about julius Ceasar, king henry VIII, Robert Redford?

    Reply
  60. LM says

    April 15, 2017 at 2:51 pm

    Most women like the size of your wallet!

    Reply
    • Grace says

      January 5, 2021 at 11:53 pm

      As a woman myself, I don’t care about height or money as long as you are good at what you do.

      Reply
  61. Ian says

    April 7, 2017 at 11:39 am

    Hahahaha did no one notice they listed Frodo??? That’s amazing.

    Reply
  62. TWW says

    April 6, 2017 at 12:03 pm

    We assume these measurements are correct. Bob Costas is 5’7″ and I’m Wilt Chamberlain.

    Reply
  63. Alexander Hamilton says

    February 10, 2017 at 11:49 am

    Hello, The Modest Man. I have read your publication and I am shocked and dismayed by the distinct lack of my name upon your list of the famous short men. I may have been taller than James Madison, but I should think that other men might rather emulate myself than him. Some of these men are hardly imitable or worthy of praise – not despite OR in favor of their height. Some are simply deplorable, and some are simply… existing an underwhelming existence. I surpassed some of these men by the age of 14. I hope and expect that you will revise this immediately. Thank you, good sirs. I was five foot seven inches.

    Reply
  64. Michael says

    December 11, 2016 at 3:15 pm

    Two things.. 1) I wouldn’t consider myself shorter if taller people never mentioned it. 2) We’re all the same height lying down; )

    Reply
  65. Rama says

    November 30, 2016 at 3:27 am

    Plz add name of Swami Vivekananda to the list. He was only 5’8″ tall.

    Reply
  66. Aurum says

    November 4, 2016 at 2:21 pm

    Justin Bieber, No Introduction Please !

    Reply
  67. Shor T says

    October 28, 2016 at 7:20 am

    The Duke of Windsor (170cm) should have been on the top of the list just for style.

    Glad someone put Sammy Davis Jr. up.

    Some modern men who maybe aren`t so famous but have style are Nick Wooster (168cm), Eugene Tong (170cm), Josh Peskowitz, Matthew Marden, Justin Berkowitz….just do a image search on any of them and you`ll see they aren`t terribly tall yet are respected in the fashion world.

    Bruce G. Boyer is another older gent on the short side that every man should look to for dressing well.

    Reply
  68. Pratik says

    October 7, 2016 at 11:02 am

    Where is sachin tendulakar?

    Reply
  69. Tamf says

    October 2, 2016 at 9:21 pm

    Loved the list! I was looking for a inspirational source for boys that are in the shorter side. They get bullied and tease at school for being small which damages their self-confidence. If anybody has other resources please share!

    Reply
  70. Suzanne Reilman says

    September 12, 2016 at 1:07 am

    LOOOOVE the cmmenters’additions of Sammy Davis Jr.,Mickey Rooney,Davy Jones(Monkees),et al..besides the Young Bros. of AC/DC, there are Ringo Starr,Peter Frampton,comedian Kevin Hart, Ken Jeong..prob think of a dozen more in the next 2 minutes..!!!☮❤️⚜

    Reply
    • Suzanne Reilman says

      September 12, 2016 at 1:10 am

      …ALSO,for the record..I am not quite 5’2″..I just ’round up’,as I do with my age(!)..tho this article is speaking only of males…☮❤️⚜

      Reply
    • Suzanne Reilman says

      September 12, 2016 at 1:26 am

      Ummmm..also..Dustin Hoffman& John Mellencamp…

      Reply
  71. Mechanic says

    August 24, 2016 at 3:31 am

    Myself!!!

    Reply
  72. Audrey Lane says

    July 12, 2016 at 3:57 pm

    I don’t believe I saw Mickey Rooney (5’2″?) and Davy Jones from the Monkees (5’3″) ????

    Reply
  73. Richard Ashendale says

    June 24, 2016 at 11:11 pm

    Seriously though. 5’8″ is not short. Even in the US, while 5’10” is the average, taking away 2 or 3 inches is not really short. Shouldn’t increase the size of your list of famous people by misdefining short.

