19 Extremely Tall Actors Who Make Everyone Else Look Petite
Hollywood is filled with stars of all shapes and sizes, but some actors literally stand head and shoulders above the rest.
These towering performers have used their impressive heights to land memorable roles, from terrifying villains to beloved heroes.
Get ready to meet the giants of the silver screen who make even the tallest co-stars look small!
1. Peter Mayhew – 7’3″
Standing at an incredible 7 feet 3 inches, this gentle giant became a legend by playing Chewbacca in Star Wars.
His towering frame was perfect for bringing the beloved Wookiee to life across multiple films.
Fans around the world recognized him instantly, even though his face was hidden behind fur and makeup.
Beyond his height, his warm personality made him a favorite at conventions and fan events everywhere.
2. Richard Kiel – 7’2″
At 7 feet 2 inches, this unforgettable actor terrified James Bond fans as the metal-toothed villain Jaws.
His massive size made him the perfect choice for intimidating roles that required physical presence.
Despite playing scary characters, he was known for his kindness off-screen.
His unique look and towering stature made him one of the most recognizable villains in cinema history.
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 7’2″
This basketball legend stands 7 feet 2 inches and brought his athletic grace to several films.
Most memorably, he appeared in Airplane! where he hilariously played a pilot pretending not to be himself.
His height dominated basketball courts for decades before he transitioned to acting.
While he’s known primarily as an athlete, his film appearances showcase his sense of humor and willingness to poke fun at his own fame.
4. Ian Whyte – 7’1″
Measuring 7 feet 1 inch, this versatile performer has portrayed creatures and giants in numerous blockbusters.
He’s played Predators, White Walkers, and even giants in Game of Thrones across different seasons.
His background in basketball helped him develop the coordination needed for complex creature performances.
Studios call him when they need someone tall who can also move gracefully in heavy costumes and prosthetics.
5. Shaquille O’Neal – 7’1″
Shaq brings 7 feet 1 inch of personality to every role he plays, from Kazaam to Steel.
His larger-than-life persona translates perfectly from the basketball court to the movie screen.
He’s appeared in countless films, TV shows, and commercials throughout his career.
Unlike some tall actors who get typecast, Shaq embraces comedy and isn’t afraid to laugh at himself on camera.
6. Carel Struycken – 7’0″
At exactly 7 feet, this Dutch actor created unforgettable characters like Lurch in The Addams Family movies.
His unique appearance and towering height made him perfect for eerie, mysterious roles.
He also appeared in Twin Peaks as the Giant, adding to his resume of supernatural characters.
His distinctive look comes partly from a condition called acromegaly, which contributed to his exceptional height and features.
7. Conan Stevens – 7’0″
This 7-foot Australian powerhouse brought The Mountain to life in Game of Thrones’ first season.
His combination of extreme height and muscular build made him perfect for playing fearsome warriors.
Before acting, he worked as a professional wrestler and stuntman.
His impressive physique and towering presence have landed him roles in fantasy films where size really matters for creating believable characters.
8. Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson – 6’9″
Coming in at 6 feet 9 inches, this Icelandic strongman became famous playing Gregor Clegane in Game of Thrones.
His real-life strength competitions made him even more intimidating on screen.
He’s won multiple World’s Strongest Man titles, proving his power isn’t just for show.
When you combine incredible height with championship-level strength, you get an actor who truly embodies unstoppable force on camera.
9. Brad Garrett – 6’8″
This 6-foot-8 comedian used his height for laughs on Everybody Loves Raymond for nine seasons.
His deep voice and towering frame created the perfect contrast for his character’s insecure personality.
He’s won multiple Emmy Awards for his comedic performances.
Before television fame, he performed stand-up comedy where his height became part of his act, proving that being tall can be an advantage in comedy too.
10. Tyler Mane – 6’8″
Towering at 6 feet 8 inches, this former wrestler became terrifying as Michael Myers in Rob Zombie’s Halloween remake.
His massive frame made the iconic killer even more frightening than previous versions.
He also played Sabretooth in the first X-Men movie, using his size to create a menacing villain.
His wrestling background gave him the physical skills needed for action-heavy roles requiring both size and agility.
11. Nonso Anozie – 6’6″
At 6 feet 6 inches, this British actor commands attention in everything from Game of Thrones to Cinderella.
His powerful build and impressive height make him a natural choice for warrior and protector roles.
He trained at the prestigious Central School of Speech and Drama in London.
His classical training combined with his physical presence allows him to bring depth and nuance to characters that could easily become one-dimensional.
12. James Cromwell – 6’6″
Standing 6 feet 6 inches tall, this Oscar-nominated actor brought warmth to Babe and authority to countless other films.
His height gives him a commanding presence even in gentle, grandfatherly roles.
He’s appeared in everything from Star Trek to American Horror Story throughout his long career.
His versatility proves that tall actors don’t have to be limited to action or villain roles to make a lasting impact.
13. Joe Manganiello – 6’5″
At 6 feet 5 inches with a bodybuilder’s physique, this actor became a heartthrob on True Blood.
His combination of height, muscles, and good looks made him perfect for playing supernatural creatures and action heroes.
His height helps him stand out in ensemble casts, while his acting chops ensure he’s more than just an imposing physical presence.
14. Christopher Lee – 6’5″
The late Christopher Lee stood 6 feet 5 inches and used his imposing height to play Dracula, Saruman, and Count Dooku.
His deep voice and tall frame made him cinema’s greatest villain for over five decades.
He appeared in more films than almost any other actor in history.
His height gave him a natural advantage in playing authority figures and villains, but his talent made those characters truly unforgettable and iconic.
15. Dolph Lundgren – 6’5″
Standing 6 feet 5 inches with a master’s degree in chemical engineering, this Swedish actor broke through as Ivan Drago in Rocky IV.
His combination of intelligence, height, and muscles defies the typical action star stereotype.
He’s starred in dozens of action films over four decades.
His height and martial arts training make his fight scenes convincing, while his education proves there’s plenty going on behind those intimidating looks.
16. Tim Robbins – 6’5″
Measuring 6 feet 5 inches, this Academy Award winner brought depth to The Shawshank Redemption and Mystic River.
His height adds to his screen presence without defining his career choices.
He’s also an accomplished director and playwright beyond his acting work.
Unlike many tall actors, he’s rarely cast specifically for his height, instead winning roles through his exceptional talent and range as a performer.
17. Jeff Goldblum – 6’4″
Standing 6 feet 4 inches, this quirky actor brought charm to Jurassic Park and Independence Day.
His unique speaking style and lanky frame make him instantly recognizable in any role.
He’s become a pop culture icon thanks to his eccentric personality.
His height contributes to his distinctive physical comedy, with his long limbs adding to the awkward, endearing characters he often portrays on screen.
18. Liam Neeson – 6’4″
At 6 feet 4 inches, this Irish actor commands respect in everything from Schindler’s List to Taken.
His height and deep voice create an authoritative presence that’s perfect for mentor and action hero roles.
He’s proven equally skilled in dramatic and action-packed performances.
His physical stature helps make his action scenes believable even as he ages, keeping him relevant in demanding roles other actors might struggle with.
19. Jason Momoa – 6’4″
This 6-foot-4 Hawaiian actor made waves as Aquaman and Khal Drogo.
His impressive build and height make him perfect for playing powerful warriors and superheroes who need to look physically dominant.
He’s become one of Hollywood’s most bankable action stars, proving that height combined with talent and personality creates true star power on the big screen.
