Early Life and Education of Peter Dinklage: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Peter Dinklage. From birth to education, explore key events.

Peter Dinklage is a highly acclaimed American actor, most famously known for his role as Tyrion Lannister in the HBO series *Game of Thrones*. He won a record four Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, along with a Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award for his performance. Dinklage has achondroplasia, a common form of dwarfism, and stands at 4'5". He actively uses his platform to promote awareness and understanding of dwarfism.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

June 11, 1969: Peter Dinklage's Birth

On June 11, 1969, Peter Hayden Dinklage was born. He is an American actor known for his role as Tyrion Lannister in "Game of Thrones".

1984: Inspired by True West

In 1984, Peter Dinklage was inspired to pursue an acting career by a production of Sam Shepard's play True West.

1991: Graduation and Move to New York City

In 1991, Peter Dinklage graduated from Bennington College and moved to New York City with his friend Ian Bell to build a theater company.

1993: Herve Villechaize's interview

In 1993, Sacha Gervasi interviewed Hervé Villechaize, an event that would later inspire a film about the actor's final days, co-written and starring Peter Dinklage.

2003: Acceptance of his condition

In 2003, Peter Dinklage discussed his achondroplasia and mentioned that he used to be angry and bitter when he was younger, but as he got older, he realized that humor was key to dealing with it.

2005: Married Erica Schmidt

In 2005, Peter Dinklage married Erica Schmidt, a theater director.

2008: Described as lapsed Catholic

In 2008, Peter Dinklage described himself as a lapsed Catholic.

2011: Birth of first child

In 2011, Peter Dinklage and Erica Schmidt welcomed their daughter.

2012: Golden Globe speech and dwarf-tossing

At the 2012 Golden Globe ceremony, Peter Dinklage used his acceptance speech to bring attention to the act of dwarf-tossing, by referencing Martin Henderson, a man with dwarfism who was injured after being tossed by a rugby fan.

2012: Views on being a spokesman

In 2012, Peter Dinklage addressed the question of whether he saw himself as a spokesman for the rights of little people, stating that everyone's experience is different and he cannot preach how to be okay with it.

2016: Death of Martin Henderson

In 2016, Martin Henderson, the man with dwarfism who was referenced by Peter Dinklage in his 2012 Golden Globe speech, died of his injuries.

2017: Birth of second child

In 2017, Peter Dinklage and Erica Schmidt welcomed their son.

2017: Attended Women's March demonstration

In 2017, Peter Dinklage attended the Women's March demonstration in Park City, Utah to advocate legislation and policies regarding human rights and other issues.

January 2022: Criticism of Disney's Snow White remake

In January 2022, Peter Dinklage criticized Disney's portrayal of the Seven Dwarfs in the upcoming live-action remake of the 1937 animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, claiming it retained damaging stereotypes.

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2024: Dietary Changes and Animal Welfare Support

In 2024, on the podcast Flagrant, Peter Dinklage mentioned he started eating fish and chicken again, although he doesn't eat red meat. He also supports Farm Sanctuary and has been the group's spokesperson for its Walk for Farm Animals.