Do you love tall women? If so, you are not alone – we do, too! Not in a weird way, but nothing makes us stop in our tracks like a woman with an Amazon-esque stature.
There’s a reason why runway models are usually six feet and up – they’re awe-inspiring.
Female fashion models are usually at least 5’9” (175 cm) tall and are much taller than the average woman (Credit: Fashionstock / Shutterstock)
Whether you are a kindred spirit to Tormund Giantsbane from Game of Thrones (he loves a “big woman”) or are simply curious to know which ladies in Hollywood can reach the top shelf for you or Tom Cruise, we’ve got you covered.
Here is our list of the 30 tallest actresses in Hollywood:
30. Cameron Diaz – 5’8” (172.7 cm)
Cameron Diaz, who is five feet and eight inches tall, is the first on our list. This blonde bombshell is considered a certified sex symbol in Hollywood. She wears a shoe size 9 (US).
Although there’s not an official award for it, we think Diaz could win the Oscar for “Most Roles as the ‘Unattainable Hot Girl’ Throughout Her Career.”
Clad in an electric blue gown from Stella McCartney adorned with a spiked belt, Cameron Diaz embraced the PUNK: Chaos to Couture theme at the 2013 Met Gala (Credit: Bill Davila / Startraksphoto)
Cameron Diaz is a pro at being the romantic interest (The Mask, My Best Friend’s Wedding, There’s Something About Mary), but she is also a talented dramatic actress, as showcased by her roles in films such as Being John Malkovich, Vanilla Sky, and Gangs of New York.
29. Julia Roberts – 5’8” (172.7 cm)
Some men seem to be intimidated by tall women, but we think it’s impossible not to love Pretty Woman herself, Julia Roberts. Her shoe size is 9.5 (US).
The Mystic Pizza actress has appeared in a wide range of successful films. Her filmography has grossed over $3.9 billion worldwide, making her one of the most sought-after actresses in Hollywood.
Julia Roberts in a custom Louis Vuitton black tuxedo jumpsuit with Rene Caovilla heels at the Armageddon Time premiere during the 75th Cannes Film Festival (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimag)
Known for her big, beautiful smile and phenomenal acting chops, Julia Roberts has won at nearly every major awards ceremony for titles such as Erin Brockovich, Steel Magnolias, and Pretty Woman.
28. Blake Lively – 5ft 8 ½ (174 cm)
Surprisingly, despite her height, Blake Lively did not get her break as a model. However, The It Ends With Us actress got some help from her parents, as her father was an actor and her mother was a talent scout. Her shoe size is 9 (US).
With their help, Blake Lively scored her breakout role in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants in 2005, earning the young actress a Teen Choice Awards nomination.
Blake Lively paying homage to New York City in an Atelier Versace gown at the 2022 Met Gala (Credit: Charles Guerin / ABACA / INSTARimages)
Since then, Blake Lively has gone on to star in a plethora of projects, including Gossip Girl, The Age of Adaline, The Shallows, All I See Is You, and Green Lantern – the latter of which she starred alongside her now-husband, Ryan Reynolds. The pair have been married since 2012 and have four children together.
27. Maggie Gyllenhaal – 5’9” (175.3 cm)
As much as we dislike nepotism, we love famous sibling duos. Maggie Gyllenhaal is a prime example of one part of these duos, as she is the older sister to actor Jake Gyllenhaal of Zodiac, Nocturnal Animals, and Brokeback Mountain fame.
The Gyllenhaals have even appeared together in their projects, most notably playing siblings in the critically acclaimed Donnie Darko in 2001. Maggie Gyllenhaal’s shoe size is approximately 9.5 US, which is equivalent to around 40-41 in European sizing and 7.5-8 in United Kingdom sizing.
Maggie Gyllenhaal wearing an Armani Privé gown at the 32nd Annual Gotham Awards in New York City on November 28, 2022 (Credit: Darla Khazei / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Maggie Gyllenhaal is slightly shorter than her younger brother, Jake Gyllenhaal, who stands around six feet tall. Nevertheless, she deserves a spot on this list for her remarkable performances in films like “Sherrybaby,” “The Dark Knight,” and “Crazy Heart,” where she has made a name for herself.
