ADVERTISEMENT

Whether admitted outright or quietly padded in press kits, many male celebrities have long faced speculation about their real height.

In showbiz, leading men are often tempted to bill themselves a few centimeters taller than they truly are, often adding their shoe soles to their real stature, leaving fans skeptical of official numbers.

But real life appearances have made the discrepancies too hard to ignore. According to research from Celebrity Heights, a surprising number of famous names are actually shorter than their reputations suggest.

Below is a breakdown of how tall these men actually are, according to the site.

#1

Joe Pesci

Middle-aged man in a blue plaid polo shirt smiling, an example of famous men much shorter than fans imagined.

Pesci’s violent characters in Goodfellas and Casino feel intimidating, making audiences think of him as larger than life.

In reality, Pesci is 5’3” (160 cm).

Ron Galella Report

Michael Largey
Community Member
1 month ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've always found that his lack of size is the scariest thing about him. He's small. So is a hand grenade.

View more comments
RELATED:
    #2

    Al Pacino

    Famous man on red carpet at event, wearing gray suit and black scarf, highlighting famous men shorter than fans imagined.

    Pacino’s performances in Scarface and The Godfather are so commanding that fans often picture him as a much taller figure.

    Off-screen, Pacino is only 5’5” (165 cm), with some sources giving him a 5’6” peak.

    Bettmann Report

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pacino can make himself as big as he needs to be.

    View more comments
    #3

    Daniel Radcliffe

    Actor sitting in a chair wearing a black jacket and shirt, part of famous men much shorter than fans imagined.

    As Harry Potter, Radcliffe grew up on screen, with many fans assuming he’d end up taller than he did.

    But Radcliffe is just 5’4½” (164 cm), something he’s joked about in interviews.

    Theo Wargo Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #4

    James Mcavoy

    Actor wearing a Stand Up To Cancer apron preparing food, featured in a list of famous men shorter than fans imagined.

    McAvoy has led everything from Atonement to X-Men. His gravitas on screen often leaves viewers thinking he’s close to 6 feet.

    But at 5’7” (170 cm), McAvoy is just under average.

    jamesmcavoyrealdeal Report

    Christina B
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There is nothing 'average' about James McAvoy!

    View more comments
    #5

    Rami Malek

    Man in a black suit and white shirt standing against a wall, representing famous men who are much shorter than fans imagined.

    Perhaps one of Malek’s most famous roles is that of Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody.

    Standing at 5'7" (170 cm), the actor is just a few centimeters shorter than the songwriter, who was reported to have been 5’9” (175 cm).

    Victor Boyko Report

    Serena Myers
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bohemian Rhapsody is a grand film, but I have to say I never knew, or even bothered about, their respective heights. RIP Freddie, one of the greatest voices ever.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #6

    Tom Cruise

    Tom Cruise smiling outdoors at sunset, dressed in a dark suit, one of the famous men shorter than fans imagined.

    Cruise might be the most famous example of a Hollywood “short king.” Co-stars, lifts, and camera tricks have kept audiences guessing for decades.

    In reality, he’s about 5’7 ¾” (172 cm), though some insist he’s closer to 5’6”. Either way, his on-screen intensity has demonstrated that action heroes come in all sizes.

    tomcruise Report

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Height is one of the least important things Tom Cruise is short on.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #7

    Kevin Hart

    Comedian performing on stage with microphone, illustrating famous men who are much shorter than fans imagined.

    Hart has turned jokes about his size into part of his brand. It doesn’t help that he regularly costars with actors such as Dwayne Johnson, making the contrast even more dramatic.

    He’s currently 5’5” (165 cm), a fact he’s used to his advantage.

    kevinhart4real Report

    #8

    Ken Jeong

    Smiling famous man in casual shirt against dark background featured in famous men shorter than fans imagined.

    Jeong’s breakout role in The Hangover made him a global star.

    Off-screen, Jeong is 5’4” (163 cm), something he acknowledged during a standup show. He’s regularly billed at 5’5”.

    Ken Jeong Report

    #9

    Dustin Hoffman

    Older man with gray hair and beard wearing a black shirt and jacket at an event featuring famous men shorter than imagined.

    Hoffman’s turns in Rain Man and The Graduate solidified him as one of Hollywood’s greatest. On screen, he never looks small.

    Today, Hoffman stands at 5’4¾” (164 cm).

    Dominik Bindl Report

    meeeeeeeeeeee
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So...I am 5.4 and this means that the original f*****g Hook costume is perfect for my height. It is fate that I own it. It is my dream

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #10

    Dave Franco

    Man in a dark tuxedo and bow tie on red carpet at event, representing famous men who are much shorter than fans imagined.

    Dave Franco often gets compared to his brother James.

    Their height differences were made apparent when they costarred in The Disaster Artist, a movie that recreated the events that led to the creation of cult classic The Room.

