The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, directed by Peter Jackson, captivated audiences by bringing to life J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved Middle Earth to life with stunning visuals and compelling characterizations.
As diminutive hobbits stand next to towering trolls and mortal men fight alongside immortal elves, many people are curious about the height and age of the different characters and the talented actors who play them.
This is a comprehensive guide to the height and age of the main Lord of the Rings cast and characters, plus some fascinating facts about the actors and their roles.
Character ages are based on their age at the start of the first film, The Fellowship of the Ring, when Frodo and Sam set off on their journey in 3018 in the Third Age. Actor ages are taken from the start of filming for The Fellowship of the Ring in 1999.
Elijah Wood and Frodo Baggins
| Elijah Wood | Frodo Baggins | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 18 years old | 50 years old |
| Birthday | January 28, 1981 | September 22, 2968 (Third Age) |
| Nationality/Race | American | Hobbit |
| Height (movies) | 5’6″ (168 cm) | 4’1″ (124 cm) |
| Height (books) | N/A | 3’6″ (107 cm) |
Frodo Baggins is played by Elijah Wood, was born on January 28, 1981, making him 18 years old at the start of filming for The Lord of the Rings.
Wood is an American actor with a height of 5’6″ (168 cm). Elijah Wood was a well-known child actor. He appeared in movies such as The Adventures of Huck and Finn (1993) and The Good Son (1993).
More recently, Wood has made a name for himself in films such as Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), Sin City (2005), and Wilfred (2011-2014).
Frodo Baggins, the trilogy’s main protagonist, is a hobbit who embarks on a dangerous quest to destroy the One Ring. Born on September 22, 2968, in the Third Age, Frodo is 50 years old at the beginning of the first film, so he is a youth in hobbit terms.
Frodo’s height is 4’1″ (124 cm) in the film, about average for a hobbit. This is slightly taller than he is described in the books, at 3’6″. This is to keep the four hobbits around the same height to make filming easier.
Jackson used the forced perspective technique to create the illusion that the hobbits are smaller than their companions. This pulls objects and people that need to be larger forward and pushes those that need to be smaller backward to create an artificial size difference. The movie also used dwarf actors as body doubles in scenes where the character’s face does not appear.
Viggo Mortensen and Aragorn
| Viggo Mortensen | Aragorn | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 41 years old | 87 years old |
| Birthday | October 20, 1958 | March 1, 2931 (Third Age) |
| Nationality/Race | American-Danish | Human (Dúnedain) |
| Height | 5’11” (180 cm) | 6’2″ (188 cm) |
Actor Viggo Mortensen, who played Aragorn in the movies, was born on October 20, 1958, making him 41 years old at the start of filming for The Lord of the Rings. British actor Stuart Townsend was originally cast in the role, but he pulled out. At just 27 years of age, he considered himself too young to play Aragorn.
Mortensen has a solid career prior to The Lord of the Rings, appearing in films such as Carlito’s Way (1993) and A Walk on the Moon (1999). But his career skyrocketed after playing Aragorn. Since, he has starred in films such as A History of Violence (2005), Eastern Promises (2007), and Captain Fantastic (2016).
Aragorn, also known as Strider and later as King Elessar is a central character in the trilogy. He is a skilled warrior and the rightful heir to the throne of Gondor. He is principally responsible for leading the hobbits from the Shire to Rivendell, and then leading the fellowship toward Mount Doom.
Aragorn’s birthday is March 1, 2931 of the Third Age, making him 87 years old. He does not look his age as one of his ancestors, Elros, was half-elven. This does not make him immortal but greatly extends his lifespan.
Aragorn is also 6’2″ (188 cm) tall. His height can be attributed to the fact that he is one of the Dúnedain, descendants of the Men of Númenor, who are generally taller than regular men. The Danish-American actor Mortensen is 5’11” (180 cm).
Sir Ian McKellen and Gandalf
| Ian McKellen | Gandalf | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 60 years old | Over 24000 years old |
| Birthday | May 25, 1939 | Unknown |
| Nationality/Race | British | Maia (Wizard) |
| Height | 5’11” (180 cm) | 5’6″ (168 cm) |
Sir Ian McKellen, who portrayed Gandalf in the movies, was born on May 25, 1939, making him 60 years old at the start of filming for The Lord of the Rings.
McKellen is one of the most celebrated British actors in the industry, making a name for himself on stage with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre of Great Britain.
McKellen transitioned into films later in life starring in Gods and Monsters (1998), Mr. Holmes (2005), and as Magneto in the X-Men (2000-) movies. He is famously best friends with X-Men co-star Sir Patrick Stewart.
Gandalf, also known as Mithrandir, Stormcrow, and various other names, walks the world as a wise and powerful wizard and plays a pivotal role in the events of the trilogy. He is from the race of Maia, which are primordial spirits that were created to help shape the world.
Gandalf’s exact birthday is unknown since Maia beings exist beyond the confines of time as experienced by mortals. But he is over 24,000 years. At the start of the film, he had been in Middle Earth for approximately 2,019 years, arriving in 1000 Third Age.
His height in the movies is 5’11” (180 cm), to match the height of the actor but in the books, Gandalf is much shorter, just 5’6″ (168 cm).
