The Shortest Actresses in Hollywood

The landscape of Hollywood is filled with diverse talents of all shapes and sizes, proving that physical stature has little bearing on on-screen presence. Many of the industry’s most recognizable leading ladies stand well below the average height, often using clever camera angles and footwear to command the frame. From legendary icons of the Golden Age to modern-day superstars, these women have built massive careers while standing under 5 feet 4 inches. This list explores the shortest actresses in Hollywood who have made a significant impact on film and television.

Jyoti Amge

Jyoti Amge is recognized as the world’s smallest living woman and gained international fame for her work in the American entertainment industry. Standing at just 2 feet 1 inch tall, she made a memorable appearance in the television series ‘American Horror Story: Freak Show’. In the show, she portrayed the character Ma Petite, working alongside a cast of veteran performers. Her unique presence helped the series explore themes of physical difference and humanity. She continues to be a symbol of perseverance within the global media landscape.

Meredith Eaton

Meredith Eaton is a highly accomplished actress known for her roles in legal and procedural dramas. Standing at 4 feet 0 inches tall, she first gained widespread attention in the series ‘Family Law’. She later earned a recurring role as Matilda Webber in the reboot of ‘MacGyver’ and appeared as Bethany Horowitz in ‘Boston Legal’. Eaton has often spoken about the importance of authentic representation for performers with dwarfism in major television productions. Her career spans decades of consistent work across multiple high-profile networks.

Zelda Rubinstein

Zelda Rubinstein was a distinctive character actress who became a pop culture icon during the 1980s. She stood 4 feet 3 inches tall and is most famous for her role as the medium Tangina Barrons in the horror classic ‘Poltergeist’. Her unique voice and commanding presence made her one of the most memorable elements of the supernatural franchise. Outside of acting, she was a dedicated activist for HIV/AIDS awareness during the early years of the epidemic. Rubinstein proved that a small physical frame could deliver some of the most powerful performances in cinema history.

Linda Hunt

Linda Hunt is an Academy Award-winning actress who has enjoyed a prolific career in both film and television. Standing at 4 feet 9 inches tall, she won an Oscar for her role as Billy Kwan in ‘The Year of Living Dangerously’. For over a decade, she became a household name portraying Henrietta Lange on the hit procedural ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’. Her voice work is also highly regarded, as she provided the narration for the ‘God of War’ video game series. Hunt remains one of the most respected and enduring figures in the industry today.

Kristin Chenoweth

Kristin Chenoweth is a powerhouse of musical theater and television known for her soprano voice and bubbly personality. She stands 4 feet 11 inches tall and originated the role of Glinda in the Broadway smash hit ‘Wicked’. On television, she won an Emmy for her performance as Olive Snook in the whimsical series ‘Pushing Daisies’. She also made significant guest appearances in shows like ‘Glee’ and ‘The West Wing’. Despite her petite stature, her vocal range and comedic timing have made her a giant in the entertainment world.

Melissa Rauch

Melissa Rauch is best known for her role as Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz on the long-running sitcom ‘The Big Bang Theory’. Standing at 4 feet 11 inches tall, she developed a high-pitched voice for the character that became a signature trait of the series. Beyond her sitcom work, she has appeared in films such as ‘The Bronze’, which she also co-wrote and produced. Recently, she took on the lead role in the revival of the legal comedy ‘Night Court’. Rauch has successfully transitioned from a supporting ensemble player to a leading lady and executive producer.

Judy Garland

Judy Garland remains one of the most iconic figures from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Standing at 4 feet 11 inches tall, she rose to global superstardom as Dorothy Gale in the 1939 masterpiece ‘The Wizard of Oz’. Throughout her career, she starred in numerous classics including ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’ and the 1954 version of ‘A Star Is Born’. Her immense talent as both a singer and an actress earned her a Juvenile Academy Award and a Cecil B. DeMille Award. Garland’s legacy continues to influence generations of performers decades after her passing.

