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Famous People With Dwarfism: Actors, Athletes and More

Author: - View Credentials
Published: 8 Jan 2024 - Updated: 4 Nov 2026
Publication Type: Informative

Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - Overview - FAQs - Insights, Updates - Related Content

Synopsis

This information lists well-known people who have or had dwarfism, from actors such as Peter Dinklage, Warwick Davis, Linda Hunt and Verne Troyer to Paralympic athletes, musicians, scientists and record holders verified by Guinness World Records. It explains how Little People of America defines dwarfism, the difference between proportionate and disproportionate dwarfism, and how common achondroplasia is, and it names many of the more than 400 diagnosed types. The list has been checked so that it includes only people with dwarfism, not people who are simply short, and heights are given in both centimeters and inches where known. It is a useful reference for students, families of children with dwarfism and anyone interested in the contributions of little people across history and popular culture.

At a Glance

Topic Definition

Dwarfism

Dwarfism is a medical or genetic condition that usually results in an adult height of 4 feet 10 inches (147 cm) or shorter. More than 400 types have been identified, and they are grouped as proportionate dwarfism, often caused by a hormone deficiency, or disproportionate dwarfism, in which the limbs or trunk are unusually short, as in achondroplasia. Dwarfism is not a disease, and people with dwarfism have average intelligence and can live full, independent lives, although some types bring medical problems that need lifelong care.

Overview

Dwarfism is not a disease, and it has no single medical definition. Little People of America defines it as a medical or genetic condition that usually results in an adult height of 4 feet 10 inches (147 cm) or shorter, for both men and women. The average adult height of people with dwarfism is about 4 feet (122 cm), with typical heights from 2 feet 8 inches to 4 feet 8 inches [Little People of America, n.d.]. Many people prefer the terms "little person", "person of short stature" or "person with dwarfism". The word "midget" is considered offensive.

More than 400 types of dwarfism have been diagnosed, and most fall into two broad groups:

Achondroplasia is the most common type and accounts for perhaps 70 percent of all cases, occurring in about one in 26,000 to 40,000 births [Little People of America, n.d.]. Without treatment, adult men with achondroplasia average about 131 cm (4 feet 4 inches) and adult women about 124 cm (4 feet 1 inch) [MedlinePlus Genetics, n.d.].

There are approximately 400 types of dwarfism. Below is a list of some of them, grouped by type where they belong together.

Types of Dwarfism

NOTE: The list below does not include every prominent person with dwarfism. You can help by sending us the names of people with dwarfism (from reliable sources) missing from this list.

Famous People Who Have or Had Dwarfism

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dwarfism considered a disability?

Dwarfism can be a disability under laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act when it substantially limits major life activities, and people with dwarfism may need workplace or building accommodations.

Can two average-height parents have a child with dwarfism?

Yes. Most babies with achondroplasia are born to parents of average height because the condition usually results from a new genetic change.

What medical problems are linked to achondroplasia?

Possible issues include ear infections, sleep apnea, bowed legs, spinal stenosis and, in infants, pressure at the base of the skull, so regular care from experienced specialists is recommended.

Is there a treatment for achondroplasia?

There is no cure. A medicine called vosoritide is approved in the United States to increase growth in children with achondroplasia whose growth plates are still open.

What is the difference between dwarfism and short stature?

Short stature simply means being shorter than average, which can be normal. Dwarfism refers to an underlying medical or genetic condition that limits growth.

What is Little People of America?

Little People of America is a nonprofit organization founded in 1957 that offers support, information, conferences and community for people with dwarfism and their families.

Limb lengthening is a major, lengthy procedure with real risks. It is a personal decision that should be made with experienced surgeons and with full information about outcomes.

How can workplaces include employees with dwarfism?

Simple changes such as step stools, lower counters and shelves, adjustable chairs and accessible controls make many workplaces easier to use for employees of short stature.

References

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: Lists like this one show how varied the lives of people with dwarfism have been, from court entertainers and circus performers in past centuries to award-winning actors, Paralympic champions, a mathematician who shaped electrical engineering and a geneticist who writes about disability ethics. Many people with dwarfism still face practical barriers, such as counters, controls and vehicles built for average height, as well as medical issues linked to some types, including spinal stenosis, sleep apnea and joint problems. Support groups such as Little People of America offer medical information, adaptive equipment advice and community for families. Readers who know of a notable person with dwarfism missing from the list, backed by a reliable source, are welcome to send the details.

Ian C. Langtree Author Credentials: Ian C. Langtree is a writer, editor, and the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, which he established in 2004 as one of the longest-running independent resources for disability news and information. Over more than two decades, he has written and edited thousands of articles on disability rights, health, accessibility, and assistive technology. Drawing on a global perspective shaped by extensive travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed advocate of the Social Model of Disability, the framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that focuses on removing societal barriers rather than on individual impairments. His writing is grounded in that framework and in a lasting commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his .

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<a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/disability/awareness/famous/famous-dwarfism.php">Famous People With Dwarfism: Actors, Athletes and More</a>: A list of famous people with dwarfism, from actors such as Peter Dinklage and Warwick Davis to athletes and record holders, plus the main types of dwarfism.

While we aim to provide accurate, up-to-date information, our content is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Consult a qualified professional about your specific situation.

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