    Reply
  74. ajmal says

    June 21, 2016 at 7:21 am

    U missed a man from India #god of cricket #Sachin Tendulkar whos height is 5’5

    Reply
  75. peter luck says

    June 19, 2016 at 2:52 pm

    Miles Davis was 5’6

    Reply
  76. Custer says

    June 15, 2016 at 2:56 am

    Short people has a high perspective in Life

    Reply
  77. jay says

    June 7, 2016 at 9:19 pm

    Dappy, the rapper (Costadinos Contostavlos) is 5’2, like me

    Reply
  78. Mike Le Boat says

    May 31, 2016 at 11:05 am

    Mario Andretti was a fine driver, but not the only one to win the F1 World Championship and Indy 500. Scotsman Jim Clark (twice F1 champion) did it in 1965 and England’s Graham Hill (also twice F1 Champion) did it in 1966. And Le Mans and Monaco Grand Prix, too – a unique achievement! so far!

    Reply
  79. Nancy says

    May 24, 2016 at 7:18 am

    William Holden was short and had a problem with leading ladies taller then himself.

    Reply
    • John Streby says

      August 24, 2020 at 10:57 pm

      Holden was, as near as I can tell from seeing movies where he would face other actors, somewhere between 5’10 and 5’11” tall. I think you are confusing him with Bogart, or possibly Alan Ladd. He wasn’t truly tall but he certainly wasn’t short. He was well above co-stars Bogart, Jack Webb, and stood even with Fredric March, who was about 5’l0″.

      Reply
  80. David Feldheim says

    May 4, 2016 at 6:54 pm

    Randy Schekman Nobel Prize in Medice 2013 5′ 6″

    Reply
  81. Michael A Ratcliff says

    April 21, 2016 at 1:25 pm

    Did you have Sammy Davis Jr? Fantastic entertainer! 5’3″ or so. Thanks for the list. (I’m 5’3″)

    Reply
  82. Tim says

    April 15, 2016 at 2:43 am

    I’m 5’7″ and have noticed there are more very old men my size than 6’+. I guess shorter men live longer. Unless of course you’re mauled by a bear. Right Leo?

    Reply
    • Iain says

      April 16, 2016 at 9:12 am

      If I was a bear. I’d pick a fight with the taller man. Looks like more of a threat. For example Leonardo DiCaprio is 6 ft tall and look what happened to him! 🙂

      Reply
  83. Mohsen says

    March 29, 2016 at 5:24 pm

    I,m Mohsen from iran.I 5′.3”& 53 years old.I,m food technologist ,play drums & do martial art.I worried about my tall all of times, but now your web site change my mind.thanks a lot BROCK,

    Reply
  84. Lorrie Graves says

    March 28, 2016 at 2:08 pm

    It seems that in employment and within organizations height matters, though if course not relevant to performance. Promotions in the best tradition of the “Peter Principle” seem to favor taller men. Did you forget Richard Reich, former secretary of labor under Clinton, he is 4 ft, 11 in.

    Reply
    • MM says

      September 17, 2021 at 3:07 pm

      Robert Reich.

      Reply
  85. Iain says

    February 27, 2016 at 10:13 am

    Most of these guys I consider average. I’m only 5’4″. I agree with those stating historical heights were generally shorter statures. You’ve got to realize the advantages. Consider airplane seats, bed sizes, not caring about 9′ ceilings, some people’s basements and low door sills. Life is what you make it. Roll up your sleeves a bit and Enjoy. Great website

    Reply
  86. shortmog says

    February 10, 2016 at 5:00 pm

    Mac The Doulos 5″5

    Reply
  87. Wanwo says

    February 7, 2016 at 9:14 pm

    Stevie Ray Vaughn was 5’5″

    Reply
  88. Ishtiaque ahmed says

    February 2, 2016 at 2:01 am

    Shahrukh khan 5’8″ sachin tendulkar 5’5″ Dr.Apj kalam 5’5″

    Reply
  89. Hynt says

    January 20, 2016 at 2:42 pm

    How about Lionel Mess?

    Reply
  90. Michael says

    January 17, 2016 at 12:02 pm

    Einstein 67.5 inches or 171.5m (as stated in his swiss log book of 1901)

    Reply
  91. 5'4" Male says

    December 30, 2015 at 5:40 pm

    (Various Music)
    Skrillex: 5’4″
    Patrick Stump (of Fall Out Boy): 5’5″
    Lil Wayne: 5’6″
    Pitbull: 5’7″

    (The Big Bang Theory)
    Simon Helberg/Howard Wolowitz: 5’4″
    Johnny Galecki/Leonard Hofstadter: 5’5″
    Kunal Nayyar/Raj Koothrappali: 5’7″

    Those are ones I know off the top of my head.