Lil’ Kim

Lil’ Kim is primarily known as a legendary rapper, but she has maintained a steady presence as an actress in film and television. She stands at 4 feet 11 inches tall and made her film debut in the teen comedy ‘She’s All That’. She also appeared in the western ‘Gang of Roses’ and lent her voice to the animated series ‘The Cleveland Show’. Her influence on fashion and music often overshadows her filmography, but she remains a recognized face in Hollywood. Kim has frequently embraced her height as part of her “Queen Bee” persona.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith has been a staple in Hollywood since the early 1990s, appearing in a wide variety of genres. Standing at 5 feet 0 inches tall, she gained early recognition in the sitcom ‘A Different World’. She went on to star in major blockbusters like ‘The Matrix Reloaded’ and ‘The Matrix Revolutions’ as Niobe. In recent years, she has found success as the host of the digital talk show ‘Red Table Talk’. Her career reflects a balance of high-octane action roles and intimate, character-driven projects.

Hayden Panettiere

Hayden Panettiere began her career as a child actor before becoming a major television star in her teens. She stands 5 feet 0 inches tall and gained massive fame playing the cheerleader Claire Bennet in the sci-fi series ‘Heroes’. Following that success, she spent several years starring as Juliette Barnes in the musical drama ‘Nashville’. She also returned to the ‘Scream’ horror franchise, reprising her role as Kirby Reed in multiple installments. Panettiere has navigated the transition from child star to adult lead with significant commercial success.

Chandra Wilson

Chandra Wilson is a mainstay of American television, best known for her portrayal of Dr. Miranda Bailey. Standing at 5 feet 0 inches tall, she has appeared in every season of the medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. Her performance has earned her multiple Emmy nominations and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Before her long tenure on the show, she worked extensively in theater and appeared in the film ‘Philadelphia’. Wilson also directs episodes of the series, cementing her status as a creative force behind the scenes.

Kourtney Kardashian

Kourtney Kardashian rose to prominence as a reality television personality and actress. She stands at 5 feet 0 inches tall and is the eldest of the famous Kardashian siblings. While most known for ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’, she has appeared in scripted roles in the soap opera ‘One Life to Live’. She also made a cameo in the film ‘He’s All That’ alongside her friend Addison Rae. Her business ventures and media presence have made her a permanent fixture in the Hollywood social and entertainment landscape.

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton is an American legend whose career spans music, film, and philanthropy. She stands 5 feet 0 inches tall and made a successful transition to acting with the 1980 hit ‘9 to 5’. She followed this with memorable performances in ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ and the tear-jerker ‘Steel Magnolias’. Parton is also the founder of the Dollywood theme park and the Imagination Library literacy program. Her larger-than-life personality and signature style often make people forget her actual physical height.

Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande is a global pop superstar who started her career as an actress on Nickelodeon. Standing at 5 feet 0 inches tall, she first became known for playing Cat Valentine in the sitcom ‘Victorious’. She later reprised the role in the spin-off series ‘Sam & Cat’ before focusing primarily on her music career. She returned to acting in the satirical film ‘Don’t Look Up’ and was cast as Glinda in the film adaptation of ‘Wicked’. Grande’s transition from teen television star to serious film actress continues to evolve.

Kylie Minogue

Kylie Minogue is an international pop icon who first found fame as an actress in her native Australia. She stands 5 feet 0 inches tall and became a household name starring in the long-running soap opera ‘Neighbours’. She successfully moved into film with roles in ‘Street Fighter’ and the musical ‘Moulin Rouge!’. Minogue also appeared in the indie film ‘Holy Motors’, receiving critical acclaim for her performance. Though her music career dominates her time, her early acting roots provided the foundation for her enduring stardom.

Kristen Bell

Kristen Bell is a versatile actress known for her sharp wit and relatable characters. She stands 5 feet 1 inch tall and shot to fame as the title character in the neo-noir series ‘Veronica Mars’. She later provided the voice for Princess Anna in the global phenomenon ‘Frozen’ and starred in the comedy series ‘The Good Place’. Bell has also headlined several successful films like ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ and ‘Bad Moms’. Her career is marked by a mix of high-profile voice work and leading roles in both television and film.

