Looking Up To “Stars”
Well, Hollywood's tallest stars, apart from standing out physically, have also built impressive careers. Behind the scenes, custom furniture, specialized camera rigs, and even surgically altered sets accommodate these individuals who produce movie magic.
Vladimir Cuk: 7'0"
Born in Yugoslavia, Cuk stands as a towering figure among basketball players turned actors. His incredible height of 7'0" (213 cm) made him an imposing presence on the court and later on screen. Directors sought his physical stature for specialized roles.
Coinstar Commercial Featuring Tallest Actor in Hollywood by attention9
Vladimir Cuk (Cont.)
Cuk began his acting career as Lurch in the 1996 basketball-themed film Celtic Pride. He later appeared in the movie The 6th Man (1997) and had guest roles in television shows such as The Parkers (2002) and Cedric the Entertainer Presents (2002).
The Sixth Man - Movie Recap by Movie Recap
Richard Kiel: 7'1"
The iconic metal-toothed villain "Jaws" from the James Bond films would never have been so memorable without Richard Kiel's intimidating long frame. Before becoming one of cinema's most recognizable henchmen, Kiel had a pituitary disorder that led to his extraordinary height.
Eva Rinaldi, Wikimedia Commons
Richard Kiel (Cont.)
Despite his frightening on-screen persona, Kiel was known for his kind demeanor and thoughtful approach to acting. He passed away in September 2014 in Fresno, California, due to complications related to a heart condition. Kiel even created the family film The Giant of Thunder Mountain (1990).
The Giant of Thunder Mountain | English Full Movie | Western Drama Family by Film Fanatic Collection
Carel Struycken: 7'0"
We all know this man for his role as Lurch in The Addams Family and the Giant in Twin Peaks. Born in the Netherlands with acromegaly, Struycken never intended to become an actor. His discovery happened by chance when a film director spotted him walking in LA.
Paramount, The Addams Family (1991)
Carel Struycken (Cont.)
Beyond acting, Struycken is an accomplished photographer with a focus on spherical panoramic photography. However, it was his collaboration with George Lucas on Ewoks: The Battle for Endor that brought about a turning point in his career. He played Terak, the leader of the Marauders.
Miguel Discart from Bruxelles, Belgique, Wikimedia Commons
Kevin Peter Hall: 7'2"
Few moviegoers realize that the terrifying alien hunter in Predator was portrayed by Kevin Peter Hall. He initially pursued basketball before finding his calling in acting. Tragically, his bright career was cut short when he died at just 35 years old from AIDS-related pneumonia.
Kevin Peter Hall (The Predator) 'Predator (1987)' Behind The Scenes by Flashback FilmMaking
Kevin Peter Hall (Cont.)
His work in Harry and the Hendersons is noteworthy. Hall was apparently born into a family where both parents were over 6 feet tall. This made him the tallest among his seven siblings. Misfits of Science (1985–1986) also featured Hall playing Dr Elvin "El" Lincoln.
Misfits of Science: Deep Freeze by Planet of Lost Gems
Matthew McGrory: 7'6"
Let’s meet the Guinness World Record holder for the largest feet of any living person. McGrory’s gentle portrayal of Karl the Giant in Tim Burton's Big Fish revealed the emotional range he could bring to roles. By the way, his height resulted from gigantism.
Big Fish (3/8) Movie CLIP - Giant Ambition (2003) HD by Movieclips
Matthew McGrory (Cont.)
It is said that in kindergarten, he was already over 5 feet tall and eventually grew to wear size 29.5 shoes. Unlike many actors who rise to fame through conventional channels, McGrory first gained attention through his appearances on The Howard Stern Show.
Matt 'Bigfoot' McGrory's First Appearance 12-4-1996 by Hank The Angry Dwarf
Brad Garrett: 6'8"
Did you know that the deep-voiced actor from "Everybody Loves Raymond" towers at an impressive 203 cm? Brad Garrett's height actually helped shape his career path, starting as a stand-up comedian, where his physical presence amplified his deadpan delivery and self-deprecating humor about being tall.
Featureflash Photo Agency, Shutterstock
Brad Garrett (Cont.)
Garrett built a stellar voice-acting portfolio alongside his on-screen work. His bass voice brought to life characters like Eeyore in Christopher Robin and Finding Nemo's Bloat. More recently, he starred in the ABC sitcom Single Parents (2018–2020) and co-created the Disney+ series Big Shot.
Rad Garrett, Wikimedia Commons
Tyler Mane: 6'8"
Michael Myers from the Halloween reboot franchise leverages every inch of his 6'8" frame to create one of those intimidating slasher villains. Before scaring audiences on screen, Mane enjoyed a successful professional wrestling career in WCW. Here, he performed under the name “Big Sky”.