    Reply
  92. Danielle says

    December 19, 2015 at 9:09 am

    Love it, have no hiccups about my height but I love knowing a person’s physical has bearing on what he can accomplish.

    I personally don’t care what people think.

    Reply
  93. Siddarth says

    December 8, 2015 at 9:31 pm

    Thank you Brock..

    Love from India

    Reply
  94. Elizabeth says

    November 29, 2015 at 11:37 pm

    Angus Young is 5’2″ and his brother Malcom Young is 5’3″!

    Reply
    • Brock says

      November 29, 2015 at 11:38 pm

      Nice additions!

      Reply
  95. Chris says

    November 22, 2015 at 2:08 am

    Isn’t Rick Moranis 5 ft 1? I didn’t see him on the list.

    Reply
    • Brock says

      November 22, 2015 at 1:33 pm

      Nice addition!

      Reply
  96. doni says

    November 9, 2015 at 2:44 am

    They forgot to mention the actor James Dean, icon of rebellious youth of his day became a movie myth.

    Reply
    • Matthew says

      August 3, 2020 at 10:20 am

      Thanks my son is growing slow and at 8th grade is too small to keep up with kids 100lbs larger. I’m gonna show him this to help him see how great his potential is.

      Reply
  97. Brian Rice says

    November 7, 2015 at 9:59 am

    I am far from vertically challenged at 6’4″. But I’ve always said the measure of a person should never be from there feet to the top of there head, but there heart and mind and how they use them to change the world.

    Reply
    • shahid says

      November 25, 2016 at 12:07 pm

      Indeed, By the way Its really amazing to see , such a great conquerors short in height , I am 5.6″ in height .

      Reply
    • Angels says

      March 14, 2020 at 7:29 pm

      Well put!

      Reply
  98. Milverton says

    September 5, 2015 at 7:59 am

    Nice list… Dont forget Bernie Ecclestone, CEO of Formula One. He is 5’3.

    Reply
  99. Lemou Kalista says

    August 29, 2015 at 3:26 pm

    5’8″ is not considered small. The men’s average height in the US is only 5’9″. A mere inch and you think that’s small. It’s even higher than the women’s. What are you guys complaining about? There are three definitions of small and 5’8″ is the HIGHEST of them. It means 5″ higher than the medical definition of small!

    Reply
  100. Jim Amrine says

    August 25, 2015 at 9:39 pm

    How about Admiral Hyman Rickover, father of the nuclear Navy? Also, Mickey Rooney and Admiral Nimitz? I have a grandson who will be barely 5 ft. I will share this site with him when he is older.I am 5′ 7″ and always appreciate my height in caves; feel sorry for the tall dudes hitting their heads on the rocky ceilings!

    Reply
  101. Jim legott says

    August 16, 2015 at 6:26 pm

    I’m 5’1 and love being short-can’t wait to shrink as I get older

    Reply
    • CAMERON CARTER says

      March 21, 2019 at 6:34 pm

      100%me (my height my mindset)

      Reply
  102. Josh says

    August 13, 2015 at 11:24 pm

    Audie Murphy who earned every military metal available during WW2 for holding a German assault of almost singlehandedly was 5’5″.

    Reply
  103. christachogan says

    June 16, 2015 at 3:06 pm

    Thanks for posting this! My oldest son is one of the shortest in his class. Although he’s smart, athletic and well liked, his height really bothers him. I hope this list helps him see that his height doesn’t mean he can’t still be successful and a leader.

    Reply
    • Brock says

      June 16, 2015 at 9:40 pm

      I feel for him… hopefully this helps. Feel free to put him in touch if he ever wants to chat!

      -Brock

      Reply
      • Rehan says

        December 3, 2016 at 6:11 pm

        I was very depressed about my height… From last 8 years i tried everything to increase my height but failed by the way i am 5 feet 4 inches. I am shortest among family and relatives. Everyone is tall in my family. My dad is taller than me. My Uncles are a lot taller 6 feet and more. I am the only who is shortest. I used to be very depress but when i found this website it changed my life. I am not sad or depress anymore. Actually i am quite happy from two days because i stopped worrying about my height. And focusing on the things which i can change, I can control. Like My Body shape. My diet, My daily routine. My business etc.

