Top 10 Peter Dinklage Performances
He's a Golden Globe and Emmy-winning actor who's proven size doesn't matter. Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the top 10 Peter Dinklage performances. For this list, we're taking a look at those performances that show off this actor at his finest and/or most memorable. He may be little, but he packs a big punch in the acting work, mastering the small and the big screen.
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Script written by Melissa Kusiolek.
#10: Marlowe Sawyer
“Nip/Tuck” (2003-10)
Dinklage landed the role of Marlowe Sawyer on this drama in its 4th season. As the nanny of a plastic surgeon’s newborn son, his feelings for the doctor’s wife eventually lead him and Julia toward an unexpected affair. With a passionate delivery and the drive to alter his appearance so that he could look more “acceptable” to his new lover, this character was both multi-layered and three-dimensional not only due to the show’s clever writing, but also thanks to Dinklage’s powerful performance.
#9: Tito
“Living in Oblivion” (1995)
This offbeat independent comedy about the trials and tribulations of a small time director cast Dinklage in a memorable role as a dwarf in a dream sequence. Sporting a baby blue tuxedo with matching top hat, Dinklage’s part in this film may have been small, but he left a lasting impression by outlining the cliché nature of his part to a tee. Not bad for his feature-length acting debut!
#8: Rowlie
“Lassie” (2005)
Cast as a traveling puppeteer in this family film starring one of TV’s most famous dogs, Dinklage-as-Rowlie begins a slow and unsteady friendship with his canine co-star that eventually leads the two companions towards a genuine and heartfelt bond. It’s safe to say that it’s not easy to hold your own against this furry leading lady, but Dinklage pulled it off gracefully with sincere interactions that make working with animals look like an easy task.
#7: Ben Klandis
“Find Me Guilty” (2006)
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Based on the real-life story of the longest running mafia trial in New York’s history, this comedy crime film sees Dinklage shine as the lead defense attorney offering to help famed mobster Jackie DiNorscio. His commanding courtroom presence and ability to convey information important to both the plot and the courtroom case itself showed us how the actor could pull off a more confined role, while also convincing us he had a few years of Yale under his belt.
#6: Trumpkin
“The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” (2008)
Dinklage was almost unrecognizable under heavy make-up as Trumpkin in the film adaptation of the popular “Chronicles of Narnia” book series. Fortunately, both his wit and strength shone through his appearance as a powerful dwarf you don’t wanna mess with. This role proved that it takes more than some prosthetics to cover Dinklage’s power as a character actor, and provided a different look, delivery, and persona for him to further develop his amazing talents on the big screen.
#5: Miles Finch
“Elf” (2003)
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In this holiday comedy, Dinklage plays a children’s author who gets to lay a full can of whoop ass on Will Ferrell. After Buddy ridicules him in a naïve misunderstanding during a business meeting, Miles Finch gets to fight back against the stereotypes of little people everywhere - literally. Highlighting both Dinklage’s masterful comedic delivery and his fearlessness in addressing his stature head on, this is one role that remains hilariously unforgettable.
#4: Bolivar Trask
“X-Men: Days of Future Past” (2014)
In a departure from his more sympathetic roles, Dinklage was a memorable addition to this bridging film in the X-Men franchise. As the head of the mutant hunting company Trask Industries and the creator of the Sentinels robots, he gave a subtle yet somewhat menacing portrayal of both personal fear and businessman sensibilities. Bolivar Trask was the flame that lit the fuse for mutant genocide andDinklage pulled off the role masterfully.
#3: Peter
“Death at a Funeral” (2007)
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In this dark British comedy, Dinklage plays a “friend” to the recently deceased father of the main characters. When they meet, this friend presents the two brothers with photos that leave little to the imagination as to the true nature of his acquaintance with their father. What happens next involves blackmail, hallucinogenic drugs, and mis-interpreted death, with Dinklage at the center of all the chaos. A role he reprised in the 2010 American remake of the same name, this is one hilarious character that didn’t only highlight the actor’s comedy chops, but also left audiences dying with laughter.
#2: Finbar McBride
“The Station Agent” (2003)
This heart-wrenching tale of a man who feels ostracized by his community due to his differences landed Dinklage on the map as an actor who could make us both laugh and cry simultaneously. Portraying a character that is anti-social by choice, Dinklage’s performance as a melancholy man who discovers himself through unlikely friendships is extremely powerful. It didn’t only enlighten us to the benefits of daring to be vulnerable; it also helped us understand that what we perceive as flaws might actually be the things that make us special and unique.
Before we reveal our #1 pick, here are some honorable mentions:
- Captain Gutt
“Ice Age: Continental Drift” (2012)
- Dr. Simon Barsinister
“Underdog” (2007)
- Leflore
“Safe Men” (1998)
- Arthur Ramsey
“Threshold” (2005-06)
#1: Tyrion Lannister
“Game of Thrones” (2011-)
In an epic fantasy drama filled with many unique characters, this is the one character who stands apart from the rest. Dinklage earned both a Golden Globe and Emmy award for his portrayal of the intelligent “Imp” of the Lannister clan thanks to Tyrion’s biting wit, confident demeanor and the fact that he’s the voice of reason we’ve all grown to love. With a layered and spectacular depiction of a man who’s often disregarded yet highly capable, Dinklage continues to show us the extent of his immeasurable range and acting prowess in this role that captivates us on a weekly basis.
Do you agree with our list? Which Peter Dinklage role is your favorite? For more entertaining top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.
