While most of us know him as Tyrion Lannister from Game of Thrones, Peter Dinklage’s impressive career got off to a rocky start. Not finding roles outside of a stereotype, the actor has struggled a lot to get where he is now. His life story is an example of how being persistent and staying true to his beliefs can lead a person to success.
O awesome.club saw in Peter Dinklage’s life story, and how he managed to fulfill his dreams, an extremely inspiring example to share.
1. He had difficulties at a very young age
Peter Dinklage was born in 1969 in New Jersey and knew very early on that he wanted to be an actor. While his brother Jonathan had musical talents, Peter found his vocation in theater and began appearing in school plays such as The Velveteen Rabbit. He later followed his passion and majored in Theater at Bennington College in Vermont, United States.
The actor faced many difficulties from the beginning, such as being born with a genetic condition called achondroplasia, which is a form of dwarfism. This put him through many challenges during his development, but he eventually came to terms with his condition and realized “that this was not his problem, it was theirs”.
2. His acting career got off to a rocky start
During the early stages of his career, Peter suffered a lot and found it very difficult to support himself and make ends meet. As there weren’t many opportunities for people with his condition, he then started to accept specific jobs. The actor stated that during this period he suffered from depression but continued to try despite it.
3. The actor moved on, despite prejudices
Peter was called on for a few projects in his career, but turned down most of them because they were offensive. For him, it was crucial that he get roles that any other actor could get as well. Even though it meant struggling to find those opportunities, the actor stuck to his principles.
4. Finally got an achievement
His first major achievement came with Living in Abandon, in which he played an actor with dwarfism. However, his first major work came in 2003’s The Station Man, and that brought Peter into the spotlight. What made him choose the role was that it wasn’t written specifically for someone with dwarfism, but a person who “I had romantic, angry and flawed feelings”.
5. Fighting stereotypes
The biggest challenge Peter faced throughout his career was finding roles in which his dwarfism wasn’t the only focus. He has said that “roles written for someone my size are a little boring”, and that he knew he would only be cast in elves and dwarves roles. In fact, he’d rather eat French fries for a few years than play an elf for a Macy’s commercial.
6. Your life changed with Game of Thrones
After a few years of effort, Peter’s big break finally came with Game of Thrones. For the creators, there were basically no other options besides him for the role of Tyrion Lannister. At first, the actor was hesitant, worried that this could be an offensive character. But he eventually accepted, and the role changed his life.
7. Your family is your biggest base
The actor keeps his life out of the public eye; he married Erica Schmidt in 2005, and they now have two children. His wife is a playwright and director, and the two work together on some projects.
8. Continuing Against All Odds
Peter’s story is a good example of how challenges and problems can sometimes shape a person into a strong individual. By persisting, no matter what obstacles life would throw at him and fighting stereotypes, Peter has managed to achieve fame and success, and is an example we can all look up to.
Have you ever had a challenge in your life? What lesson did you take away from this experience?
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