        Reply
        • Thomas T Samaras says

          June 24, 2021 at 11:02 pm

          The Truth About Your Height is a oil devoted to providing facts on many physical advantages are related to shorter height. I have studied this area for 40 years with other researchers and we have published about 60 articles and books in scientific and medical journals.

          Reply
          • Thomas T Samaras says

            June 24, 2021 at 11:05 pm

            Sorry “oil” should say “book”

      • Mike says

        March 30, 2019 at 9:29 pm

        Brock I could use some uplifting myself. I’m 23 and an aspiring wrestler. I hope to not be disqualified due to only being 5’5 or 5’6 in height.

        Reply
  104. Bernardo Silva says

    May 13, 2015 at 11:31 pm

    Fun list. I’ve come to embrace my height (5’7″) and if someone calls me a shorty, I take it as a compliment. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with being short. If anything, I’m hard as hell to trip.

    Reply
  105. andhika says

    May 9, 2015 at 11:28 pm

    Its always awesome when short guy like me have sport or fighting ability..Bonaparte is the best.. 🙂

    Reply
  106. Mike says

    May 7, 2015 at 1:33 pm

    Groucho Marx was 5’7 or 5’8, I believe. I didn’t notice him on the list.

    Reply
  107. Kronos1978 says

    May 7, 2015 at 3:52 am

    Assembling such a list does no good, because by stating that these guys did well in life despite being short reinforces the assumption that shorter guys really ARE at a disadvantage in life, but these guys made it nevertheless.

    Honenstly, on average, taller guys earn more, have more kids and son on. It’s true and data doesn’t lie. BUT SO WHAT? You aren’t average, so who cares. The less it is a problem for yourself, the less it is a problem for others. As alwas, mindset is key…If you consciously ignore the fact that your height is below average, it WILL become a non-issue, not only to yourself, but also to others.

    Nevertheless, dressing well and being in good shape helps yourself and others to become ignorant to the fact that you are short…that’s why I like this site.

    Reply
    • Brock says

      May 7, 2015 at 10:58 am

      The key word yo used is “despite”. I agree that it’s not good to praise a shorter man for succeeding DESPITE his short stature.

      I try to frame it as a list of men who changed the world who happened to be short. They’re successful AND short, not despite being short.

      Subtle, but it makes a difference.

      Thanks for your comment.

      Reply
      • John says

        May 6, 2019 at 12:43 am

        Another take on it. Why not admit you’re at a social disadvantage for being short and take it as a good thing? Sounds crazy you say? Think about it this way, when was the last time there was a David vs. Goliath moment in sports and you rooted for Goliath?

        Reply
  108. Kyle says

    May 7, 2015 at 1:25 am

    Two great athletes to include on your list are thoroughbred horse racing jockey Gary Stevens at 5′ 4″ and distance runner Meb Keflezighi at 5′ 5″. Stevens has more than 5,000 wins in North America including three at the Kentucky Derby and lifetime earnings of nearly $240 million. Keflezighi is an Olympic silver medalist and the 2014 Boston Marathon winner (the first American winner since 1981). Both men, at ages 52 and 40, respectively, are still at the top of their sport. Age and height are just numbers.

    Reply
  109. Bruce says

    May 6, 2015 at 7:24 pm

    This list is testament to the fact that greatness and stature are unrelated. In fact, shorter guys may try harder and succeed more often as a result.

    Reply
  110. Alan Coogan says

    May 6, 2015 at 4:29 pm

    Certainly, it is always good to list the short men who have been achievers. Here are some points to consider:

    1. If we were somehow able to come up with a list of all remarkable men, for example, by finding the factors that these short men have in common, then casting a wider net over the whole population, would short men be under or over represented?

    2. How many of the short men on this list who have been in the performing arts, for example, in music or on the screen, have manipulated their stage images in order to make it appear they are not short?

    They and their publicists might not tell, but an analysis of their work in contrast to that of men who are if average height or taller might reveal what staging sought to conceal.

    Reply
    • Alan Coogan says

      May 6, 2015 at 11:43 pm

      ps: I’m a short guy myself.