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon is one of the most powerful women in modern Hollywood, serving as both an actress and a producer. Standing at 5 feet 1 inch tall, she won an Academy Award for her portrayal of June Carter Cash in ‘Walk the Line’. She is also widely recognized for her iconic role as Elle Woods in the ‘Legally Blonde’ franchise. In recent years, she has pivoted to television with hits like ‘Big Little Lies’ and ‘The Morning Show’. Witherspoon’s production company, Hello Sunshine, focuses on bringing female-driven stories to the screen.

Christina Ricci

Christina Ricci became a breakout star as a child and has maintained a diverse career in independent and mainstream cinema. She stands 5 feet 1 inch tall and is famously remembered for playing Wednesday Addams in ‘The Addams Family’. As an adult, she appeared in acclaimed films such as ‘Monster’ and ‘The Ice Storm’. Recently, she joined the cast of the hit series ‘Yellowjackets’ and appeared in the Netflix show ‘Wednesday’. Ricci has a reputation for choosing dark, unconventional roles that showcase her range.

Vanessa Hudgens

Vanessa Hudgens rose to international fame as a teenager in the mid-2000s. Standing at 5 feet 1 inch tall, she played Gabriella Montez in the highly successful ‘High School Musical’ trilogy. Since her Disney days, she has appeared in films like ‘Spring Breakers’ and ‘The Princess Switch’ series on Netflix. She has also received praise for her live musical performances in ‘Grease Live!’ and ‘Rent: Live’. Hudgens continues to balance her work between holiday rom-coms and more experimental theatrical projects.

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga is a multi-talented artist who has successfully conquered both the music and film industries. She stands 5 feet 1 inch tall and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her role in ‘A Star Is Born’. She also won a Golden Globe for her performance in the series ‘American Horror Story: Hotel’. More recently, she starred as Patrizia Reggiani in the crime drama ‘House of Gucci’. Her presence on screen is often described as transformative, regardless of her petite frame.

Maisie Williams

Maisie Williams grew up in the spotlight after being cast in one of the biggest television shows in history. Standing at 5 feet 1 inch tall, she played the fan-favorite character Arya Stark in ‘Game of Thrones’. Throughout the series, her character’s small size was often a plot point in her journey to becoming a skilled assassin. After the show ended, she appeared in ‘The New Mutants’ and the biographical series ‘Pistol’. Williams is also an entrepreneur, having launched her own social media platform for creatives.

Mary-Kate Olsen

Mary-Kate Olsen became a star as an infant, sharing the role of Michelle Tanner on the sitcom ‘Full House’. She stands 5 feet 1 inch tall and built a massive media empire alongside her twin sister throughout their childhood. The duo starred in numerous direct-to-video films and the theatrical release ‘New York Minute’. After retiring from acting in her early twenties, Mary-Kate transitioned into the high-fashion world. She is now a successful fashion designer, co-founding the luxury brand The Row.

Jenna Ortega

Jenna Ortega has quickly become one of the most sought-after young actresses in Hollywood. She stands 5 feet 1 inch tall and gained massive acclaim for her title role in the Netflix series ‘Wednesday’. Before her breakout success, she appeared in ‘Jane the Virgin’ and the horror film ‘X’. She also starred in the recent installments of the ‘Scream’ franchise, solidifying her status as a modern “scream queen.” Ortega is known for her expressive acting style and her ability to anchor large-scale productions.

America Ferrera

America Ferrera is an actress and producer known for her impactful roles in television and film. Standing at 5 feet 1 inch tall, she became a household name as Betty Suarez in the series ‘Ugly Betty’. She later starred in and produced the workplace comedy ‘Superstore’ for six seasons. Ferrera also voiced the character Astrid in the ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ film franchise. Most recently, she received critical acclaim for her role in the global blockbuster ‘Barbie’.

Anna Kendrick

Anna Kendrick is a celebrated actress and singer who rose to prominence with her role in the ‘Twilight’ saga. Standing at 5 feet 2 inches tall, she earned an Academy Award nomination for her performance in ‘Up in the Air’. She became a major star as Beca Mitchell in the ‘Pitch Perfect’ trilogy, showcasing her vocal abilities. Kendrick has also appeared in diverse projects like ‘Into the Woods’ and the thriller ‘A Simple Favor’. She recently made her directorial debut with the film ‘Woman of the Hour’.

