Most people know that Hollywood is full of famous short men. You can’t tell how tall someone is on screen!
There are all sorts of tricks to make people appear taller on camera (like surrounding them by other short people, for example). Here are some of the most successful and influential actors and famous male celebrities under 5’9″ (sort by name or height):
Name | Height |
---|---|
Danny DeVito | 4'10" |
Woody Allen | 5'5" |
Elijah Wood | 5'6" |
Tom Cruise | 5'7" |
Al Pacino | 5'6" |
Mike Myers | 5'8" |
Ben Stiller | 5'7" |
Dustin Hoffman | 5'5" |
Scott Caan | 5'5" |
Tom Hollander | 5'4" |
Martin Freeman | 5'4" |
Johnny Galecki | 5'5" |
Simon Helberg | 5'6" |
Kevin Hart | 5'4" |
Ken Jeong | 5'4" |
Seth Green | 5'4" |
Jackie Earle Haley | 5'5" |
Toby Jones | 5'5" |
Giancarlo Esposito | 5'8" |
Martin Scorsese | 5'3" |
Emilio Estevez | 5'4 1/2" |
Joe Pesci | 5'3" |
Jet Li | 5'6" |
Breckin Meyer | 5'5" |
Emile Hirsch | 5'7" |
Josh Hutcherson | 5'5" |
Giovanni Ribisi | 5'7" |
BD Wong | 5'5" |
Jack Black | 5'6" |
James McAvoy | 5'7" |
Jason Alexander | 5'5" |
Zach Galifianakis | 5'7" |
Jonah Hill | 5'7" |
Dave Franco | 5'7" |
Tim Roth | 5'7" |
Freddy Rodrรญguez | 5'6" |
Jon Stewart | 5'6 1/2" |
Nathan Lane | 5'5" |
Martin Sheen | 5'6" |
David Spade | 5'5" |
Billy Crystal | 5'6" |
Jesse Eisenberg | 5'7" |
Frankie Muniz | 5'4" |
Rob Schneider | 5'3" |
Let’s look at each actor in more detail…
Tom Cruise
5’7″
Love him or hate him, Tom Cruise is one of the most legendary actors of our time. From Rain Man to the epicย Mission: Impossible franchise, there isnโt a genre in which he hasnโt delivered a captivating (even Oscar-worthy) performance.
At a humble 5โ7โ, Tom Cruise is somehow larger than life. I think his success is due in part to the intensity that he brings to the screen. This energy seems to be an inherent part of his character, but you can tell that he works hard, too.
After all, he’s a male actor who does a lot of his own stunts, which is pretty badass. Of course, he occasionally partners with a stunt double.
For example, in the opening scene of Mission: Impossible 2, he had some help from legendary rock climber Ron Kauk, who is only an inch or so taller.
Elijah Wood
5’6″
Short and slender, Wood’s first film debut in Back to the Future Part II, although brief, put him in the spotlight.
Shortly thereafter, he established himself as an emotional, versatile actor through his roles in Radio Flyer, The Good Son, and The War (which, by the way, is an amazing movie that didnโt get nearly enough attention at the box office).
In 2001, when Wood was 20 years old, he catapulted to super-stardom after voice acting the lovable Frodo in the first installment of what would become one of the most epic film trilogies of all time.
Since LOTR, Wood has been in some awesome movies. After all, he has enough money to do whatever he wants, so he doesnโt exactly have to chase the blockbusters anymore. If you want to see the grittier side of Elijah Wood, check out Green Street Hooligans, the brutal tale of soccer gang rivalries in England.
Wood is also a funny dude. If you donโt believe me, check out his new show Wilfred. Fair warning: youโll either love it or hate it.
Woody Allen
5’5″
An award-winning author, comedian, actor, writer, director and musician, Woody Allen is one of the most talented entertainers and creative minds of the century. He stands five feet and five inches tall and weighs less than 150 pounds, so he’s a pretty small guy.
Allen has said a lot of quotable things, but one of my favorite lines of his is:
“Eighty percent of success is showing up.”
It’s so true. Just show up. Make sure you’re on time and looking sharp, and you will get far. But don’t take my word for it. Take Woody’s. After all, he has won four Oscars, two Golden globes and nine BAFTAs.
Al Pacino
5’6″
What comes to mind when you think of Al Pacino? Is it the fact that he’s 5’6″ tall? Or do you picture a pissed-off, blood-covered Tony Montana letting loose with a machine gun? Yeah…me too.