26. Gwyneth Paltrow – 5’9” (175.3 cm)
Gwyneth Paltrow, known for her role in The Royal Tenenbaums, is a fascinating inclusion on our list. The actress, who exudes both tall and petite vibes, stands at an impressive five feet nine inches.
This makes her significantly taller than her numerous award statues! The Goop founder and crystal enthusiast also wears a size 11 (US) shoe.
Gwyneth Paltrow in a black-and-white striped Carolina Herrera gown at the Veuve Clicquot Solaire Culture exhibition in Beverly Hills on October 25, 2022 (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
For her work on titles such as Shakespeare in Love, Glee, and Emma, Gwyneth Paltrow has contributed to an illustrious career that has earned her 16 major awards, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Primetime Emmy Award.
These include an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. Not bad for someone who earned criticism for a candle that smells like vaginas!
25. Lucy Lawless – 5’9 ¼” (175.9 cm)
Although Lucy Lawless is tall, standing just above five feet and nine inches, we expected her to be much taller! She wears a size 10 in the US shoe sizing system, roughly translating to a size 41-42 in European sizing and a size 8-8.5 in the UK shoe sizing system.
We credit her portrayal of the powerful, larger-than-life titular character of Xena: Warrior Princess. Since her time as Xena, Lucy Lawless has appeared in many titles, including Parks and Recreation, Salem, and Ash vs Evil Dead.
Lucy Lawless at The Warner Music Group Post-Grammy Party held at The Pacific Design Center in Beverly Hills on February 8, 2006 (Credit: Devan / INFGoff)
Moreover, Lawless’ outspoken support of the LGBTQIA+ community – as well as openly portraying Xena as a lesbian, cheekily noting to Lesbian News, “They’re married, man!” regarding Xena’s relationship with another female character – has led to the actress being lauded as a gay icon. In fact, she was awarded the Star-100 Ally of the Year award in 2017.
24. Mandy Moore – 5’9 ¾” (177.2 cm)
Many teenage stars who rose to fame in the early 2000s have left the limelight recently, but not Mandy Moore! Her shoe size is 10 (US).
Standing just under five feet and ten inches, Mandy Moore first broke into the public eye as a singer, with hit singles “Candy” and “I Wanna Be with You” hitting the Billboard Hot 100 list. Although the songs themselves may not be memorable, Moore’s debut album, So Real, is actually certified platinum!
Mandy Moore in a power suit with pointy-toe heels at the NBCU FYC House Presents This Is Us at Closing Night Music Event in Los Angeles on May 25, 2022 (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images / INSTA)
After pivoting to acting, Mandy Moore found roles in iconic teen movies like The Princess Diaries, A Walk to Remember, and Saved!
The actress isn’t pigeonholed by her eternally young appearance, playing mature roles in titles such as This Is Us and The Darkest Minds. Still, Mandy Moore hasn’t lost any of her musical talent, lending her voice to the role of Rapunzel in Disney’s Tangled.
23. Charlize Theron – 5’9 ¾” (177.2 cm)
Charlize Theron is one of the only South African A-listers in Hollywood, automatically making her one of the tallest (second only to Trevor Noah, who stands at 5’11”). Her shoe size is 9.5 (US).
Charlize Theron in an all-blue outfit with ankle-strap heels outside the Jimmy Kimmel Live studios in Los Angeles on October 25, 2022 (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Although Theron is a highly celebrated actress – she has earned a variety of accolades, is one of the highest-paid actresses in the world, and was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world – she originally got her start in showbiz as a model. Then again, we could have guessed that based on her stunning looks.
Like the other beautiful women on this list, Charlize Theron is far more than just a pretty face, as seen in movies such as Monster, Mad Max: Fury Road, Atomic Blonde, Tully, and Bombshell.
22. Brooke Shields – 5’10 ½” (179.1 cm)
The gorgeous Brooke Shields’ career has been marred with scandal, but most of it has been through no fault of her own. Shields began a modeling career before she was even a year old and continued to model throughout her childhood.
