PETER DINKLAGE

Peter Hayden Dinklage (born June 11, 1969) is an acclaimed American actor and producer from Morristown, New Jersey. He rose to global fame playing Tyrion Lannister on Game of Thrones (2011–2019), earning multiple Emmy and Golden Globe awards—a performance celebrated for its emotional depth and wit .

Early Life & Education

Born to Diane, an elementary school music teacher, and John Carl Dinklage, an insurance salesman, Peter grew up in Mendham Township alongside his older brother Jonathan . Diagnosed with achondroplasia—a form of dwarfism—he stands 4'5″ tall . He first felt the stage's pull in elementary school puppet shows and earned a scholarship to Delbarton School. Inspired by Sam Shepard’s True West, he went on to study drama at Bennington College, graduating in 1991 .

Career Milestones & Breakthrough

Stage & Indie Beginnings (1993–2003)

Peter endured early obstacles, refusing stereotypical roles like elves or leprechauns. He made his film debut in Living in Oblivion (1995), playing a frustrated actor—a role reflecting his own struggles . He followed with parts in Bullet (1995), 13 Moons (2002), and delivered a career-defining lead in The Station Agent (2003), praised for its poignant portrayal of loneliness and friendship .

Breakout & Mainstream Success (2003–2010)

He gained attention in holiday favorite Elf (2003) as irritable author Miles Finch, and demonstrated versatility in Find Me Guilty (2006), earning critical acclaim . Over the next decade, he continued to seek diverse roles in television and film, building a reputation as a serious actor.

Game of Thrones & Blockbusters (2011–2019)

As Tyrion Lannister, Dinklage became one of TV's most beloved characters—winning four Emmys and a Golden Globe. His celebrated film roles during and after included X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017), and the HBO movie My Dinner with Hervé (2018) .

Recent & Upcoming Projects

In 2023, he appeared in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, voiced a character in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, and starred in She Came to Me . He also leads the Toxic Avenger reboot (2024) and voices Dr. Dillamond in the Wicked film adaptation .

Awards & Accolades

• 4× Primetime Emmy – Outstanding Supporting Actor (Game of Thrones) 

• Golden Globe (2012) – Best Supporting Actor 

• Numerous SAG, Critics’ Choice, and Satellite recognitions—32 wins from 76 nominations to date .

Personal Life & Advocacy

Peter married theater director Erica Schmidt in 2005; they share two children and reside in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village, also owning property in Ulster County . He was injured early in his career while performing in a punk-funk-rap band at CBGB, a scar he still bears . Once a vegetarian, he now avoids red meat and supports Farm Sanctuary .

He has challenged the entertainment industry's bias towards stereotyped dwarf roles, insisting roles reflect dignity rather than novelty—an attitude that shaped his career choices .

Legacy & Influence

Peter Dinklage’s path—from defying typecasting to becoming one of modern TV’s most powerful voices—stands as a testament to authenticity, resilience, and creative courage. His legacy continues to grow with each choice he makes, both on screen and off.