      Reply
  111. Adam says

    May 6, 2015 at 2:41 pm

    Being a short man myself (5 foot 7 1/2 when I was in my 20s-30s-40s, but shrunk to 5 foot 5 due to age), I appreciated your list. Two points to consider: Men have been increasing in height throughout the 20th century (better nutrition?), so men such as Aristotle, Alexander the Great, and Isaac Newton, for instance were not short by the standards of their time. Also, before the age of world travel by air, some isolated populations tended toward short stature because of genetics (Genghis Khan?). I know that 5 foot 7 was the average height of U.S. servicemen during World War II which would make Winston Churchill about average in height. You have implied that the average height of men in America is now 5 foot 9, but your modern examples of 5 foot 8 men is really borderline short.

    Still, your list does put the lie to the false belief that you have to be a 6-footer to amount to anything.

    Adam

    Reply
    • Rinojan says

      April 29, 2018 at 8:55 am

      Yes good comment. 5’6” to 5’8” is not short in that time. that is average.

      Reply
  112. Miriam T says

    May 6, 2015 at 1:28 pm

    Kit Harington, 5’8″ starring in Game Of Thrones and famous for knowing nothing.

    Reply
  113. The Kentucky Gent says

    May 6, 2015 at 12:18 pm

    Holy hell, I had no idea Prince was that short. Learn something new every day.

    Josh – The Kentucky Gent
    http://thekentuckygent.com

    Reply
    • wadewainio says

      January 21, 2017 at 10:07 pm

      Not only that, but Charlie Murphy (Eddie Murphy’s brother) famously claimed that Prince is great at basketball. Sure, it was part of a comedy sketch, but it was supposed to be based on a “true Hollywood story.”

      Reply
      • charlesh says

        May 5, 2018 at 6:48 pm

        low center of gravity

        Reply
      • Paul McGuire says

        May 30, 2019 at 8:20 pm

        The most decorated hero of WW II, another Murphy — Audie Murphy.

        Reply
  114. Keith says

    May 6, 2015 at 11:33 am

    Great post! How tall is Ryan Seacrest?

    Reply
    • Emilio SAKR says

      June 8, 2019 at 2:01 pm

      I think Albert einstein is considered short. (5′ 9″)

      Reply
      • Hi says

        May 5, 2020 at 2:48 pm

        No that isnt short actually. That is average height in America and Canada. In some countries they might even have shorter average heights making him actually quite tall in that country.

        Reply
      • Thomas samaras says

        April 10, 2021 at 7:07 pm

        Einstein’s height was 5’7 on his application for US citizenship. This height may be an inch greater due to wearing shoes. A lot of people give their heights with shoes. I also saw a photo of him standing shoulder to shoulder with two other famous scientists who were 5’5 and 5’6. He was almost as tall as the 5’6 guy.

        Reply
  115. Brandan says

    May 6, 2015 at 9:55 am

    Awesome read. Keep the post coming !

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Join the Club

Never miss a post, plus grab this free guide (instant download).

No spam. Ever.

Subscribe Now

Top 5 Favorites for Fall & Winter 2022

  1. Thursday Boots Captain – still the best Goodyear-welted boot under $200 (full review here) 🥾
  2. Matte for Men SPF Lotion – because you should be using moisturizer with SPF
  3. Darn Tough Wool Socks – possibly the best boot socks you can buy 🧦
  4. Hamilton Khaki Mechanical – perfect everyday mechanical watch under $500 (Amazon/Jomashop)
  5. Flint & Tinder Waxed Jacket – great fit, perfect weight for fall 👍🏼

Trending Articles

Men over 40 style

How to Dress Well In Your 40s and 50s (and Beyond)

Fashion brands for short men

Where to Buy Clothes for Short Men (2022 Guide)

Seiko 5 SNK805

31 Great Watches For Small Wrists (Updated for 2023)

Best Business Casual Shoes for Men

Top 8 Best Business Casual Shoes for Men (2023 Guide)

Business casual outfits

The Complete Guide to Business Casual Style for Men

Topics

  • Clothing & Style
  • Outfit Ideas
  • Fitness
  • Product Reviews
  • Dating & Confidence
  • Grooming
  • Men of Modest Height
  • Income Reports

Footer

The Modest Man logo

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Home • Blog • Resources • Contact • Advertise

 

Privacy Policy & Affiliate Disclosure • Terms & Conditions

 

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

Copyright © 2023 The Modest Man (Registered Trademark)