Sir Alec Guinness, precisely 5ft 9¼ (175.9 cm) tall, was an iconic English actor whose commanding presence transcended his average height, enabling versatile performances across genres.
His stature perfectly suited roles like the wise Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars, the principled Colonel Nicholson in The Bridge on the River Kwai (for which he won an Oscar), and the enigmatic T.E. Lawrence in Lawrence of Arabia. Guinness masterfully manipulated his 5ft 9¼ (175.9 cm) frame through posture and costuming, appearing diminutive or imposing as needed, as in The Ladykillers and Kind Hearts and Coronets.
- Key highlights: Dr. Zhivago, The Lavender Hill Mob, Little Dorrit.
- Guinness noted his height allowed subtle physical transformations, enhancing his chameleon-like career.