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Peter Dinklage – Net Worth, Wife, Height & Family Facts

Jack Thomas Carter Bennett • 2026-07-15 • Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

Peter Dinklage is widely recognized as one of the most talented actors of his generation, a reputation built on a career that defied industry expectations. From independent film acclaim to global superstardom as Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones, his journey is marked by critical acclaim and a steadfast commitment to dignified representation. This article provides a comprehensive overview of his net worth, family life, physical stature, and the major roles that have defined his career.

Born on June 11, 1969, in Morristown, New Jersey, Dinklage has become a household name. His portrayal of the witty and complex Lannister scion earned him four Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe, cementing his place in television history. Beyond the screen, he maintains a relatively private personal life with his family.

Peter Dinklage Net Worth

Dinklage’s financial success is a direct result of his prolific career, particularly his starring role in HBO’s landmark series. His net worth is a frequent subject of public curiosity.

Born
June 11, 1969
Spouse
Erica Schmidt (m. 2005)
Children
2 (including daughter Zelig)
Known For
Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones
  • Peter Dinklage’s net worth is estimated at $25 million (2025), largely from Game of Thrones and film roles.
  • He married theater director Erica Schmidt in 2005; they have two children, including a daughter named Zelig.
  • Dinklage’s height (4 ft 5 in / 135 cm) is a defining physical trait that he has used to his advantage in acting.
  • His portrayal of Tyrion Lannister earned him four Primetime Emmy Awards and critical acclaim.
  • He is set to voice a role in the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked (2024/2025).
Category Detail
Full Name Peter Hayden Dinklage
Date of Birth June 11, 1969
Place of Birth Morristown, New Jersey, USA
Height 4 ft 5 in (1.35 m)
Spouse Erica Schmidt (m. 2005)
Children 2 (one daughter named Zelig)
Net Worth ~$25 million (2025 estimate)
Major Role Tyrion Lannister – Game of Thrones
Awards 4 × Primetime Emmy Awards, 1 × Golden Globe

Who is Peter Dinklage’s Wife?

Dinklage has been married to theater director Erica Schmidt since April 16, 2005. The couple’s relationship has remained largely out of the public eye, but Schmidt has been a consistent support throughout Dinklage’s career. She works extensively in theater, directing and writing productions.

Does Peter Dinklage have children?

Yes, Dinklage and Schmidt have children. The most publicly known is their daughter, Zelig, who was a toddler as of 2015. While some sources mention a second child, the names and birth years remain unconfirmed by the actor or his representatives. The majority of English-language biographies state one daughter.

What is Peter Dinklage’s daughter’s name?

His daughter’s name is Zelig. This is the only name that has been consistently reported in reputable biographical sources.

Peter Dinklage Family Background

Dinklage was raised in a middle-class household in New Jersey. His mother was an elementary school music teacher, and his father worked as an insurance salesman. He has an older brother, John, who is a violinist. Both of his parents and his brother are of average height. Dinklage was raised Catholic and is a vegetarian and animal rights supporter.

Family Privacy

While Dinklage’s wife and daughter have been identified in reporting, the details regarding a second child, including their name and birth date, are not part of the public record. This reflects the couple’s commitment to keeping their family life private.

How Tall is Peter Dinklage?

Peter Dinklage stands at 4 feet 5 inches tall (1.35 m), a result of achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism. This physical characteristic has been central to his identity as an actor, but he has consistently rejected roles that would stereotype or exploit his condition, such as playing leprechauns or elves.

His height has never been a limitation for his ambition. Dinklage has used his stature to bring depth and nuance to his characters, most notably Tyrion Lannister, whose deformity is a critical aspect of his story arc. He has become a prominent advocate for dignified representation of actors with dwarfism in Hollywood.

What is Peter Dinklage’s Role in Game of Thrones?

Dinklage’s most famous role is that of Tyrion Lannister in HBO’s Game of Thrones, which he played for all eight seasons from 2011 to 2019. Tyrion, a clever and cynical member of the powerful Lannister family, became a fan favorite. Dinklage’s performance earned him the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series four times, making him the most awarded supporting actor from the show.

His salary for the series increased significantly over its run, with reports indicating he earned approximately $300,000 per episode in the later seasons. This substantial income is a primary contributor to his estimated net worth.