    In the movie, Dave played the part of Greg Sestero, who in real life stands at 6’1” (185 cm). Dave, on the other hand, stands at 5’5 ¾” (167 cm).

    Jesse Grant Report

    AtMostAFabulist
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    What's going on with those eyebrows?

    #11

    Danny Devito

    Danny DeVito posing on the red carpet, showcasing one of the famous men who are much shorter than fans imagined.

    From Taxi to Batman Returns, the actor has consistently delivered performances that make people forget about his height.

    But away from camera tricks or costumes, DeVito is only 4’10” (147 cm), an aspect of himself that he has turned into a strength.

    Earl Gibson III Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #12

    Martin Freeman

    Man in a black and white checkered blazer at an event, representing famous men who are much shorter than fans imagined

    Freeman’s most famous role as Bilbo in The Hobbit played perfectly into his actual size. Later, as Watson in Sherlock, he used his stature as an advantage.

    Freeman stands at 5’6½” (169 cm).

    Karwai Tang Report

    #13

    Seth Green

    Smiling man indoors wearing a plaid jacket and gray shirt, illustrating famous men who are much shorter than fans imagined.

    Despite official sources listing him at 5’4” (163 cm), Green is only 5'2½" (159 cm). He acknowledged this during a 1993 interview.

    When asked what he would change about himself, he said, “three inches taller. I'm 5 foot 3, and I can't reach tall cabinets.”

    sethgreen Report

    Lady Eowyn
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm 4'10", and there are a lot of things I can't reach.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #14

    Jack Black

    Man with glasses and long beard wearing a graphic t-shirt posing indoors, related to famous men shorter than fans imagined.

    Black’s explosive energy and booming voice make him feel like a giant. In person, he stands at 5’6” (168 cm).

    “In all honesty Jack Black has made me feel more comfortable with my height,” a fan wrote.

    jackblack Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #15

    Johnny Galecki

    Man holding a small decorative umbrella in a busy street, illustrating famous men who are shorter than fans imagined.

    Galecki’s turn as Leonard on The Big Bang Theory put him next to taller co-stars, making his height more obvious.

    He’s 5’5” (165 cm).

    sanctionedjohnnygalecki Report

    #16

    Elijah Wood

    Actor dressed casually posing at an event, representing famous men who are much shorter than fans imagined.

    Wood’s role as Frodo turned his stature into part of the legend. Unlike many of his fellow actors on this list, his height was digitally reduced to further sell his part as a hobbit.

    Off-screen, Wood is 5’5” (165 cm).

    J. Countess Report

    WindySwede
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you haven't seen "Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency" (TV series) do it how. Atleast season 1. S2 is trippier..

    View more comments
    #17

    Bono

    Famous man wearing glasses and a dark suit making a peace sign, representing shorter famous men fans imagined.

    As the front man of U2, Bono has spent decades commanding stadiums. His iconic sunglasses and swagger often make his fans believe he’s taller than he truly is.

    Yet Bono is 5’5½” (166 cm). According to the website, “he seems to wear large footwear and can appear taller as a result.”

    Adam Berry Report

    Roland C.
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Large footwear like clown shoes or 70s platform boots like KISS?

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #18

    Bruno Mars

    Man wearing a black leather jacket and backwards cap smiling, representing famous men who are much shorter than fans imagined

    Mars is known for his dazzling performances and slick suits, often paired with thick-soled shoes that make him look taller.

    He stands at 5’4” (163 cm).

    brunomars Report

    #19

    Michael J. Fox

    Close-up portrait of a man posing thoughtfully, illustrating famous men who are much shorter than fans imagined.

    Fox rose to superstardom with Back to the Future. His youthful looks kept him believable as a teen for years.

    Off-screen, he’s 5’4” (163 cm).

    realmikejfox Report

    Oskar vanZandt
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He's had quite a life dealing with Parkinson's..

    View more comments
    #20

    Emilio Estevez

    Young famous man wearing a brown leather jacket and blue shirt, representing famous men who are shorter than fans imagined.

    As part of the Brat Pack, Estevez often stood shoulder-to-shoulder with taller co-stars. His reputation as a leading man made fans picture him bigger.

    Yet, he’s 5’4½” (164 cm).

    Aaron Rapoport Report

    Geobugi🇰🇷🇰🇭
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, that is one of the very few that surprises me. Thought he is much taller

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #21

    Jonah Hill

    Man wearing glasses and a dark suit posing at an event, representing famous men who are shorter than imagined.

    Hill has fluctuated in weight throughout his career, which often alters how tall people think he is.

    Hill stands at 5’6” (168 cm) as per Celebrity Heights.

    Andrew Toth Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #22

    Jesse Eisenberg

    Actor wearing a black suit posing against a floral backdrop, representing famous men who are much shorter than fans imagined.

