Hey there! Let's take a walk down memory lane and explore the heights of some of Hollywood's most iconic leading men. It's fascinating how these legendary actors came in all shapes and sizes, each bringing their own unique charm to the screen. Some, like Mickey Rooney, weren't thrilled about being on the shorter side, while others, like John Wayne, embraced their towering presence. Today, we're going to rank these Hollywood legends from shortest to tallest and dive into the stories behind their stature.
Short but Mighty: Mickey Rooney (5-foot-2)
Let's kick things off with Mickey Rooney, who, despite his diminutive stature, was a powerhouse in the entertainment world. From 1939 to 1941, he was the biggest box-office draw in Hollywood. But Mickey wasn't always thrilled with his height. He once admitted, "I didn't want to be short. I tried to make up for it by spending more money than I made and dating tall, beautiful women." Talk about turning lemons into lemonade! Mickey had a way of making his height work for him, and he became an enduring icon in the industry.
Bing Crosby: The 5-foot-7 Crooner
Next up, we have the legendary Bing Crosby, standing at 5-foot-7. Now, here's a guy who didn't let his height define him. When asked if he ever wished he was taller, Bing quipped, "Sure! Particularly when I’m with a tall leading lady. I could do with 6 feet very nicely." That's Bing for you—always quick with a witty response. His charm and talent more than made up for any perceived height disadvantage.
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Paul Newman: A Cool 5-foot-10
Now, let's talk about Paul Newman, the heartthrob who stood at 5-foot-10. Once, a columnist questioned Paul's height and offered him $1,000 for every inch he measured over 5-foot-8. Paul, ever the sharp-witted actor, called the columnist's bluff by asking for $100,000. Classic Paul Newman—always keeping it real and having a sense of humor about himself.
William Holden: The 5-foot-11 Leading Man
William Holden was a towering presence at 5-foot-11. He once remarked, "I am big. It’s the pictures that got small!" This quote is especially ironic when you consider that Gloria Swanson, who famously said this line in Sunset Boulevard, stood a foot shorter than Bill. Talk about height differences on the big screen!
Clark Gable: The 6-foot-1 King of Hollywood
At 6-foot-1, Clark Gable was considered a towering figure in his day. Initially, his height was "considered pretty high up," but as time went on, Clark observed that "an actor under 6 feet is considered a runt!" It's amazing how perceptions of height have shifted over the years, but one thing's for sure—Clark's larger-than-life presence made him a true Hollywood legend.
Cary Grant: The 6-foot-2 Gentleman
Standing at 6-foot-2, Cary Grant was a true gentleman who towered over the likes of Grace Kelly and Myrna Loy. But Cary wasn't one to be self-conscious about his height. He famously said, "I’m myself. The most difficult thing is to be yourself." Cary had a way of making everyone around him feel at ease, and his confidence was truly inspiring.
John Wayne: The 6-foot-4 Duke
Finally, we have the towering figure of John Wayne, affectionately known as "The Duke," who stood at an impressive 6-foot-4. According to his El Dorado co-star Robert Mitchum, "Duke was 6-4, but he wore 4-inch lifts and a 10-gallon hat." Why the extra height? John Wayne reportedly said, "You gotta keep 'em Wayne-conscious." That's the Duke for you—always larger than life and making sure everyone knew it.
