Wherever he goes, Peter Dinklage exudes a self-confidence that is, at the same time, both unexpected and attractive. The fact that he’s a small person is of no particular import. He doesn’t and has never let that fact stop him from meeting his goals and, ultimately, becoming a successful actor.
He is currently best known for his role as the charismatic and sexy Tyrion Lannaster on the HBO hit, Game of Thrones, an adaptation of fantasy novels written by George R.R. Martin. The role was literally created for him by Game of Thrones writers, after witnessing his stellar debut on the big screen in Living in Oblivion.
Both are examples of Dinklage’s commitment to developing and regarding himself as a respected actor in every right. He recalls the early years of his career of consistently turning down stereotypical roles as a holiday elf – instead, opting for roles that were appropriate both for his stature and that would allow him to bring characters to life in a real and human way.
Raised in suburban New Jersey, the married 41-year-old actor now lives in New York City with his wife and large rescue dog, Kevin. His family’s of average height: his father was in insurance sales, his mother was a music teacher, and his brother is a violinist. He remembers his childhood as being pretty easy overall; however, his growth was impaired by age five due to achondroplasia. This bowed his legs so severely that intensive medical treatment was required to enable him to walk.
Despite his early challenges that stunted his growth, Dinklage went on to finish high school and then Bennington College, where he majored in theater studies. After college, he took on the New York hip scene, working to start a Brooklyn version of Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago and playing trumpet and rapping in a band, Whizzy.
While those endeavors didn’t meet with great success, Dinklage is grateful for the success he has achieved in his acting career. And, with the charisma and confidence he brings to the screen, fans won’t be disappointed in Peter Dinklage for many years to come.