Eva Longoria

Eva Longoria is a versatile performer who gained international recognition on one of the most popular shows of the 2000s. Standing at 5 feet 2 inches tall, she played Gabrielle Solis on the long-running series ‘Desperate Housewives’. Beyond her acting work, she has become a prolific director and producer in Hollywood. She directed the biographical film ‘Flamin’ Hot’ and has produced numerous television projects. Longoria is also well-known for her advocacy work and involvement in political activism.

Hilary Duff

Hilary Duff became a teen idol as the star of the Disney Channel hit ‘Lizzie McGuire’. Standing at 5 feet 2 inches tall, she parlayed her television success into a film career with movies like ‘A Cinderella Story’. She later found long-term success on the series ‘Younger’, which ran for seven seasons. Most recently, she starred in and executive produced the sitcom ‘How I Met Your Father’. Duff has remained a consistent presence in the entertainment industry for over two decades.

Rachel Bilson

Rachel Bilson became a television icon during the early 2000s as part of a popular teen drama. Standing at 5 feet 2 inches tall, she portrayed Summer Roberts on the hit series ‘The O.C.’. Following the conclusion of the show, she starred as Dr. Zoe Hart in the series ‘Hart of Dixie’. She has also appeared in films such as ‘Jumper’ and ‘The To Do List’. Bilson currently hosts a podcast where she revisits her time on the show that launched her career.

Lucy Hale

Lucy Hale is an actress and singer who gained a massive following for her work on teen-oriented television. Standing at 5 feet 2 inches tall, she is best known for her role as Aria Montgomery in ‘Pretty Little Liars’. Since the show’s conclusion, she has starred in series like ‘Katy Keene’ and ‘Ragdoll’. She has also headlined several films, including the horror movie ‘Truth or Dare’ and the rom-com ‘The Hating Game’. Hale is recognized for her consistent output and strong presence on social media.

Sarah Hyland

Sarah Hyland spent over a decade starring in one of the most successful sitcoms in television history. Standing at 5 feet 2 inches tall, she played Haley Dunphy on the Emmy-winning series ‘Modern Family’. Her performance on the show earned her several Screen Actors Guild Awards as part of the ensemble cast. Beyond ‘Modern Family’, she has appeared in films like ‘Vampire Academy’ and hosted the reality show ‘Love Island USA’. Hyland has also been open about her health struggles, becoming an inspiration for many fans.

Salma Hayek

Salma Hayek is a world-renowned actress and producer who broke barriers for Latina performers in Hollywood. Standing at 5 feet 2 inches tall, she received an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of the titular artist in ‘Frida’. She has appeared in a wide range of films, from action hits like ‘Desperado’ to the Marvel Cinematic Universe entry ‘Eternals’. Hayek is also a successful producer, responsible for bringing ‘Ugly Betty’ to American television. Her career is characterized by both critical acclaim and commercial longevity.

Zoë Kravitz

Zoë Kravitz has built an impressive resume with roles in major franchises and prestige television. Standing at 5 feet 2 inches tall, she gained widespread attention for her role in the series ‘Big Little Lies’. She also appeared in the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ series and the action-packed ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’. In 2022, she took on the iconic role of Selina Kyle, also known as Catwoman, in ‘The Batman’. Kravitz has also stepped behind the camera, making her directorial debut with the film ‘Blink Twice’.

Emilia Clarke

Emilia Clarke became an international superstar through her role in one of the most watched television series of all time. Standing at 5 feet 2 inches tall, she played Daenerys Targaryen in ‘Game of Thrones’, earning four Emmy nominations. Since the show’s end, she has starred in the holiday romance ‘Last Christmas’ and the ‘Star Wars’ film ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’. She also made her Broadway debut in ‘The Glass Menagerie’ and joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in ‘Secret Invasion’. Clarke is admired for her resilience after surviving two brain aneurysms during her time on ‘Game of Thrones’.