    As Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network, Eisenberg was able to perfectly embody the real-life inspiration for his role, with his stature adding to the authenticity.

    He’s 5’7” (170 cm), which is almost exactly the same height as the Meta CEO.

    Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Report

    SandraG_lak
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Huh! I thought he was shorter by an inch or two. I also thought Zuck was over 6ft.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #23

    Luis Guzman

    Man wearing Puerto Rico baseball jersey standing on pitcher's mound, representing famous men shorter than fans imagined.

    Luis Guzmán is known for stealing every scene, whether in gritty dramas like Traffic or comedies. His deep voice and energy often make him seem physically imposing.

    But, according to CH, Guzmán is 5’5” (165 cm). His height may surprise fans, especially given how certain sources list him with a few extra inches.

    piratasbeisbol Report

    WalterWhiteSavannah
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ok this one and radcliffe are the only ones that surprised me. Didn't think he was tall but I figured average height anyways. He was scary as f**k in Oz. I love Guzman.

    View more comments
    #24

    Aziz Ansari

    Man in a black tuxedo and bow tie smiling at an event, representing famous men who are shorter than fans imagined.

    Ansari stands 5’5¾” (167 cm).

    Even so, his career as a stand-up comedian has proven height doesn’t matter in comedy.

    Kevin Winter Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #25

    Jason Alexander

    Close-up of a famous man with a salt-and-pepper goatee and short hair, highlighting height surprises of famous men.

    As George Costanza on Seinfeld, Alexander leaned into his short build and balding head to elevate his role as comic relief.

    Alexander stands at 5’5” (165 cm).

    jalexander1959 Report

    Mike F
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He was really good in Love! Valour! Compassion! The movie wasn't everyone's cup of tea, but it was very good and he was great in it.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #26

    Nick Jonas

    Young man with a short-sleeve shirt and smartwatch, highlighting famous men who are much shorter than fans imagined.

    Nick, at one point, worked on his physique so much that many assumed he was the tallest Jonas Brother. He’s also known for wearing chunky boots that give him extra lift, fueling the illusion.

    His real height is slightly below 5’6’’ (169.5 cm).

    nickjonas Report

    Batwench
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I also didn’t know he was a diabetic.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #27

    Josh Hutcherson

    Male celebrity in a black suit posing on the red carpet, part of famous men who are shorter than fans imagined.

    As Peeta in The Hunger Games, Hutcherson was often shot beside a much taller Jennifer Lawrence, creating the illusion of a similar height.

    In reality, Hutcherson is 5’5” (165 cm).

    Stefania D'Alessandro Report

    #28

    Marc Anthony

    Man wearing sunglasses and black turtleneck sitting on a red chair, representing famous men shorter than fans imagined.

    Anthony’s stage charisma often makes fans forget he’s not particularly tall. His powerful vocals can fill arenas.

    Off stage, he’s 5'6" (168 cm). On certain websites, his height has been exaggerated to be 5’8” and even 5’11”.

    marcanthony Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #29

    Emmanuel Lewis

    Close-up of a man wearing glasses and a yellow cap, illustrating famous men who are much shorter than fans imagined.

    Lewis became famous as Webster, a child star whose height stayed childlike into adulthood. His size shaped his public image forever.

    Today, Lewis’s adult height is 4’3” (130 cm). The medical condition responsible for his stature has not been disclosed.

    iamemmanuellewis Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #30

    Frankie Muniz

    Race car driver in a sponsored suit representing famous men who are much shorter than fans imagined at an event.

    Muniz became famous worldwide for his role as Malcolm in the Middle. As he grew older, fans realized he never hit a big growth spurt.

    Today, he’s 5’4” (163 cm).

    frankiemuniz4 Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #31

    Emile Hirsch

    Close-up of a famous man wearing a dark shearling coat and seatbelt inside a car, illustrating famous men shorter than fans imagined.

    Hirsch earned acclaim for Into the Wild and Lords of Dogtown. Many assumed his adventurous roles meant he was taller.

    Hirsch is 5’5” (165 cm).

    emilehirsch Report

    #32

    Woody Allen

    Older man with headphones around his neck talking with another man indoors, illustrating famous men shorter than fans imagined.

    Known for his neurotic persona, Allen’s height has been a tool he has used to give his characters a relatable, down to earth edge.

    He’s 5’5” (165 cm).

    woodyallenofficial Report

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Allen, as we have come to learn, is nothing as harmless (or inept) as that persona.

    View more comments
    #33

    Moises Arias

    Young man wearing a gray beanie and black shirt, illustrating famous men who are much shorter than fans imagined.

    Best remembered as Rico from Hannah Montana, Arias has since proven himself in edgier projects like The Kings of Summer and, more recently, Amazon’s Fallout.

    Arias stands at just 4’11’’ (150 cm).

    Moises Arias Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT