There’s a good chance that you don’t recognize Peter Dinklage as the truly amazing actor he is. Okay, that is a bold statement and I’m sure many reading this would disagree. But, I have been thinking a lot about when we are speaking with friends and randomly spew out talented actors, and more often than not, Dinklage’s name never leaves our lips. Why is that? Dinklage has been an active actor since 1995 and at this point, almost all of us has seen Game of Thrones. Is his role as Tyrion Lannister not compelling enough? This may seem a little more passionate than you believe is necessary, but for another who is looking to get into acting or chase any dream, Dinklage is an inspiration to keep pushing forward towards your dream goal.
As someone born with a common form of dwarfism, Dinklage refused to play roles that would typically be offered to 
someone with his condition. Not wanting to play an elf or a leprechaun, Dinklage struggled when first moving to New York City. Like any inspirational underdog story, Dinklage rose to be the actor we know him as today. Dinklage’s breakout role was in 2003’s The Station Agent. For the part of Finbar McBride, he was able to play a character that not a lot of those with dwarfism are able to play: sexual, romantic, and flawed. His performance would earn him two nominations and his highest rated film on Rotten Tomatoes.
Not only has Dinklage become one of the most popular character on Game of Thrones, but has also gone on to playing roles in X-Men: Days of Future Past, award-winning Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, The Boss, and Avengers: Infinity War. There’s a lot of powerhouse movies under Dinklage’s belt and yet, when we mention these projects, it’s hardly ever his name is mentioned. I believe that his tenacity and will to break stereotypes and not compromise his talent is something we should all aspire to imitate.
In 2012, Dinklage spoke at the graduation ceremony for Bennington College. During his commencement speech, he painted a picture of his journey. For advice for the graduating class, he let them know about the ups and downs of his career. Formerly a data processor, he walked away from this profession at the age of 29 to then go on to pursue acting. He was terrified.
Don’t wait until they tell you, you are ready.
The world might say you are not allowed to yet. I waited a long time out in the world before I gave myself permission to fail. Please, don’t even bother asking, don’t bother telling the world you are ready. Show it. Do it.
Peter Dinklage will return as Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones’s final season. Dinklage has a few projects lined up within the next year or so and no matter what Tyrion’s fate is, we will always look to Tyrion and regard him as one of the best characters on the HBO show. Remember, this is completely credited to how fantastic an actor Peter is. So, next time you and your friends discuss the best actors in Hollywood, don’t leave out his name!
A girl with too many fandoms to count.
