In Hollywood, it's easy to assume that a leading man has to tower over everyone else. But these actors have built massive careers and become cultural icons, all without needing to look up to their co-stars.
Zach Galifianakis stole the show as the eccentric Alan Garner in The Hangover trilogy. At 5'7", his unique brand of comedy also shines in his stand-up specials and voice work. He's brilliantly lent his voice to characters like the Joker in The Lego Batman Movie and Humpty Dumpty in Puss in Boots. | © Focus Features
Jonah Hill first made a huge splash with his hilarious performance in the teen comedy Superbad. At 5'6", he later proved his dramatic chops with Oscar-nominated roles in films like Moneyball and The Wolf of Wall Street. He's also a familiar voice in animated hits, from Megamind to the How to Train Your Dragon series. | © Sony Pictures Releasing
Zac Efron first shot to stardom as the singing and dancing heartthrob Troy Bolton in High School Musical. The 5'8" actor has since deliberately shifted gears, taking on darker roles like serial killer Ted Bundy in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile. He also explores his passion for travel and wellness in his Emmy-winning series, Down to Earth. | © Walt Disney Studios
Kit Harington earned global fame for his iconic role as the brooding Jon Snow in HBO's Game of Thrones. Before he knew anything, the 5'8" actor began his career on the London stage in War Horse. His portrayal of the honorable Snow remains one of the most beloved characters from the entire series. | © HBO
Shia LaBeouf first became known to many as Louis Stevens on the Disney Channel's Even Stevens. His career skyrocketed when he landed the lead role of Sam Witwicky in the blockbuster Transformers film series. At 5'9", he has since shown his range in a variety of projects, from the thriller Disturbia to more recent independent films. | © Sony Pictures Releasing
Tom Holland won over the world as the Marvel Cinematic Universe's latest Spider-Man, bringing a youthful energy to Peter Parker. Before he was swinging between skyscrapers, the 5'8" actor honed his skills on the West End stage in Billy Elliot the Musical. His early dramatic role in The Impossible also proved his talent extends far beyond the superhero suit. | © Marvel Studios
Joe Pesci is an Oscar-winning actor famous for his intense, often volatile characters. Standing at 5'4", he delivered an unforgettable performance as the fiery gangster Tommy DeVito in Goodfellas. His unique ability to shift from menace to comedy also made him a standout in classics like Home Alone and Casino. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
Rob Schneider first honed his comedy as a stand-up comedian and a writer on Saturday Night Live. At 5'3", he became a familiar face in a string of popular comedy films like Deuce Bigalow and The Animal. His career showcases a sharp talent for creating memorable, often outrageous, comedic characters. | © Revolution Studios
Tom Cruise exploded into stardom in the 80s with films like Risky Business and Top Gun. Standing at 5'7", he is now synonymous with the Mission: Impossible series, famously performing his own dangerous stunts. His relentless drive and on-screen charisma have made him one of the most enduring action stars in Hollywood. | © Paramount Pictures
Daniel Radcliffe will forever be known worldwide as the boy who lived in the Harry Potter film series. Since hanging up his wand, the 5'5" actor has deliberately chosen unique and often darker roles in films like Swiss Army Man and The Woman in Black. He has successfully built a fascinating career far beyond the walls of Hogwarts. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
Dustin Hoffman is a legendary actor celebrated for his incredibly versatile and human portrayals. Standing at 5'5", he first became a star with his iconic role in The Graduate. His career is defined by two Academy Awards and a rare ability to master both intense drama and sharp comedy. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
Jack Black is a comedic force who has lit up screens in hits like School of Rock and the Jumanji franchise. At 5'6", he also brings huge energy to his music, fronting the Grammy-winning comedy rock duo Tenacious D. Beyond acting and music, he's the beloved voice of Po in the Kung Fu Panda series and runs his own popular YouTube channel. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
Elijah Wood has been acting since he was a kid, with an early cameo in Back to the Future Part II. He is undoubtedly best known for carrying the One Ring as Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Standing at 5'6", he brought immense heart and courage to one of cinema's most epic journeys. | © New Line Cinema
Kevin Hart first made his mark as a high-energy stand-up comedian before becoming a major movie star. At 5'5", he's headlined huge comedy hits like Jumanji and Ride Along, and even voiced the feisty bunny Snowball in The Secret Life of Pets. He has since expanded his range, taking on more dramatic roles in films like Fatherhood and The Upside. | © Sony Pictures Releasing
Peter Dinklage became a household name for his brilliant performance as Tyrion Lannister on Game of Thrones, a role that earned him four Emmy awards. Standing at 4'3", he has achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism. Since his time in Westeros, he's brought his talent to major films like Avengers: Infinity War. | © HBO
In Hollywood, it's easy to assume that a leading man has to tower over everyone else. But these actors have built massive careers and become cultural icons, all without needing to look up to their co-stars.
In Hollywood, it's easy to assume that a leading man has to tower over everyone else. But these actors have built massive careers and become cultural icons, all without needing to look up to their co-stars.