Shakira

Shakira is primarily recognized as a global music sensation, but she has a notable history of acting in television and film. Standing at 5 feet 2 inches tall, she began her career in the Colombian telenovela ‘El Oasis’. She later appeared as herself in shows like ‘Ugly Betty’ and ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’. One of her most significant acting roles was providing the voice for Gazelle in the Disney animated hit ‘Zootopia’. Shakira’s immense physical energy on stage often makes her seem much taller than her actual height.

Ashley Olsen

Ashley Olsen, along with her sister, became one of the most famous children in the world during the late 1980s. Standing at 5 feet 2 inches tall, she shared the role of Michelle Tanner in ‘Full House’ and starred in dozens of films like ‘Passport to Paris’. As an adult, she decided to step away from the acting world to focus on the fashion industry. Along with her twin sister Mary-Kate, she oversees the luxury fashion house The Row. Ashley’s transition from child star to respected business mogul is frequently cited as a model for young actors.

Amy Poehler

Amy Poehler is a titan of comedy, known for her work as a writer, actress, and director. Standing at 5 feet 2 inches tall, she rose to fame as a cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’. She later starred as the optimistic Leslie Knope in the beloved sitcom ‘Parks and Recreation’, winning a Golden Globe for the role. Poehler also provided the voice for Joy in the Pixar film ‘Inside Out’ and its sequel. She continues to produce a wide range of content through her production company, Paper Kite Productions.

Jennifer Love Hewitt

Jennifer Love Hewitt was one of the most prominent actresses of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Standing at 5 feet 2 inches tall, she gained fame on the teen drama ‘Party of Five’. She became a movie star with the horror hit ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ and the comedy ‘Heartbreakers’. Later, she transitioned back to television with leading roles in ‘Ghost Whisperer’ and the procedural drama ‘9-1-1’. Hewitt is also a singer, having released several albums throughout her career.

Melissa McCarthy

Melissa McCarthy is a comedic force who has headlined some of the most successful comedies of the last decade. Standing at 5 feet 2 inches tall, she had her breakout film role in ‘Bridesmaids’, which earned her an Academy Award nomination. She previously spent years on television in the series ‘Gilmore Girls’ and starred in the sitcom ‘Mike & Molly’. McCarthy has also shown her dramatic range in films like ‘Can You Ever Forgive Me?’, for which she received a second Oscar nomination. She frequently collaborates with her husband, Ben Falcone, on various film projects.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer is a highly respected actress known for her powerful performances in both film and television. Standing at 5 feet 2 inches tall, she won an Academy Award for her role as Minny Jackson in ‘The Help’. She received further Oscar nominations for her work in ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Shape of Water’. On television, she starred in the Apple TV+ series ‘Truth Be Told’ and the miniseries ‘Self Made’. Spencer is one of the few actresses to have received three Academy Award nominations in the Best Supporting Actress category.

Kelly Osbourne

Kelly Osbourne first became famous as part of her family’s reality series ‘The Osbournes’. Standing at 5 feet 2 inches tall, she later moved into scripted acting with a role in the series ‘Life as We Know It’. She also appeared in the film ‘Should’ve Been Romeo’ and lent her voice to the animated series ‘The 7D’. For several years, she was a prominent fashion correspondent on the show ‘Fashion Police’. Osbourne has navigated a multifaceted career across music, reality television, and acting.

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman is an Academy Award-winning actress who has been working in Hollywood since she was a child. Standing at 5 feet 3 inches tall, she made her film debut in the cult classic ‘Léon: The Professional’. She gained global fame as Padmé Amidala in the ‘Star Wars’ prequel trilogy and won an Oscar for ‘Black Swan’. Portman has also joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Jane Foster in the ‘Thor’ films. Beyond acting, she is a director and an activist for various social causes.