What is Peter Dinklage’s Role in Wicked?

In 2024, Dinklage voiced the character of Dr. Dillamond in the film adaptation of the musical Wicked. Dr. Dillamond is a sentient goat who serves as a professor at Shiz University. The film is a major two-part production, with the first part released in 2024 and the second scheduled for 2025.

Career Strategy

Dinklage’s career path illustrates a deliberate choice to seek complex, human-centric roles. By turning down stereotypical parts for actors with dwarfism, he has opened doors for more nuanced storytelling and paved the way for greater inclusion in the industry.

Peter Dinklage Career & Life Timeline

  1. 1969: Born in Morristown, New Jersey.
  2. 1995: Film debut in Living in Oblivion.
  3. 2003: Breakthrough role in The Station Agent.
  4. 2005: Marries Erica Schmidt.
  5. 2011: Begins role as Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones.
  6. 2019: Game of Thrones concludes.
  7. 2024: Set to appear in Wicked (film adaptation).

What is Known and What Remains Unclear About Peter Dinklage?

While much of Dinklage’s professional life is well-documented, some details about his personal finances and family remain unconfirmed. The table below clarifies the distinction between established facts and areas of uncertainty.

Established Information Information That Remains Unclear
Net worth is estimated within a range of $20 million to $30 million. The exact, verified net worth figure is not publicly disclosed.
Height is consistently reported as 4 ft 5 in (1.35 m) from official and biographical sources. No known discrepancies exist in height reporting.
He is married to Erica Schmidt and has a daughter named Zelig. The name and birth year of his second child are not publicly confirmed.
His role in Wicked has been officially confirmed. Specific details about the character’s full arc in the two-part film remain under wraps.

What is the Background of Peter Dinklage’s Most Significant Roles?

Before achieving global fame, Dinklage built a foundation in independent film. His breakout came with the 2003 drama The Station Agent, for which he received widespread critical praise. This role demonstrated his ability to carry a film and led to further opportunities in both independent and mainstream projects.

His filmography is diverse, including roles in comedies like Elf (2003) and Death at a Funeral, as well as blockbuster franchises. He voiced Scourge in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts and appeared in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. He continues to work in voice acting and is attached to future projects.

What Do Reputable Sources Say About Peter Dinklage?

The most authoritative sources for biographical information are established databases and industry publications. The following quotes are drawn from these verified sources.

“Portraying Tyrion Lannister on the HBO television series Game of Thrones (2011–2019) earned him four Primetime Emmy Awards.”

– Wikipedia – Peter Dinklage

“Peter Dinklage net worth is estimated at $25 million as of 2025.”

– Celebrity Net Worth (industry estimate)

“Dinklage has been married to Erica Schmidt since 2005; they have two children.”

– IMDb – Biography

Summary of Peter Dinklage’s Life and Career

Peter Dinklage has built an extraordinary career from a foundation of talent and principle, becoming one of the most award-winning actors on television. From his early days in indie films to his iconic portrayal of Tyrion Lannister and his upcoming role in Wicked, he remains a significant figure in entertainment, known for both his skill and his advocacy for respectful representation. For more on actors who have taken on similar transformative roles, read about Eddie Redmayne – Biography, Personal Life, and Career Facts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Peter Dinklage’s full name?

His full name is Peter Hayden Dinklage.

When was Peter Dinklage born?

He was born on June 11, 1969.

What condition causes Peter Dinklage’s height?

He has achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism.

How many Emmy Awards has Peter Dinklage won?

He has won four Primetime Emmy Awards for his role in Game of Thrones.

Who is Peter Dinklage’s spouse?

He is married to theater director Erica Schmidt.

What is the name of Peter Dinklage’s daughter?

His daughter’s name is Zelig.

What movie did Peter Dinklage appear in recently?

He voiced Dr. Dillamond in the 2024 film Wicked.

What was Peter Dinklage’s breakout role?

His breakout role was in the 2003 film The Station Agent.

Is Peter Dinklage a vegetarian?

Yes, he is a vegetarian and supports animal rights.

Additional sources

faktenatlas.de

Jack Thomas Carter Bennett

About the author

Jack Thomas Carter Bennett

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