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Among these modeling jobs was for one of Playboy’s former publications, Sugar ‘n’ Spice, which published photos of a then 10-year-old Brooke Shields completely nude.
Though legal action was taken against the photographer and publication, they ended up getting off scot-free as Shields was considered a child “performer” – not a model – and it could not be considered child pornography (?!?!?!).
Her early acting career was no less scandalous. Shields’ first major film role was in Pretty Baby (1978), where she portrayed a child prostitute at 12 years old. At 14, Shields starred in Blue Lagoon (1980), which frequently depicted the young actress completely nude and engaging in sexual acts with another child.
Getting into the holiday spirit, Brooke Shields sparkled in a red St. John ensemble with metallic gold leather heels at the New York premiere of Spirited on November 7, 2022 (Credit: ROGER WONG / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Brooke Shields is a prime example of a child star exploited by the adults around her. Fortunately, the almost six-foot-tall model and actress has been able to recover from her traumatic childhood.
Since then, she has earned a degree from Princeton and appeared in numerous titles, including The Muppets Take Manhattan, The Other Guys, That ‘70s Show, Hannah Montana, and Scream Queens.
21. Nicole Kidman – 5’10 ½” (179.1 cm)
This tall actress is known for being a true chameleon. Due to her impeccable accents, viewers are often confused about whether Nicole Kidman is Australian or English!
Nicole Kidman in a Prada dress with gold embroidery and feathered detailing at The Northman premiere held at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, California on April 18, 2022 (Credit: Fayes’s Vision / Cover Images / INSTA)
As it turns out, Kidman has lived all across the world (though she shares dual citizenship in Australia and the United States), which may have contributed to her brilliant portrayals with numerous accents. From Big Little Lies to Moulin Rouge and Eyes Wide Shut, Kidman’s filmography is the stuff of legend.
Standing at almost 5’11”, Nicole Kidman is only an inch taller than her husband, country music superstar Keith Urban.
Although the height difference is small, Kidman’s penchant for wearing sky-high stilettos has resulted in many press photos showing the actress towering over her husband. It’s a good thing Keith Urban isn’t insecure about his height!
Keith Urban, who is an inch shorter than Nicole Kidman, is still smitten with his much taller wife after all these years (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images / INSTA)
20. Tilda Swinton – 5’10 ½” (179.1 cm)
Some folks radiate tall-people energy, and it makes sense that Tilda Swinton is tall. The actress is known for playing ethereal, often off-putting characters, such as her roles in films like The Chronicles of Narnia, Suspiria, and Okja.
Tilda Swinton rocking a retro-chic look in a custom Bella Freud pale blue suit and matching pointy-toe pumps at The Eternal Daughter premiere during the 66th BFI London Film Festival on October 6, 2022 (Credit: Stuart Hardy / ABACA / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Surprisingly, Swinton’s unique look didn’t result in an early modeling contract. Instead, the actress got her start on the stage, first joining the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1984.
Although Tilda Swinton is a powerhouse on the silver screen, she often returns to the stage for performances between film projects.
19. Rebecca Romijn – 5’10 ½” (179.1 cm)
As much as we love Jennifer Lawrence, Rebecca Romijn will always be the true Mystique from the X-Men franchise in our eyes!
Like many of the other tall women on this list, Romijn was a model before transitioning to acting and has appeared on the covers of Cosmopolitan, Glamour, GQ, and Sports Illustrated in their issues worldwide.
She has also appeared in ads and fashion shows for hundreds of brands, including Armani, Dior, and Tommy Hilfiger.
Rebecca Romijn flaunting legs for days in an embellished minidress with pointy-toe heels at the Star Trek: Strange New Worlds premiere in New York City on April 30, 2022 (Credit: JENNIFER GRAYLOCK / INSTARimages)
Based on her killer performance, we wouldn’t have guessed that X-Men (2000) was actually Romijn’s first major movie role! Since then, she has appeared in titles like Good Deeds, Satanic Panic, Ugly Betty, and several Star Trek reboots.
