Tiny Tinseltown: The 12 Shortest Actors of All Time
by Chase Hunter on Monday, November 30, 2009 11:01 AM
 Apparently size does matter. No, not that kind of size, though that’s probably true too. But get your mind out of the gutter. Height is the name of the game here, and it definitely makes a difference. Try to imagine R2-D2 being played by Tim Robbins, a 6’5” giant. While it would be funny to watch Tim try and fit into the rolling R2 costume, it wouldn’t exactly play on screen. What would the movie Willow be without its tiny cast? And would “Jackass” be as profoundly stupid without Jason “wee-man” Acuna? I think not. Everything from Willy Wonka to “It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia” requires a talented, yet short, actor. Basically, Tinseltown just wouldn’t be the same without them. Here's a list of 12 of the shortest actors of all time.
Verne Troyer - Height: 2' 8"
DOB – 1/1/1969
Our Favorite Role - Mini Me in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999)
While he's widely known for his role as Mini Me in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, Verne Troyer has appeared in over thirty films. Ranging from stunt work in Baby’s Day Out, to working with Jenna Jameson in the upcoming War Of The Dragon, Verne has been there and done that. His popularity has even taken him into the tabloids with a homemade sex tape, giving notable skanks such as Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton a slight respite from the limelight. It’s safe to say that Verne’s height has played a key role in transforming both his career and the quality of contemporary films.
Danny Devito – Height: 5' 0"
DOB - 11/17/1944
Our Favorite Role - Frank Reynolds in “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia” (2005)
If there were a hierarchy to the shortest actors in Hollywood, Danny Devito would be not only the tallest, but also the most accomplished. Devito has been rocking Hollywood for nearly 40 years. He’s made hit TV shows from “Taxi” to “Always Sunny In Philadelphia,” and busted the guts of laughing audiences in movies like Get Shorty and Throw Momma From The Train. Devito is also the co-creator of the production company Jersey Films that has given the movie-going world hits like Pulp Fiction, and Erin Brockovich. Danny may not move quickly with legs that short, but he certainly always has been, and always will be, going somewhere fast.
Gary Coleman – Height: 4' 8"
DOB - 2/8/1968
Our Favorite Role - Arnold Jackson in “Difference Strokes” (1978)
Gary Coleman has been a Hollywood icon since he was ten-years old in “Little Rascals.” He quickly moved on to bigger and better things with “Different Strokes,” where he developed his well known catchphrase, “What'choo talkin' 'bout, Willis?” Whatever happened to Willis?
Clearly it pays to be as recognizably short as Coleman. He even ran for governor of California in 2003. And while the governorship went to another Hollywood notable, you don’t need to wait for a “Surreal Life” recast to find out what Coleman is up to. You can check out a recent addition to his repertoire in the 2009 release of Midgets Vs. Mascots.
Peter Dinklage – Height: 4' 5"
DOB - 6/11/1969
Our Favorite Role - Miles Finch in Elf (2003)
Peter has quite an accomplished career. His talents range from Miles Finch in Elf to off-Broadway theater productions. He's also a skilled playwright himself. You may recognize him from his stint in “Nip/Tuck” as Marlowe Sawyer, but that won’t be all, as he has another six projects in different stages of development including Death at a Funeral to be released in 2010. Look out – and down – and you’ll see Peter Dinklage.
Jason "Wee-Man' Acuna – Height: 4' 5"
DOB – 5/16/1973
Our Favorite Role - Himself in “Jackass” (2000)
While Jason Acuna may not have been in the business long, he’s definitely made a mark. Most notably, the one on his forehead for being able to kick himself there in the television show “Jackass.” But that’s not his only credit. He’s also an accomplished professional skateboarder, and was a decent actor in such roles as Little Timmy in Grind. And while the “Jackass” craze may be over, Jason appears to be parlaying the fame well into the future with such movies as We Gotta Get Buscemi, currently in post-production.
Danny Woodburn – Height: 4'0”
DOB - 7/26/1964
Our Favorite Role - Mickey in “Seinfeld” (1989)
Danny has been a powerhouse of film and television, doing everything from “Seinfeld” to “Baywatch” to Jingle All The Way. With over 100 episodes on various popular shows and a plethora of movies under his belt, Woodburn has clearly taken the industry by storm; albeit a four-foot swell, but still. He's a raging torrent of activity.
Kenny Baker – Height: 3' 8"
DOB – 8/24/1934
Our Favorite Role - R2-D2 in Star Wars (1977)
You may not recognize him from Star Wars because he plays R2-D2, but Kenny Baker has been a part of Hollywood since before Lucas ever thought of a story from a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. His acting career ranges from all six Star Wars movies to Amadeus, to Sleeping Beauty with Morgan Fairchild. And he isn’t done yet. Expect a new addition to this Baker’s dozen with Back2Hell, due out in 2010.
DOB – 3/31/1958
Our Favorite Role - Marcus in Bad Santa (2003)
From an insult slinging limo driver in Me, Myself & Irene, to Bink in Epic Movie, Tony Cox has made us laugh time and time again. Having been in everything from the hit TV show “Rescue Me” as Arlo to beating on Billy Bob Thornton as Marcus in Bad Santa, we simply can’t get enough of Tony Cox. And with four movies currently in production, we can expect to see a lot more of his talent very soon.
Warwick Davis – Height: 3' 6"
DOB - 2/3/1970
Our Favorite Role - Willow Ufgood in Willow (1988)
While Warwick is most widely known for his part in the epic fantasy Willow, he has been in a myriad other blockbusters. From Star Wars: Return of the Jedi as Wicket the Ewok to Filius Flitwick in the Harry Potter series, Warwick has been around. He also established Willow Management, a talent agency specializing in the representation of actors ranging in height from three to five feet. And he’s not done yet. Expect to see Warwick as Charlie in Shortfellas, which is currently in pre-production.
Rusty Goffe – Height: 4'2"
DOB – 10/30/1948
Our Favorite Role - Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Rusty got his start as an Oompa Loompa in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, but has played a series of roles in other films since, ranging from a Jawa in Star Wars, to Frosty the Barman in Fred Claus.
Herve Villechaize – Height: 3'11"
DOB - 4/23/1943
Our Favorite Role - Tattoo in “Fantasy Island” (1978)
The world misses Herve and his catchphrase, “Dee plane, Dee plane,” from “Fantasy Island”. He played a number of roles during his twenty five years in the Hollywood spotlight, doing everything from an uncredited bit part in Chappaqua, to Nick Nack in The Man with the Golden Gun. We miss you, Herve. Averaged out, the world may be a little taller without you, but its a little less fun as well.
Meinhardt Raabe – Height: 4'7"
DOB - 9/2/1915
Our Favorite Role - Munchkin Coroner in The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Meinhardt didn’t have much of a Hollywood career, as his only prominent acting role was as the uncredited Munchkin Coroner in The Wizard of Oz. But more notably, having been born in 1915, he is the last surviving Munchkin! Today Meinhardt lives a quiet life at Penny Farms Retirement Community near Jacksonville, Florida.
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