Who are the five wizards in Lord of the Rings?
Orlando Bloom and Legolas
| Orlando Bloom | Legolas | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 22 years old | 2934 years old |
| Birthday | January 13, 1977 | Unknown (Third Age) |
| Nationality/Race | British | Elf (Sindarin) |
| Height | 5’11” (180 cm) | 6’1″ (185 cm) |
The actor Orlando Bloom, who portrayed Legolas in the movies, was born on January 13, 1977, making him 22 years old at the start of filming for The Lord of the Rings.
Orlando Bloom is a British actor with a height of 5’11” (180 cm). The character of Legolas was Bloom’s first major film role, but since then he has appeared in many popular movies including the Pirates of the Caribbean series (2003-), Troy (2004), and Kingdom of Heaven (2005).
Legolas Greenleaf, a skilled archer and prince of the Woodland Realm, is an Elf who joins the Fellowship of the Ring.
Legolas is 2934 years old at the beginning of the first film, and his height is 6’1″ (185 cm). Elves are generally taller and more slender than humans, with a natural grace and agility. Legolas’s exact birthday is unknown, but he was born during the Third Age of Middle-earth.
John Rhys Davies and Gimli
| John Rhys-Davies | Gimli | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 56 years old | 139 years old |
| Birthday | May 5, 1944 | November 11, 2879 (Third Age) |
| Nationality/Race | British-Welsh | Dwarf |
| Height | 6’1″ (185 cm) | 4’5″ (135 cm) |
John Rhys-Davies, who portrayed Gimli in the movies, was born on May 5, 1944, making him 56 years old at the start of filming for The Lord of the Rings.
Rhys-Davies is a British-Welsh actor known for many memorable roles including in Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), Shogun (1980), and The Living Daylights (1987).
Gimli, son of Glóin, is a Dwarf warrior who joins the Fellowship of the Ring. In the movies, Gimli is 139 years old at the beginning of the first film, and his height is 4’5″ (135 cm). This is much shorter than the actor, who is 6’11”. Dwarves are generally shorter and sturdier than humans, with a natural affinity for working with stone and metal. Gimli’s birthday is November 11, 2879, in the Third Age.
Sean Astin and Samwise Gamgee
| Sean Astin | Samwise Gamgee | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 28 years old | 38 years old |
| Birthday | February 25, 1971 | April 6, 2980 (Third Age) |
| Nationality/Race | American | Hobbit |
| Height | 5’7″ (170 cm) | 3’8″ (112 cm) |
Sean Astin, who portrayed Samwise Gamgee in the movies, was born on February 25, 1971, making him 28 years old at the start of filming for The Lord of the Rings.
Astin is an American actor with a height of 5’7″ (170 cm). He has appeared in various television shows and films, including The Goonies (1985), Rudy (1993), and Stranger Things (2017-).
Astin’s career had stalled a little in the years prior to The Lord of the Rings, as is often the case when child actors transition into adult roles. His standout performance as Sam solidified his place in Hollywood.
Samwise Gamgee, affectionately known as Sam, is a Hobbit character who serves as Frodo’s loyal companion and gardener. In the movies, Sam is 38 years old at the beginning of the first film, and his height is 3’8″ (112 cm). Like Frodo, Sam’s height represents the common height range for Hobbits. Sam’s birthday is April 6, 2980, in the Third Age.
Sean Bean and Boromir
| Sean Bean | Boromir | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 40 years old | 41 years old |
| Birthday | April 17, 1959 | March 29, 2977 (Third Age) |
| Nationality/Race | British | Human (Gondorian) |
| Height | 5’11” (180 cm) | 6’1″ (185 cm) |
Sean Bean, who portrayed Boromir in the movies, was born on April 17, 1959, making him 40 years old at the start of filming for The Lord of the Rings. Bean is a British actor with a height of 5’11” (180 cm).
Sean Bean worked on the British stage as part of the Royal Shakespeare Company and soon became a well-known face on British television. He is particularly known for playing the lead character in the TV series Sharpe (1993-).
It was The Lord of the Rings that brought the actor to the attention of international audiences. He is now also known for playing Ned Stark in Game of Thrones (2011).
Boromir, son of Denethor II, is a noble Gondorian warrior who joins the Fellowship of the Ring. In the movies, Boromir is 41 years old at the beginning of the first film, and his height is 6’1″ (185 cm). As a Gondorian, Boromir’s height is typical for the Men of Gondor, who are generally taller than other men in Middle-earth. Boromir’s birthday is March 29, 2977, in the Third Age.
Billy Boyd and Peregrin Took
| Billy Boyd | Peregrin Took | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 30 years old | 29 years old |
| Birthday | August 28, 1968 | February 29, 2989 (Third Age) |
| Nationality/Race | Scottish | Hobbit |
| Height | 5’7″ (170 cm) | 3’7″ (109 cm) |
Billy Boyd, who portrayed Peregrin Took in the movies, was born on August 28, 1968, making him 30 years old at the start of filming for The Lord of the Rings. Boyd is a Scottish actor with a height of 5’7″ (170 cm). He has appeared in various television shows and films, including Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003), Seed of Chucky (2004), and Outlander (2018-).