18. Sigourney Weaver – 5’10 ½” (179.1 cm)
Few women in Hollywood have starred in as many iconic roles as Sigourney Weaver. The legendary actress has portrayed numerous powerful women throughout her career, towering over her on-screen foes with her impressive height.
Sigourney Weaver wearing a green suit with square-toed heels at the Los Angeles premiere of Call Jane on October 20, 2022 (Credit: Xavier Collin / ABACA / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Her roles in titles such as Avatar, Wall-E, Gorillas in the Mist, Working Girl, and both the Ghostbusters and Alien film franchises have earned the actress many awards, including two Academy Awards.
17. Hannah Waddingham – 5’11” (180.3 cm)
Another award-winning tall woman, Hannah Waddingham, just won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress (as well as two Critic’s Choice Television Awards) for her role as Rebecca Welton in Ted Lasso.
Hannah Waddingham in a pink tulle Dolce & Gabbana gown on her way to the 2022 Primetime Emmy Awards on September 12, 2022 (Credit: MICHAEL SIMON / Startraksphoto / Cover Images)
Although she had previously appeared in smaller roles in Les Misérables and Game of Thrones, Ted Lasso marks Waddingham’s first major foray into the public eye. Expect to see more of her!
16. Adrianne Palicki – 5’11” (180.3 cm)
Standing just under six feet tall, Adrianne Palicki has done big things since growing up in Toledo, Ohio. Palicki started on NBC’s legendary high school drama Friday Night Lights as Tyra Colette.
Adrianne Palicki attending the Disney 2022 Upfront in New York City on May 17, 2022 (Credit: ROGER WONG / INSTARimages)
Since then, she has translated her love of comic books into her career, starring in action-packed titles such as Legion, John Wick, The Orville, and Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
15. Uma Thurman – 5’11 ¼” (181 cm)
If you didn’t already know, then it certainly comes as no surprise that Uma Thurman got her start in show business as a model.
Despite suffering from severe bouts of body dysmorphia as a teenager, a then-15-year-old Thurman was signed to Click Models agency and dropped out of school to pursue modeling and acting.
Uma Thurman paying homage to her Pulp Fiction character in a custom Bottega Veneta white blouse and black floor-length skirt at the 94th Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California on March 27, 2022 (Credit: Abby Grant / Cover Images)
Standing at 5’11”, the actress has starred in several iconic titles, most notably as director Quentin Tarantino’s muse in films such as Kill Bill Volume 1 and 2.
You may have seen Uma Thurman’s daughter, Maya Hawke, in the latest seasons of Stranger Things. Unfortunately, she didn’t inherit her mother’s model height, as Hawke is only 5’8”.
14. Famke Janssen – 5’11 ½” (181.6 cm)
For some reason, Nordic countries seem to produce more tall people than any other area of the world, and Dutch actress Famke Janssen is no different.
Famke Janssen attending the Los Angeles special screening of Universal’s Redeeming Love on January 13, 2022 (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images / INSTARimages)
Although her name may not sound familiar, her face certainly is, as she has scored notable roles in films and television shows such as Hemlock Grove, How to Get Away with Murder, The Blacklist: Redemption, and famously as Jean Grey in the X-Men film series.
13. Missi Pyle – 5’11 ½” (181.6 cm)
Missi Pyle is well-known for playing less-than-friendly Southern women on screen. Although the Shelter actress is ideally suited for this, as she is a Houston, Texas native and has even performed music as part of a country music duo, she seems quite friendly in real life!
Wearing a black dress with brown knee-high boots, Missi Pyle stepped out at The Sixth Reel world premiere at Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles on August 19, 2021 (Credit: Abby Grant / Cover Images)
If you can’t get enough of Missi Pyle’s Southern charm, you can see her in titles such as Big Fish, Gone Girl, The Mentalist, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
12. Aisha Tyler – 5’11 ½” (181.6 cm)
Aisha Tyler is a bona fide comedy powerhouse (and a Dartmouth graduate!) and had plans to make it big from the beginning.