Arguably one of the most famous Italian male actors, Al Pacino, has played some of the most hardcore characters in some of the most dramatic films ever made. The crazy thing is, he actually has a lot in common with these characters that he portrayed so masterfully.
Pacino grew up in a broken family in the bad part of NYC. He was drinking and smoking at a very young age, and he apparently didn’t shy away from a fight. He dropped out of high school at age 17 and worked odd jobs to finance his acting lessons.
So, even as a little kid in the ghetto, he didn’t let his size hold him back. He worked hard and fought (literally) his way to success. Let Al Pacino be an example of how a short man – or any man – can overcome the odds and achieve great things.
Ben Stiller
5’7″
Ben Stiller is a hilarious actor and director. He parents were both established comedians, so it was pretty much inevitable that he was going to be a funny man.
He got his big break with There’s Something About Mary in 1998, and it was all uphill from there.
Stiller is only 5’7″ tall, but he stays in great shape. He’s been side by side with Tom Cruise in a few short spoofs, and he definitely holds his own when it comes to “jackedness”.
Ben’s willingness to use slap-stick, self-deprecating style of humor has worked out well for him. About his commitment to acting and making people laugh, he has said:
“I’m always willing to endure humiliation on behalf of my characters.”
Being a shorter man, I think this sort of “roll with the punches” mentality goes a long way. You should expect someone, at some point, to make fun of you. Whether it’s about your height or something else. Your power comes from how you react, and Ben Stiller has mastered that.
Michael J. Fox
5’4″
Fox is cool for a lot of reasons. First and foremost, he rode a hoverboard in Back to the Future Part II, a scene which, to this day, makes me resentful that we don’t have real hoverboards yet.
Second, he became a heartthrob actor, producer, activist and philanthropist despite being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease more than two decades ago.
These days, Michael J. Fox puts a lot of energy in to his foundation for Parkinson’s research, although he still does some acting (like unexpected and often hilarious appearances on Saturday Night Live, Rescue Me and Curb Your Enthusiasm).
Most people, however, will remember Fox for his starring roles in the classic films like Teen Wolf, Back to the Future, Doc Hollywood and Stuart Little.
Richard Dreyfuss
5’5″
Some people love him for Jaws, some respect him for Mr. Holland’s Opus, and others just want to watch What About Bob on repeat.
Regardless, most of us generally agree that Richard Dreyfuss is an outstanding actor.
At 5’5″ he is one of the shortest actors on our list. This didn’t stop him from winning an Oscar for Best Actor, along with a Golden Globe and BAFTA Award.
Dreyfuss is also a political activist, public speaker, author and academic. He has battled bipolar disorder for a long time, but he clearly didn’t let this or any other physical or mental conditions stop him.
Dustin Hoffman
5โ5โ
Standing at 5โ5โ, Dustin Hoffman has starred in over fifty films.
Heโs perhaps best known for his role in the hit film Tootsie, released in 1982.
Scott Caan
5โ5โ
Son of famous bad boy actor James Caan, Scott Caan measures 5โ5โ tall.
Heโs forayed into both the world of Hollywood and television acting and has even made a name for himself as a photographer.
Tom Hollander
5โ4โ
Let’s hop over to the other side of the pond for our next short actor, shall we?
At 5โ4โ tall, English actor Tom Hollander had been starring in film and television since he was just fourteen.
He is not to be confused with Spider-Man actor Tom Holland, though he’s another British actor under 5’8″.
Martin Freeman
5โ4โ
Here’s a talented English actor (and comedian, by the way) who has gotten very famous over the past few years.
Measuring 5โ4โ, Martin Freeman is best known for his portrayal of Dr. John Watson in the hit British TV series Sherlock.
Johnny Galecki
5โ5โ
Galecki has been acting in movies since he was just a kid, starring in classics such as Prancer and National Lampoonโs Christmas Vacation.
Now, this 5โ5โ actor is most well-known for his role as Leonard Hofstadter in The Big Bang Theory.
Simon Helberg
5โ6โ
Hmm…we’re thinking CBS must have a soft spot for men of modest height. What do you think?
Standing at 5โ6โ, Simon Helberg also stars in the hit show The Big Bang Theory as the goofy yet loveable Howard Wolowitz.
Kevin Hart
5โ4โ
5โ4โ tall actor Kevin Hart isnโt just an accomplished actor.
This famous short man also a comedian, a television host, and a producer.
Ken Jeong
5โ4โ
American comedian and actor Ken Jeong stands at 5โ4โ tall and is best known for his role as Leslie Chow in The Hangover.