Winona Ryder

Winona Ryder was the quintessential “cool girl” of the 1990s, starring in several generation-defining films. Standing at 5 feet 3 inches tall, she starred in classics like ‘Beetlejuice’, ‘Heathers’, and ‘Edward Scissorhands’. She received back-to-back Academy Award nominations for ‘The Age of Innocence’ and ‘Little Women’. In recent years, she has experienced a massive career resurgence playing Joyce Byers in the Netflix hit ‘Stranger Things’. Ryder’s career spans over three decades of work with some of Hollywood’s most prestigious directors.

Lucy Liu

Lucy Liu is an actress and artist who became a major star through her work in action and drama. Standing at 5 feet 3 inches tall, she first gained fame on the legal comedy-drama ‘Ally McBeal’. She went on to star in the ‘Charlie’s Angels’ films and played the memorable villain O-Ren Ishii in ‘Kill Bill: Vol. 1’. More recently, she starred as Dr. Joan Watson in the modern Sherlock Holmes adaptation ‘Elementary’. Liu is also an accomplished visual artist, showcasing her work in galleries around the world.

Lea Michele

Lea Michele is a performer known for her powerful voice and theater background. Standing at 5 feet 3 inches tall, she became a massive star playing Rachel Berry on the musical series ‘Glee’. Before her television success, she was a seasoned Broadway actress, starring in the original production of ‘Spring Awakening’. She later starred in the series ‘Scream Queens’ and appeared in the film ‘New Year’s Eve’. In 2022, she returned to Broadway to star as Fanny Brice in the revival of ‘Funny Girl’.

Isla Fisher

Isla Fisher is an actress and author known for her impeccable comedic timing. Standing at 5 feet 3 inches tall, she had her breakout role in the 2005 comedy ‘Wedding Crashers’. She went on to star in films like ‘Confessions of a Shopaholic’ and ‘Now You See Me’. Fisher has also worked in television, appearing in the fourth and fifth seasons of ‘Arrested Development’. In addition to her acting career, she has written several successful children’s books.

Rooney Mara

Rooney Mara is a versatile actress known for her intense and transformative performances. Standing at 5 feet 3 inches tall, she earned her first Academy Award nomination for ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’. She received a second nomination for her role in the romantic drama ‘Carol’. Mara has also appeared in acclaimed films such as ‘The Social Network’ and ‘A Ghost Story’. She is known for her selective approach to roles and her commitment to independent cinema.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker is a fashion icon and actress best known for her role as Carrie Bradshaw. Standing at 5 feet 3 inches tall, she headlined the groundbreaking series ‘Sex and the City’ for six seasons. She reprised the role in two feature films and the follow-up series ‘And Just Like That…’. Before her signature role, she starred in films like ‘Hocus Pocus’ and ‘The First Wives Club’. Parker is also a successful entrepreneur with her own line of footwear and fragrances.

Kat Dennings

Kat Dennings is an actress known for her dry wit and distinctive voice. Standing at 5 feet 3 inches tall, she starred as Max Black in the long-running sitcom ‘2 Broke Girls’. She is also a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, playing the character Darcy Lewis in the ‘Thor’ films and ‘WandaVision’. Her early work includes roles in ‘The 40-Year-Old Virgin’ and ‘Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist’. Dennings has built a career playing relatable, sardonic characters across film and television.

Amanda Seyfried

Amanda Seyfried is an Academy Award-nominated actress who began her career as a teenager. Standing at 5 feet 3 inches tall, she made her film debut in the cult classic ‘Mean Girls’. She went on to star in major hits like ‘Mamma Mia!’ and ‘Les Misérables’. In 2022, she won an Emmy for her portrayal of Elizabeth Holmes in the miniseries ‘The Dropout’. Seyfried has successfully transitioned from teen roles to becoming one of the most respected leading ladies in the industry.

Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor was one of the last great stars of classical Hollywood cinema. Standing at 5 feet 3 inches tall, she began her career as a child star in ‘National Velvet’. She became a two-time Academy Award winner for her performances in ‘Butterfield 8’ and ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?’. Known for her stunning beauty and violet eyes, she was the first actress to be paid $1 million for a single film, ‘Cleopatra’. Taylor’s legacy as a screen legend and humanitarian remains unparalleled in film history.

Please share your thoughts on which of these actresses has your favorite performance in the comments.