After a short stint at an advertising firm, Tyler packed up for Los Angeles in 1996 to start her career on screen. Standing at six feet tall, Aisha Tyler has appeared in both dramatic titles (Ghost Whisperer, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and Criminal Minds) and comedic ones (Reno 911!, The Boondocks, Robot Chicken, and The Boys).
Aisha Tyler in a sparkly red mini dress and black booties at the premiere of Disney’s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker in Los Angeles, California on December 16, 2019 (Credit: Sara De Boer / Startraksphoto)
She has also integrated her love of gaming into her career, frequently hosting the E3 Entertainment Expo and lending her voice to games like Halo: Reach, Gears of War 3, and Watch Dogs.
Nowadays, you can see Aisha Tyler hosting the reboot of Whose Line Is It Anyway?, making audiences laugh over and over again.
11. Saffron Burrows – 5’11 ¾” (182.2 cm)
Despite barely breaking the top ten on this list, Saffron Burrows once noted that her height initially impacted her career, saying, “I was always too tall for everything.”
Saffron Burrows at the Friendly House Annual Awards Luncheon held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California on November 19, 2022 (Credit: FAYES VISION / Startraksphoto / Cover Images)
Luckily, casting directors realized that London-born Burrows was just the right height for many things. The actress has appeared in titles such as Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Mozart in the Jungle, and You.
10. Jane Lynch – 6’0” (183 cm)
There is no denying that Jane Lynch has left her mark on the entertainment industry. She has used her height to her advantage in roles that epitomize a tall and powerful woman.
Jane Lynch looking every bit the thespian at the 2022 Drama League Awards in New York, New York on May 20, 2022 (Credit: JOHN NACION / Startraksphoto)
We’re not the only ones who think so, as Lynch has won five Emmy Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and one Golden Globe Award throughout her career.
If you need your daily dose of Jane Lynch, check out some of her appearances in For Your Consideration, Best in Show, Glee, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, and The 40-Year-Old Virgin.
9. Geena Davis – 6’0” (183 cm)
Geena Davis is an actress who might not initially seem tall, as many of her roles are soft-spoken, motherly characters typically portrayed by shorter actresses. However, she stands at a striking six feet tall.
Geena Davis towering over everyone in a pair of black ankle-strap heels outside the Good Morning America studios in New York City on October 10, 2022 (Credit: ROGER WONG / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Davis has been a mainstay on the silver screen since her breakout appearance in Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice. She has starred in titles like Thelma & Louise, A League of Their Own, and The Accidental Tourist.
Her statuesque height pairs perfectly with her award statues. Geena Davis has earned an Academy Award and a Golden Globe, adding to her impressive presence in Hollywood.
8. Kristen Johnston – 6’0” (182.9 cm)
This New York native started her career on the stage before transitioning to the small and silver screens. A graduate of New York University, Kristen Johnston has worked on several projects, including 3rd Rock from the Sun, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, and Ice Age.
Kristen Johnston at the I Might Have Been Queen book launch in Malibu, California on August 21, 2019 (Credit: Media Punch / INSTARimages)
You can also see Johnston as Tammy Diffendorf on Mom, where she stars alongside the next tall woman on this list!
7. Allison Janney – 6’0” (183 cm)
Allison Janney is one of those unsung Hollywood heroes you always recognize but never quite seem to remember their name. However, we promise you’ll remember her if you ever meet this 6-foot-tall beauty in real life!
Allison Janney looking elegant in a Brandon Maxwell dress at the 2nd Annual Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles, California, on October 15, 2022 (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
Janney made her debut on screen in 1991, doing short stints in long-running dramas like As The World Turns and Law & Order.
It wasn’t until 1999 that Allison Janney scored her breakout role as C.J. Cregg in the critically acclaimed drama The West Wing. Since then, she has appeared in titles such as The Girl on the Train, Ma, The Help, and I, Tonya.
6. Brigitte Nielsen – 6’0” (182.9 cm)
Like many of the other actresses on this list, it is no surprise that Brigitte Nielsen got her start as a model before moving on to the silver screen.
