What Is Peter Dinklage Net Worth?
Peter Dinklage, the acclaimed American actor, has amassed a substantial net worth of $25 million as of 2025. This financial success is primarily attributed to his acting career, with a significant portion stemming from his iconic role as Tyrion Lannister in the HBO series “Game of Thrones.” Beyond “Game of Thrones,” Dinklage has appeared in numerous films, contributing to his overall financial standing.
Game of Thrones Salary Details
Dinklage’s “Game of Thrones” salary reached an impressive $1.1 million per episode during the final two seasons. These 14 episodes, broadcast between July 2017 and May 2019, earned him a total of $14.3 million. This per-episode figure places him among the highest-paid actors in television history, securing the sixth position on that list at the time.
Prior to this peak, for seasons 5 and 6, consisting of 20 episodes, Dinklage received $500,000 per episode. This amounts to a total of $10 million for those two seasons. Considering his participation in all eight seasons of “Game of Thrones,” Peter’s total earnings from the series likely exceed $30 million. While specific details regarding bonuses or backend deals aren’t publicly available, his impact on the show’s success suggests potential additional compensation beyond his base salary.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on June 11, 1969, in Morristown, New Jersey, Peter Hayden Dinklage’s journey began with humble roots. His father, John Carl Dinklage, worked as an insurance salesman, while his mother, Diane Dinklage, taught music in elementary school. Peter, who has achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism, stands at 4 feet 5 inches (135 cm) tall. He grew up in Mendham Township, New Jersey, alongside his older brother, Jonathan, a professional violinist.
Dinklage’s first foray into acting was in the fifth grade, playing the lead role in “The Velveteen Rabbit.” He attended Delbarton School, a Catholic private school for boys. Inspired by a 1984 production of “True West,” he pursued a drama degree at Bennington College, graduating in 1991. Post-graduation, he moved to New York City with his friend Ian Bell to start a theater company. Facing financial challenges, Dinklage worked at a data processing company for six years before committing to acting full-time.
Career Trajectory and Film Roles
Early in his career, Dinklage consciously avoided stereotypical roles often offered to actors with dwarfism. This decision, while principled, initially made it difficult to find work. He made his debut in the 1995 film “Living in Oblivion,” a parody of independent filmmaking, where he played a dwarf hired for a dream sequence. In 1996, he appeared in the off-Broadway play “The Killing Act,” playing Tom Thumb.
His breakout role came in 2003 with the comedy-drama “The Station Agent.” This success led to roles in films such as “Elf” (2003), “Lassie” (2005), “Find Me Guilty” (2006), “Underdog” (2007), “Death at a Funeral” (2007), “Penelope” (2008), “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” (2008), “X-Men: Days of Future Past” (2014), “Pixels” (2015), “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” (2017), “I Think We’re Alone Now” (2018), and “Avengers: Infinity War” (2018). Each of these roles contributed incrementally to his growing wealth and reputation in the industry. While his specific earnings from each of these film projects aren’t publicly accessible, his presence in high-profile movies like “Avengers: Infinity War” suggests substantial compensation.
In addition to film, Dinklage has participated in stage productions, including an Off-Broadway production of “Richard III” (2003). He has also lent his voice to projects like “Ice Age: Continental Drift” (2012), “The Angry Birds Movie” (2016), the video game “Game of Thrones: A Telltale Games Series” (2015), “Destiny,” and “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” (2023). His versatility across different mediums has broadened his income streams.
In 2016, Dinklage co-founded Estuary Films with David Ginsburg. “I Think We’re Alone Now” was the first film produced under this banner, with Dinklage both starring in and producing the film.
“Game of Thrones” Impact and Awards
Dinklage’s role as Tyrion Lannister in “Game of Thrones” significantly boosted his career and net worth. He was the first actor cast in the series in May 2009. His performance garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards, including four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series and a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor. He has also been nominated for the Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor three times and for the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor five times (from 2013 to 2017).
In total, Peter Dinklage has received 61 award nominations and won 14 awards. These accolades not only underscore his talent but also have enhanced his marketability and earning potential in the entertainment industry.
Real Estate and Personal Assets
While specific details regarding Peter Dinklage’s real estate holdings are not publicly available, it is reasonable to assume that his $25 million net worth includes investments in property. Celebrities of his stature often own multiple residences in desirable locations. However, without concrete information, it’s impossible to provide details such as addresses or property values. Similarly, information regarding his ownership of private aircraft or luxury vehicles is not accessible.
Personal Life and Vegetarianism
Dinklage married theater director Erica Schmidt in 2005. They have two children, and the couple maintains a high level of privacy regarding their family life.
Peter Dinklage has been a vegetarian since the age of 16. He has supported PETA in several campaigns, including the advocacy film “Face your Food.” His commitment to vegetarianism is a well-known aspect of his public persona.