Many people donโt know this, but heโs also a licensed physician in the state of California!
Seth Green
5โ4โ
At 5โ4โ, Seth Green doesnโt let height get in the way of fame and fortune.
Heโs been acting since he was just ten and has appeared in comedies such as Austin Powers and Without a Paddle.
Whatโs more, heโs married to a gorgeous taller woman who loves short men.
Jackie Earle Haley
5โ5โ
Although not as well known as some of the short actors on this list, Haley has made quite a name for himself in Hollywood.
Standing 5โ5โ tall, Earle Haley has acted in and produced famous films such as Watchmen, Little Children, and a Nightmare on Elm Street.
Toby Jones
5โ5โ
In an age of blockbuster-only movie stars, Jones is truly a well-rounded actor.
5โ5โ English actor Tony Jones is one of greatest stage and screen actors both in the UK and abroad, starring in movies, television, and even Broadway musicals.
Giancarlo Esposito
5โ8โ
Giancarlo Esposito, 5โ8โ tall, landed his first role at age eight back in 1966.
These days, though, heโs better known for his role as Gus on the TV series Breaking Bad.
Martin Scorsese
5โ3โ
Okay, he’s not technically an actor, but Scorsese is still insanely talented and very famous in Hollywood.
In his more than fifty-year career, 5โ3โ Martin Scorsese has become arguably one of the most famous directors to hit the big screen, producing films such as Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, and The Wolf of Wall Street.
Emilio Estevez
5โ4 1/2โ
Ducks fly together! Sorry…had to.
Standing 5โ4 1/2โ tall, Estevez has acted in an impressive number of classic movies, including The Breakfast Club, St. Elmoโs Fire, and the 1983 adaptation of the book The Outsiders.
Danny DeVito
4โ10โ
Nobody in their right mind can question Danny DeVito’s acting chops. The 4’10” actor, writer, and producer has been involved in countless TV shows and movies.
You can also hear his distinctive New York accent in voice-over work.
Joe Pesci
5โ3โ
Italian-American actor Joe Pesci measures 5โ3โ and has starred in action movies such as Goodfellas and comedies such as Home Alone.
He owes his acting career to actor Robert De Niro, who helped him to land his first major role.
Jet Li
5โ6โ
Despite his 5โ6โ stature, Jet Li is known worldwide as a certifiable badass.
He started training in the martial arts at just eight, moving onto acting in his late teens.
Breckin Meyer
5โ5โ
Before he was an actor, Breckin Meyer was a drummer and a vocalist.
Standing at 5โ5โ, Meyer made his Hollywood debut in the 1991 film Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare.
Emile Hirsch
5โ7โ
Hirsch has played in some very interesting roles throughout his career. He seems to pick his acting gigs very carefully.
This 5โ7โ actor started his career in television, moving onto the big screen when he made his debut in The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys.
Josh Hutcherson
5โ5โ
Here’s a super famous short actor who understands how to dress for his body type. He’s also looking sharp, even when dressed casually.
Standing at 5โ5โ tall, actor Josh Hutcherson has won hearts from around the world for his role as Peeta in The Hunger Games.
Giovanni Ribisi
5โ7โ
Giovanni Ribisi, 5โ7โ, got the acting bug from his mother, who landed him his first role on the tv series Highway to Heaven.
Since then, heโs dabbled in both television and cinema.
BD Wong
5โ5โ
5โ5โ actor BD Wong got started acting on Broadway, starring in the musical Madame Butterfly.
Since then, heโs starred in films such as Jurassic Park and made guest appearances on TV shows.
Jack Black
5โ6โ
Famous rock star Jack Black stands 5โ6โ tall and is bursting with personality.
Heโs best known for performing in the two-man band Tenacious D, and for his role as a zany music teacher in The School of Rock.
James McAvoy
5โ7โ
Standing 5โ7โ, Scottish actor James McAvoy decided against joining the Catholic priesthood as a teen in favor of acting.
Thank goodness too, or otherwise, we wouldnโt have great films such as Filth, Split, and X-Men.
Jason Alexander
5โ5โ
Alexander is really known for one major TV role, but he’s a highly trained, multitalented actor.
The 5โ5โ Jason Alexander is an actor and comedian best known for his role as George Costanza on the hit TV series Seinfeld.
Zach Galifianakis
5โ7โ
Itโs easy to recognize actor and comedian Zach Galifianakis by his trademark scruffy beard.