Brigitte Nielsen grabbing lunch with Mattia Dessi in Los Angeles, California, on October 23, 2019 (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)
The Danish actress has an impressive filmography and is best known for roles in titles like Red Sonja, Rocky IV, and Cobra. Perhaps even more impressive is Nielsen’s laundry list of spouses (there have been five!), which includes Sylvester Stallone and Sebastian Copeland.
5. Leslie Jones – 6’0” (183 cm)
Like Aisha Tyler and Jane Lynch, Leslie Jones is a 6-foot-tall comedic genius. She first became known in 2014 when she joined the cast of the iconic sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live.
Jones earned an Emmy nomination for her work on the show but eventually left after SNL’s 44th season. Since then, she has appeared in reboot titles such as Ghostbusters and Coming 2 America.
Leslie Jones in a sultry black dress and ankle-strap heels at the 2022 iHeartRadio Music Festival held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on September 24, 2022 (Credit: Brandi Benton / Startraksphoto / Cover Images)
Unfortunately for Jones, her height and size has led to hurt in her personal life, telling Variety, “Maybe because I’m tall, maybe I’m not the regular size – which is not that big. I’m [a] 10, 12. I guess it’s big for a Hollywood size, but I’m a normal-sized woman.”
Before the premiere of Ghostbusters, Jones made an upsetting confession on her Twitter page, writing: “It’s so funny how there are no designers to help me with a premiere dress for movie. Hmmm that will change and I remember everything.”
Designer Christian Siriano quickly responded, saying he “can’t wait to make her something fabulous to wear.” Siriano isn’t exactly a red carpet regular, but he is a talented designer with a penchant for working with those who don’t fit the mold of what a Hollywood actress “should” look like.
Still, Siriano doesn’t want to be lauded for something that should be normal, as the designer tweeted: “It shouldn’t be exceptional to work with brilliant people just because they’re not sample size. Congrats aren’t in order, a change is.”
Leslie Jones stunned in a red off-the-shoulder gown from Christian Siriano with Vince Camuto heels at the premiere of Ghostbusters held at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California on July 9, 2016 (Credit: INFphoto)
To no one’s surprise, Leslie Jones looked absolutely fantastic at the premiere. She has continued to wear Christian Siriano designs for nearly all of her red carpet appearances since then.
4. Elizabeth Debicki – 6’1 ¾” (187.3 cm)
Elizabeth Debicki is exactly the kind of tall, awe-inspiring woman who makes you say “wow!” as she walks by.
Debicki was born into a tall, waifish family. Both of her parents were ballet dancers, who inspired her to study dance as a child. As a teenager, Debicki realized she preferred acting to ballet, eventually earning a drama degree from the Victorian College of the Arts.
Poised and elegant, Elizabeth Debicki made a stunning entrance in a Dior Spring 2022 Haute Couture gown at the world premiere of The Crown Season 5 in London, England, on November 8, 2022 (Credit: Stuart Hardy / ABACA / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
In 2016, she talked about her tall family in an interview with the Daily Mail.
My younger sister is also very tall and my little brother, who is just 17, is 6ft 6in, so we’re the Amazonian Family. As a teenager I wasn’t comfortable with being taller than other people, and I’m sure I stooped a lot. …Granted, it’s not easy to be a super-tall woman in Hollywood. But there are times when it works in my favour. In The Night Manager, for example, both of my co-stars, Hugh Laurie and Tom Hiddleston, are also well over 6ft and it was lovely to look a co-star in the eye and not have them standing on an apple box.
Elizabeth Debicki’s first role was a small appearance in the 2011 film A Few Best Men, but her breakout performance was as the mysterious Jordan Baker in Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby.
Since then, she has appeared in titles such as Tenet, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Currently, she stars as Princess Diana in The Crown.
3. Dot-Marie Jones – 6’3” (190 cm)
Dot-Marie Jones may not be a household name, but her role as Coach Beiste in Glee has made such an impression that we couldn’t NOT include her on this list. Plus, she’s tall!
As Coach Beiste, Dot-Marie Jones and her impressive height made her an imposing presence in the musical comedy-drama television series Glee (Credit: Fox)
The actress is a former athlete who became a champion weightlifter in high school. Surprisingly enough, she is a celebrated arm wrestler, earning her first world championship at 19 and winning the next 14 arm wrestling championship titles in a row.