Tyler Mane (Cont.)
His physical training and understanding of movement make Mane's transition from wrestler to actor particularly interesting. Few people recognize that this imposing figure also portrayed Sabretooth in the original X-Men film, bringing feral intensity to the role.
X-Men (2000): Storm Vs Sabretooth by eCLIPse
James Cromwell: 6'7"
The gentle farmer from Babe who taught us that "that'll do, pig" stands taller than most of his co-stars. Cromwell's late-blooming career is an inspiration, as he didn't achieve substantial fame until his 50s. Well, looks like height combined with talent can find recognition at any age.
Universal Pictures, Babe (1995)
James Cromwell (Cont.)
Activism and conviction define Cromwell's life off-screen as well. His passionate veganism began during the filming of Babe. The Oscar-nominated actor uses his height to command attention in dramatic roles, from L.A. Confidential to The Green Mile.
"Stick with me Paul" | The Green Mile (1999) | Screen Bites by Screen Bites
Clint Walker: 6'6"
The golden age of Westerns found its perfect cowboy in Clint Walker. This man’s 6'6" frame and 50-inch chest made him the ideal frontier hero in Cheyenne. After this, Walker returned to his fan-favorite role in The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw (1991).
Warner Bros., Cheyenne (1955–1963)
Clint Walker (Cont.)
Walker's life story includes surviving a freak skiing accident where a ski pole pierced his heart. Before becoming famous, he worked as a security guard at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas. This actor had a passion for outdoor activities and enjoyed hunting and fishing.
ABC Television, Wikimedia Commons
Armie Hammer: 6'5"
Hammer gained widespread recognition for portraying the Winklevoss twins in The Social Network (2010), directed by David Fincher. However, his breakthrough performance in Call Me by Your Name demonstrated Hammer's ability to convey vulnerability in spite of his huge physical presence.
Call Me By Your Name | Armie Hammer & Timothée Chalamet call a truce in new clip by FilmIsNow Movies
Armie Hammer (Cont.)
His other good movies include The Lone Ranger (2013), Nocturnal Animals (2016) and Rebecca (2020). It is said that Hammer left high school early to pursue acting but later took courses at Pasadena City College and UCLA. He then married actress Elizabeth Chambers in 2010.
Vince Vaughn: 6'5"
In the late 1980s, Vaughn made his acting debut in small television parts. His acting in the 1996 movie Swingers, which Jon Favreau co-wrote, helped him become more famous. While Vaughn is primarily known for his comedic characters, he has also taken on dramatic parts.
Swingers | 'You Are So Money' (HD) - Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau | MIRAMAX by Miramax
Vince Vaughn (Cont.)
For instance, he depicted Nick Van Owen in The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997) and starred as Norman Bates in the remake of Psycho (1998). The superstar has received several nominations throughout his vocation, including a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for The Break-Up.
Psycho (1998) - We All Go a Little Mad Sometimes Scene (2/10) | Movieclips by Movieclips
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson: 6'5"
From WWE wrestling superstar to the highest-paid actor in Hollywood, Dwayne Johnson's 6'5" muscular physique has been central to his personal brand. His Samoan and Black Nova Scotian heritage contributes to his look. This has made him recognizable as an action hero and a family-friendly star.
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson (Cont.)
Behind the scenes, Johnson’s work ethic includes 4 AM workouts and traveling with a portable gym nicknamed "The Iron Paradise" to film locations. He has been a part of blockbuster franchises like The Fast & Furious series (Fast Five onwards), Jumanji, and The Scorpion King.
Jason Momoa: 6'4"
Before becoming Aquaman or Khal Drogo, Momoa's 6'4" frame helped him break into the industry as a model and then as a lifeguard on Baywatch Hawaii. The man was named "Hawaii’s Model of the Year" at age 20, though he later admitted fabricating his modeling resume.
Jason Momoa (Cont.)
Directors often use creative camera techniques and platform shoes for co-stars when filming scenes with shorter actors. Momoa advocates for environmental issues, particularly ocean conservation. That distinctive scar above his left eye from a bar fight adds to his tough persona.
Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Jeff Goldblum: 6'4"
Goldblum grew up in a creative environment and pursued acting from a young age. He studied at Carnegie Mellon University before moving to New York City to begin his career. Here’s something interesting. He acted as "The Tall Guy" in the 1989 British rom-com.
Jeff Goldblum (Cont.)
His early career comprised uncredited roles like "Tall Thug" in Death Wish, highlighting how Hollywood initially saw him only for his physical attributes. Note that Goldblum is also an accomplished jazz pianist who has released albums titled The Capitol Studios Sessions.