The 5โ7โ actor is most widely known for his role in the comedy The Hangover.
Jonah Hill
5โ7โ
Jonah Hill has mastered a variety of roles, from the comedic to the dramatic.
The 5โ7โ actor, writer, and director got his start in Hollywood through another famous short actor Dustin Hoffman.
Dave Franco
5โ7โ
Dave Franco, younger brother of actors Tom and James Franco, stands at 5โ7โ tall.
Like his siblings, heโs an accomplished actor and is perhaps best known for his role in the movie Neighbors.
Tim Roth
5โ7โ
Tim Roth, 5โ7โ, is an English actor whoโs a master of accents.
He made his breakthrough in acting when he caught the eye of director Quentin Tarantino, who cast Roth in his hit film Pulp Fiction.
Freddy Rodrรญguez
5โ6โ
You have to love a shorter man who knows how to dress well. Rodriguez is one of those men!
Standing at 5โ6โ, actor and producer Freddy Rodriguez is best known for his roles in the films Planet Terror, Poseidon, and Harsh Times.
Jon Stewart
5’6 1/2″
Many people don’t know that Stewart is on the shorter side.
The former host of the long-running of the late night talk show The Daily Show, 5’6 1/2″ comedian Jon Stewart is revered for his insightful humor and sharp wit.
Nathan Lane
5โ5โ
Nathan Lane is most easily recognized by his distinctive voice, which has landed him multiple gigs in major cartoons.
The 5โ5โ actor is also known for his participation in major films such as The Producers and The Bird Cage.
Martin Sheen
5โ6โ
Multiple Emmy and Golden Globe winner Martin Sheen is an American treasure, known for his on-screen work both domestically and internationally.
The 5โ6โ actor been in critically acclaimed features such as The Departed and Bobby.
David Spade
5โ5โ
Spade has been around for along time, and we must say: he’s aging wonderfully.
American comedian David Spade stands at 5โ5โ tall and has been in television shows such as SNL and feature films such as Joe Dirt and The Benchwarmers.
Billy Crystal
5โ6โ
While his original dream was to become a baseball player, 5โ6โ Billy Crystal ended up becoming a world-famous comedian.
Heโs starred in shows such as Soap and SNL as well as several movies.
Mike Myers
5โ8โ
A versatile actor, 5’8″ Mike Meyers has starred in a range of films as everything from a super villain in Austin Powers to a misunderstood ogre in the movie Shrek.
You’d probably be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t seen a movie with Mike Myers.
Jesse Eisenberg
5โ7โ
Here’s another actor who doesn’t seem short on the big screen. In real life, though, he’s at least a couple inches below average height.
A young up-and-coming actor, 5โ7โ Jesse Eisenberg has starred in films such as Zombieland and The Social Network.
Frankie Muniz
5โ4โ
5โ4โ actor Frankie Muniz is best known for his role as the hapless middle brother in the series Malcolm in the Middle.
Now, he follows his passion for racing and music. Good for you, Frankie!
Rob Schneider
5โ3โ
Schneider started his career as a stand-up comedian, acting in the long-running late night show SNL.
Now, the 5โ3โ actor, comedian, screenwriter, and director produces and stars in comedy films.
Obviously, these are just a handful of the famous short actors we’ve grown to love over the years. Perhaps I’ll add more to the list or write another post featuring some younger and up-and-coming actors.
Until then, I hope this list inspires you to get out there and do great things. If you’re looking for fashion inspiration, check out our list of male fashion icons.
Want more? Check out these other lists:
Don’t see any Culkins listed here, or Jonas Brothers, Jamie Cullen, and a number of guys in Game of Thrones. DZ (5’5.5″)
An interesting site. Of course, most men are actually a bit shorter than the height they’re listed as usually, 1-3 inches shorter. I’m about the same height and body weight as Breckin Meyer. Tall photographers taking photos of shorter men usually focus in a downward direction making their legs look shorter etc.
David Zelisney: 5’5; 5’5.5 in shoes.
Angry much BJ….Looks like a mistake… no one notice. relax
BD WONG did NOT star in the musical MADAME BUTTERFLY. He started in the dramatic play M.Butterfly. Come on entertainment division, get your stories right!!
y’all always forget Peter Dinklage.
I am 4โ 22โ
Itโs never held me back.
Admittedly many vertically challenged entertainment types have been successful. Anymore I find most of them offensive. How about business or science people?
Working on a piece about business leaders and entrepreneurs. Coming soon!