Her 6-foot-3-inch frame certainly helped Jones get an edge over her competition.
Dot-Marie Jones attending the Creative Arts Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, California on September 10, 2011 (Credit: Sara De Boer / Startraksphoto)
After a short stint as a professional wrestler, Dot-Marie Jones went on to make appearances in titles like Married… with Children, Desperate Housewives, and The Boondock Saints before scoring her role as Coach Beiste in Glee.
Starring alongside Jane Lynch, who is also on this list, Jones earned a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award for her excellent portrayal.
2. Gwendoline Christie – 6’3” (191 cm)
The “big woman” at the heart of Tormund Giantsbane’s affections herself, is none other than Gwendoline Christie!
She is known for her role as Brienne of Tarth in HBO’s critically-acclaimed (and then extremely not acclaimed, thanks to the dumpster fire of an eighth season) Game of Thrones.
Gwendoline Christie wearing a Thom Browne look with pointy-toe pumps at the premiere of Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery during the 66th BFI London Film Festival on October 16, 2022 (Credit: Stuart Hardy / ABACA / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Standing at a formidable six feet and three inches, Gwendoline Christie did not start her career as a model, nor was she born into a dynasty of nepotism.
Growing up in a hamlet near South Downs, East Sussex, Christie actually trained as a gymnast for much of her childhood before being forced to quit due to a spinal injury. Perhaps this was for the best, as many gymnasts are very short – plus, it’s what spurred her to take up acting!
“I’m certainly really rather tall at 6 foot 3, and I’ve been this way since I was 14, but for years, women who are even 5 foot 10 have come up to me in the street and said, ‘Oh, it’s so nice to see a woman who is taller than me. I’ve always felt like a giant,” she told Rolling Stone in 2013.
Gwendoline Christie performed in a number of stage shows before securing her first film debut with a small role in The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus. In 2011, she was cast as Brienne of Tarth in Game of Thrones, shooting the actress to international superstardom.
Towering over director Rian Johnson, Gwendoline Christie stands at an impressive height of six feet and three inches (Credit: Aurore Marechal / ABACA / INSTARimag / Cover Images)
She has also appeared in other titles such as The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and most recently, Netflix’s successful adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s Sandman.
“I went to a village school in the countryside. At 12, I was 5’7″. At 14, I was 6’1″. Then I grew another couple of inches after that when I was around 18. I’m now 6’3″ and a quarter. Either I’m still growing or my posture has improved. I’m hoping I’m still growing,” she told Vogue in 2015.
1. Lisa Leslie – 6’5” (195.6 cm)
Topping off our list of the tallest women in Hollywood is none other than Lisa Leslie, who has a good two inches (at least) over the rest of the actresses on this list!
Although Lisa Leslie is best known for her career in the WNBA, she was a prolific actress in the early 2000s, as well as a sports broadcaster.
Lisa Leslie looking beautiful in a white gown at the 2022 ESPY Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California on July 20, 2022 (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Leslie has appeared in titles such as What Men Want, One on One, and Sister Sister, but has returned to the basketball court in more recent years.
After winning four Olympic gold medals, two FIBA World Championships, and an induction into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, Lisa Leslie has turned her expertise to coaching and currently serves as the head coach for the Triplets.
“I think when you’re tall as a kid, you can face a lot of challenges — if you don’t have people pouring into you the positive things about being tall,” Lisa shared with “Oprah: Where Are They Now?” in 2016.
Lisa Leslie with her kids, Michael Joseph Lockwood II and Lauren Jolie Lockwood, at the “Uncle Drew” New York Premiere on June 26, 2018, in New York City (Credit: Lev Radin / Shutterstock)
“I was lucky, because with my mom being tall, she already knew that kids would tease me. She armed me the same way I arm my daughter, which is saying… ‘When people say you’re tall, we say and beautiful,” Lisa said about her mom, who is also over 6 feet.
“It’s really been a blessing to have a mom who is 6’3″. My mom’s very beautiful, very tall. But she’s always been a hard worker.”