Who is Peter Dinklage?

Peter Dinklage’s portrayal of Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones stands out as one of the most memorable performances in the series. While Tyrion’s character is already known for his charm, wit, and cunning, Dinklage adds layers of charisma to the role.

Beyond his acclaimed role in Game of Thrones, Dinklage boasts a career spanning roles in many beloved franchises. With his unique presence, Dinklage has made a mark in the entertainment industry. This article will explore Peter Dinklage’s life and career.

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Who is Peter Dinklage?

Credits: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for HBO

Peter Hayden Dinklage, born June 11, 1969, is an American actor famed for portraying Tyrion Lannister in the HBO series Game of Thrones from 2011 to 2019. His performance earned him the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series four times, setting a record.

Additionally, he received a Golden Globe Award in 2011 and a Screen Actors Guild Award in 2020 for the same role. Standing 4 feet 5 inches (1.35 meters) tall, Dinklage has achondroplasia, a common form of dwarfism. He has utilized his celebrity status to advocate for social awareness of dwarfism.

Dinklage was born in either the Jersey Shore region or Morristown, New Jersey, to John Carl Dinklage, an insurance salesman, and Diane Dinklage, an elementary school music teacher of German and Irish descent. He was raised in the Brookside section of Mendham Township alongside his older brother Jonathan. As a child, Dinklage and his brother entertained their neighborhood with puppet musicals, with Jonathan being described as the primary performer due to his passion for the violin.

Dinklage’s interest in acting flourished during a fifth-grade production of “The Velveteen Rabbit,” where he played the lead role. He continued to hone his skills at Delbarton School, a Catholic preparatory school for boys. Inspired by a production of Sam Shepard’s “True West,” he pursued a drama degree at Bennington College, graduating in 1991. Moving to New York City, Dinklage faced challenges finding acting roles that didn’t typecast him due to his condition. However, he made his credited film debut in “Living in Oblivion” (1995), followed by appearances in “Bullet” (1996) and “13 Moons” (2002), where he expressed his desire to play romantic lead roles.

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Peter Dinklage’s personal life: Wife, daughter, family, and more

Credits: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Peter Dinklage has been accompanied by his wife, Erica Schmidt, on his journey through the limelight. Dinklage played the lead role in Cyrano, a movie musical written by Schmidt.

The couple married in 2005 and later welcomed two children, a daughter in 2011 and a son in 2017. Despite their preference for privacy regarding their personal lives, Schmidt boasts an impressive career of her own. As an award-winning playwright and theater director, she has garnered recognition for her work, including the Robert and Gloria Hausman Theater Honor from the Princess Grace Foundation in 2001.

Schmidt’s directorial endeavors, such as the all-female adaptation of Mac Beth in 2019, have earned her Drama Desk Award nominations and a Lucille Lortel Award nomination. Dinklage has praised her dedication to theater, emphasizing her role as the artist of the family.

The couple’s professional collaboration extends beyond their personal relationship. Dinklage expressed his eagerness to secure the role in Cyrano, even admitting to pleading with Schmidt for the opportunity. This role held significance for Dinklage, as it challenged traditional casting norms, aligning with his belief in diversifying leading roles.

Their relationship traces back to a serendipitous encounter in New York City, which Dinklage describes as reminiscent of a romantic film scene. Despite their elopement in Las Vegas in 2005, the couple remains private about their family life, choosing not to disclose details about their children, including their names and genders.

During his Emmy acceptance speech in 2018, Dinklage publicly thanked Schmidt for her support and acknowledged her role in his success. Despite their discretion regarding their personal affairs, Dinklage’s admiration for his wife shines through in interviews and public appearances.

How tall is Peter Dinklage?

Peter Dinklage height: Peter Dinklage is 4 feet 5 inches tall.

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What Movies and TV shows has Peter Dinklage appeared in?

Credits: 20th Century Fox

Dinklage’s break came with his portrayal of Finbar McBride in the 2003 film “The Station Agent,” directed by Tom McCarthy. Dinklage’s performance earned him nominations for the Independent Spirit Award and Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Actor.

Following “The Station Agent,” Dinklage appeared in the direct-to-DVD film “Tiptoes” (2003) alongside Gary Oldman and Matthew McConaughey. The film received negative reviews, particularly for Oldman’s portrayal of a person with dwarfism. Despite controversy surrounding the depiction, Dinklage defended Oldman’s casting.

The same year, Dinklage starred in off-Broadway productions and appeared in the Christmas comedy film “Elf” as Miles Finch, a grumpy children’s author. In 2014, he starred in the comedy horror film “Knights of Badassdom” opposite Ryan Kwanten and Steve Zahn. Additionally, he played the villain Bolivar Trask in the superhero film “X-Men: Days of Future Past.” Dinklage approached Trask’s character as someone who believes in the righteousness of his actions.

In 2016, Dinklage provided the voice of The Mighty Eagle in “The Angry Birds Movie” and contributed to the musical’s soundtrack.

Dinklage appeared in the 2018 Marvel Studios film “Avengers: Infinity War” as the character Eitri, a giant dwarf.

In 2006, Dinklage co-starred with Vin Diesel in Sidney Lumet’s courtroom drama “Find Me Guilty,” portraying lead defense attorney Ben Klandis.

Continuing his varied career, Dinklage appeared in the superhero film “Underdog” (2007), playing the villain Simon Bar Sinister. He portrayed Trumpkin in “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” (2008) and performed the title role in “Uncle Vanya” (2008), directed by his wife Erica Schmidt.

In 2023, Dinklage voiced Terrorcon Scourge in “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” and starred in the romantic comedy-drama film “She Came to Me.” He also played Casca Highbottom in the movie “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.”

Peter Dinklage’s Advocacy Work

Credits: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

Dinklage has been a vegetarian since age 16, transitioning to a vegan diet in 2014. An advocate for animal rights, he supports Farm Sanctuary and has been the group’s spokesperson for its Walk for Farm Animals. He also narrated the video “Face your Food,” a film advocating a vegan diet on ethical grounds, for PETA. Additionally, he appeared in a PETA campaign urging “Game of Thrones” fans to adopt pets from shelters rather than buying huskies that resemble direwolves.

Dinklage has achondroplasia, a genetic disorder affecting bone growth, resulting in his height of 4 feet 5 inches. He has accepted his condition but found it challenging while growing up. In 2003, he mentioned struggling with anger and bitterness but later realized the importance of humor in coping with others’ perceptions.

When asked in 2012 if he saw himself as a spokesman for the rights of little people, Dinklage expressed uncertainty, recognizing the diversity of experiences among individuals with dwarfism. Despite this, he has been seen as a role model for those sharing his condition.

At the 2012 Golden Globe ceremony, Dinklage drew attention to Martin Henderson, a man with dwarfism injured in a bar incident. This raised awareness about dwarf-tossing, prompting global discussion. Dinklage declined further interviews on the topic, preferring to move past anger and focus on positive representation.

In January 2022, Dinklage criticized Disney’s portrayal of the Seven Dwarfs in the live-action remake of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” expressing concern over perpetuating stereotypes. This sparked dialogue about representation, with Disney pledging consultation with the dwarfism community for the film’s production.