Peter Dinklage Biography – Emmy‑Winning Actor & Game of Thrones Legend
Peter Dinklage is an American actor and producer, best known for his portrayal of Tyrion Lannister in HBO’s Game of Thrones. With four Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, and a career spanning stage, indie films, and Hollywood blockbusters, he has become one of the most respected actors of his generation.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Peter Hayden Dinklage |
| Profession | Actor, Producer |
| Birth Date | June 11, 1969 |
| Age | 56 (as of 2025) |
| Birth Place | Morristown, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones |
| Ethnicity | German, Irish, English descent |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Height | 4’4” (132 cm) |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye Color | Green |
| Education | Bennington College (Drama, 1991) |
| Religion | Catholic upbringing |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Erica Schmidt (theatre director, m. 2005) |
| Children | 2 |
| Family | Father: John Carl Dinklage (insurance salesman), Mother: Diane Dinklage (music teacher) |
| Hobbies | Music, theatre, animal rights activism |
| Current Work | Acting in film/TV, producing (Dexter: Resurrection, 2025) |
| Years Active | 1991–present |
| Net Worth | ~$30 million (2025) |
Early Life & Education
Peter Dinklage was born in Morristown, New Jersey, and grew up in Brookside. Born with achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism, he faced challenges but developed a passion for acting early. He studied drama at Bennington College, graduating in 1991, and pursued theatre before transitioning to film.
Career Journey
Early Career
- Breakthrough role in The Station Agent (2003), earning critical acclaim.
- Appeared in Elf (2003), Find Me Guilty (2006), and Death at a Funeral (2007).
Game of Thrones (2011–2019)
- Cast as Tyrion Lannister, a role that redefined his career.
- Won four Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe.
- Became one of the highest‑paid TV actors, earning up to $1.2 million per episode in later seasons.
Film & Stage Work
- Roles in X‑Men: Days of Future Past (2014), Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017), and Cyrano (2021).
- Active in theatre, both acting and producing.
Recent & Upcoming
- Cast in Dexter: Resurrection (2025).
- Continues to work in independent films and voice acting.
Personal Life
Married to Erica Schmidt, a theatre director, since 2005. They have two children and live a private family life. Dinklage is also an animal rights activist and a vegetarian.
Awards & Achievements
- 4× Primetime Emmy Awards (Game of Thrones)
- Golden Globe Award (2012)
- Screen Actors Guild Awards (ensemble wins)
- Multiple nominations for Cyrano (2021)
Physical Statistics
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 4’4” (132 cm) |
| Weight | ~50 kg |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye Color | Green |
| Body Type | Compact, athletic |
| Distinctive Features | Achondroplasia (dwarfism) |
Quotes
- “I hate that word ‘lucky.’ It cheapens a lot of hard work.”
- “I don’t want to be a hero. I want to be a human being.”
Controversies
Dinklage has avoided major scandals but has been outspoken about Hollywood’s treatment of people with dwarfism, notably criticizing Disney’s planned Snow White remake for perpetuating stereotypes.
Favorites
- Food: Vegetarian cuisine
- Hobby: Music (was once in a punk band)
- Cause: Animal rights, inclusivity in Hollywood
Salary & Net Worth
- Net Worth (2025): ~$30 million
- Earned up to $1.2 million per episode for Game of Thrones.
- Additional income from films, endorsements, and stage work.
Interesting Facts
- Was in a punk band called Whizzy in the 1990s.
- Has a scar on his face from a stage accident.
- Turned down stereotypical “elf” roles early in his career.
Social Media Links
Peter Dinklage does not maintain official public social media accounts. Updates are shared via fan pages and official project accounts.
FAQs
Q1: What is Peter Dinklage’s most famous role?
Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones.
Q2: How many Emmys has Peter Dinklage won?
He has won four Primetime Emmy Awards.
Q3: Is Peter Dinklage married?
Yes, to theatre director Erica Schmidt since 2005.
Q4: What is Peter Dinklage’s net worth?
Estimated at $30 million (2025).
Conclusion
Peter Dinklage’s career is a story of talent, resilience, and breaking barriers. From indie films to global stardom in Game of Thrones, he has redefined representation in Hollywood while remaining a respected actor and advocate.
👉 If you enjoyed this biography, share it with fellow Game of Thrones fans!
