Peter Dinklage Bio
Peter Hayden Dinklage (born June 11, 1969) is an American actor known for his performance as Tyrion Lannister in the HBO series Game of Thrones, which earned him four Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award. Born in Jersey Shore, New Jersey, he studied acting at Bennington College and began his career in the 1990s. Dinklage has appeared in various films and television projects, becoming a prominent figure in Hollywood and advocating for the rights of those with dwarfism.
Early Life and Background
Peter Hayden Dinklage was born on June 11, 1969, in the Jersey Shore region of New Jersey, to John Carl Dinklage, an insurance salesman, and Diane Dinklage, an elementary school music teacher of German and Irish descent. He grew up in the historic Brookside section of Mendham Township, with his parents and older brother Jonathan. Dinklage is the only member of his family with achondroplasia, a genetic disorder affecting bone growth, which resulted in his height of 4 feet 5 inches. Raised Catholic, he had an early interest in performing, as he and his brother would put on puppet musicals for their neighborhood. Dinklage’s first theatrical success came in fifth grade with a production of The Velveteen Rabbit, which inspired him to pursue acting further.
Dinklage attended Delbarton School, a Catholic preparatory school for boys, where he developed his acting skills. He later attended Bennington College, where he studied drama and participated in numerous productions before graduating in 1991. After college, he moved to New York City with a friend to build a theater company but faced challenges in finding acting work. He worked for six years at a data-processing company before fully committing to acting.
Path to Hollywood
Dinklage’s early career was marked by struggles to find roles that did not conform to the stereotypes often assigned to actors with dwarfism. He made his film debut in the independent comedy-drama Living in Oblivion (1995), where he played a frustrated actor with dwarfism. Despite receiving positive reviews for his performance, he had difficulty securing representation. A turning point came when he was cast in the comedy 13 Moons (2002) after a recommendation from Steve Buscemi.
His breakthrough role came in 2003 with the film The Station Agent, where he portrayed Finbar McBride, a withdrawn man seeking solitude in a train depot. This role earned him nominations for the Independent Spirit Award and Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Actor. Dinklage’s performance was praised for its depth and complexity, marking a significant moment in his career.
Peter Dinklage Career
Early Career (1995–2002)
Following his debut, Dinklage appeared in various films, including the comedy Elf (2003) as Miles Finch, a children’s author. He also starred in the short-lived CBS series Threshold and the adventure comedy-drama Lassie (2005). In 2006, he co-starred with Vin Diesel in Find Me Guilty, a courtroom drama that received positive critical reviews but was a commercial failure. Dinklage continued to build his resume with roles in films like Penelope (2006) and Death at a Funeral (2007), showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Breakthrough (2003–2010)
Dinklage’s portrayal of Tyrion Lannister in HBO’s Game of Thrones from 2011 to 2019 became a defining moment in his career. The series, based on George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire novels, gained immense popularity and critical acclaim. Dinklage’s performance earned him four Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, making him the only actor from the show to achieve this honor. His character, known for his wit and intelligence, resonated with audiences, leading to Dinklage becoming one of the most recognized faces in television.
Notable Works and Milestones
Dinklage’s signature role as Tyrion Lannister solidified his status in Hollywood. He also received a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2012 and was nominated for numerous other awards throughout his career. His work in Game of Thrones not only brought him fame but also allowed him to advocate for the rights of individuals with dwarfism, challenging stereotypes in the entertainment industry.
Peter Dinklage Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Peter Dinklage has received numerous nominations for his performances, particularly for his role in Game of Thrones. His ability to bring depth to complex characters has earned him critical acclaim and recognition from his peers.
Peter Dinklage Awards Won
Peter Dinklage has won several prestigious awards, including four Primetime Emmy Awards for his role in Game of Thrones and a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor. His performances have been celebrated for their emotional depth and complexity.
Peter Dinklage Family
Peter Dinklage is married to Erica Schmidt, a theater director, since 2005. The couple has two children, a daughter born in 2011 and a son born in 2017. They primarily reside in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, and have a property in Ulster County, New York.
Personal Life
Dinklage has been open about his experiences growing up with dwarfism and has become a spokesperson for the rights of individuals with similar conditions. He has participated in various advocacy efforts and has spoken out against stereotypes in the media. Dinklage is also known for his support of animal rights and has been involved in campaigns promoting pet adoption.