Liam Neeson: 6'4"
In The Phantom Menace, Lucasfilm spent about $150,000 raising door frames on set to accommodate Neeson's height. As per reports, his height worked against him in specific roles, such as being adjusted to appear shorter than Clint Eastwood in their only movie together.
Lucasfilm, Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
Liam Neeson (Cont.)
After decades as a respected dramatic actor, he reinvented himself as an action star in his 50s. This occurred with Taken. Following this, Neeson was introduced in a series of action films, including Unknown (2011), The Grey (2011) and Non-Stop (2014).
Non-Stop - Trailer by Universal Pictures
John Lithgow: 6'4"
Lithgow's height adds authority to villainous roles. For example, his chilling portrayal of the Trinity Killer in Dexter was beyond amazing. Besides, for Giant, Lithgow's height was seen as a close match to Dahl's 6'6", making him a natural fit for the part.
GIANT starring John Lithgow in the West End - Trailer by West End Theatre
John Lithgow (Cont.)
Many don't know that Lithgow comes from theatrical royalty. His father ran Shakespeare festivals, instilling in him a classical foundation. This individual bagged a Tony Award for The Changing Room and collected nominations for Requiem for a Heavyweight and M. Butterfly.
Ben Affleck: 6'4"
Early in his career, Affleck revealed that his height was sometimes seen as a disadvantage. Casting directors told him he was “too tall to be a leading man”. Despite this, his stature became an asset, which was visible in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), Warner Bros.
Ben Affleck (Cont.)
The Academy Awards recognized Affleck not for his acting but for his writing and producing. It is said that he experienced a growth spurt as a teenager, going from 5'2" to over 6 feet in a few years. Affleck described feeling "gangly and awkward" during this period.
Donald Sutherland: 6'4"
At about 6 feet 4 inches, Sutherland is a legendary Canadian actor. Despite never receiving an Oscar nomination, he finally received an Honorary Academy Award in 2017. The Dirty Dozen (1967) and M*A*S*H (1970) are some of his best-known films.
Donald Sutherland (Cont.)
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) saw him act alongside Jeff Goldblum, another actor noted for his height. Additionally, he starred in HBO’s Citizen X (1995), grabbing an Emmy Award for his character as a Soviet investigator. He also appeared in FX’s Trust (2018).
United Artists, Invasion Of The Body Snatchers (1978)
Tom Selleck: 6'4"
This star’s basketball scholarship to the University of Southern California hints at the athletic abilities that complemented his height. We all know him as Thomas Magnum in Magnum, P.I. (1980–1988), which made him a household name and got him an Emmy Award.
Betrayal in the Air | Magnum P.I. by Magnum P.I. Official Channel
Tom Selleck (Cont.)
Set designers had to make special accommodations like removing the driver's side seat cushion so his head wouldn't hit the car roof during filming. Selleck currently plays Commissioner Frank Reagan in the wildly popular CBS program Blue Bloods (2010–present).
CBS Productions, Blue Bloods (2010-2024)
Jacob Elordi: 6'5"
At just 27 years old, Euphoria star Jacob Elordi has taken over our hearts. He admitted that he was initially insecure about his height. When starting out in acting, he was told he was "too tall" for many roles by directors.
Jacob Elordi (Cont.)
To avoid being rejected for roles, Elordi would claim to be shorter, passing himself off as 6'2" or 6'3". He later accepted his actual height and openly revealed it during interviews. Elordi's work in The Kissing Booth, besides Joey King, catapulted him to international fame.
The Kissing Booth 2: Recap! | The Kissing Booth by The Kissing Booth Fan Channel
Chris Hemsworth: 6'3"
The Marvel Cinematic Universe found its God of Thunder in the muscular Chris Hemsworth. Before wielding Mjolnir, this Australian actor started his career on the soap opera titled Home and Away. However, his portrayal of Thor was a huge turning point in his career.
Chris Hemsworth (Cont.)
He shares his height with his younger brother Liam Hemsworth, who is also 6'3", while their older brother Luke is shorter at 5'9". Some of Hemsworth’s other noteworthy movies are Rush and Extraction. He was amongst one of those stars who initially lied about his height.
Imagine Entertainment, Rush (2013)
Hugh Jackman: 6'3"
The casting of Jackman as Wolverine did create some controversy among comic book fans at the start because the character is traditionally just 5'3" in Marvel comics. This height difference required precise positioning, with Jackman often filming scenes in sunken pits to appear shorter.
Twentieth Century, The Wolverine (2013)
Hugh Jackman (Cont.)
Jackman trained at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. In addition to his film work, Jackman is a talented musical theatre performer. He starred as Jean Valjean in the film adaptation of Les Miserables (2012) and as PT Barnum in The Greatest Showman (2017).
.jpg){kind=link}