Peregrin Took, commonly known as Pippin, is a curious and mischievous Hobbit who embarks on the quest to destroy the One Ring. In the movies, Pippin is 29 years old at the beginning of the first film, and therefore the youngest and most naive of the hobbits.
His height is 3’7″ (109 cm). Like other Hobbits, Pippin’s height represents the common height range for his race. Pippin’s birthday is February 29, 2989, in the Third Age.
Dominic Monaghan and Meriadoc Brandybuck
| Dominic Monaghan | Meriadoc Brandybuck | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 23 years old | 36 years old |
| Birthday | December 8, 1976 | October 6, 2982 (Third Age) |
| Nationality | British | Hobbit |
| Height | 5’7″ (170 cm) | 3’8″ (112 cm) |
Dominic Monaghan, who portrayed Meriadoc Brandybuck in the movies, was born on December 8, 1976, making him 23 years old at the start of filming for The Lord of the Rings.
Monaghan is a British actor with a height of 5’7″ (170 cm). He has appeared in various television shows and films, including Lost (2004-2010), X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), and Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019).
Meriadoc Brandybuck, commonly known as Merry, is a brave and loyal Hobbit who joins the quest to destroy the One Ring. In the movies, Merry is 36 years old at the beginning of the first film, and his height is 3’8″ (112 cm). Like other Hobbits, Merry’s height represents the common height range for his race. Merry’s birthday is October 6, 2982, in the Third Age.
Liv Tyler and Arwen
| Liv Tyler | Arwen | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 22 years old | 2777 years old |
| Birthday | July 1, 1977 | January 1, 241 (Third Age) |
| Nationality/Race | American | Half-Elf |
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) | 5’10” (178 cm) |
Liv Tyler, who portrayed Arwen in the movies, was born on July 1, 1977, making her 22 years old at the start of filming for The Lord of the Rings. Tyler is an American actress with a height of 5’10” (178 cm). She is the daughter of Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler.
She has appeared in various television shows and films, including Empire Records (1995), Armageddon (1998), The Leftovers (2014-2017), and The Incredible Hulk (2008).
Arwen Undómiel, also known as Arwen Evenstar, is a half-Elven character. She is the daughter of Elrond and the love interest of Aragorn. In the movies, Arwen is 2777 years old at the beginning of the first film, and her height is 5’10” (178 cm).
As a half-Elven character, Arwen shares the graceful, elegant appearance of the Elves, with a height that is taller than most humans. Arwen’s birthday is January 1, 241, in the Third Age.
At the end of the final film, Arwen chooses to stay in Middle Earth with Aragorn rather than leave with the rest of the elves for the Undying Lands. She becomes mortal with an extended life.
Also read: What are the Undying Lands?
Cate Blanchett and Galadriel
| Cate Blanchett | Galadriel | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 30 years old | Over 8,000 years old |
| Birthday | May 14, 1969 | Years of the Trees (estimated) |
| Nationality/Race | Australian | Elf |
| Height | 5’9″ (175 cm) | 5’9″ (175 cm) |
Cate Blanchett, who portrayed Galadriel in the movies, was born on May 14, 1969, making her 30 years old at the start of filming for The Lord of the Rings. Blanchett is an Australian actress with a height of 5’9″ (175 cm). She has appeared in various television shows and films, including Elizabeth (1998), Carol (2015), and Ocean’s 8 (2018)
Galadriel is an ancient Noldorin Elf and the Lady of the Wood in Lothlórien. In the movies, Galadriel is over 8,000 years old, and her height is 5’9″ (175 cm). As a powerful Elf, Galadriel possesses a commanding presence and a height that is taller than most humans.
Galadriel’s exact birthday is unknown, but it is estimated to be during the Years of the Trees, prior to the First Age.
Also read: Who are the most powerful elves in Middle Earth?
Bernard Hill and Théoden
| Bernard Hill | Théoden | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 55 years old | 71 years old |
| Birthday | December 17, 1944 | April 12, 2948 (Third Age) |
| Nationality/Race | British | Human (Rohirrim) |
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) | 6’0″ (183 cm) |
The actor Bernard Hill, who portrayed Théoden in the movies, was born on December 17, 1944, making him 55 years old at the start of filming for The Lord of the Rings.
Hill is a British actor with a height of 5’10” (178 cm). He has appeared in various television shows and films, including Titanic (1997), Gothika (2003), and Wolf Hall (2015)
Théoden, son of Thengel, is the King of Rohan who leads his people in the fight against Sauron and his forces. In the movies, Théoden is 71 years old at the beginning of the first film, and his height is 6’0″ (183 cm). As a Rohirrim, Théoden’s height is typical for the Men of Rohan, who are generally taller than other men in Middle Earth. Théoden’s birthday is April 12, 2948, in the Third Age.
Miranda Otto and Éowyn
| Miranda Otto | Éowyn | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 32 years old | 23 years old |
| Birthday | December 16, 1967 | February 24, 2995 (Third Age) |
| Nationality | Australian | Human (Rohirrim) |
| Height | 5’6″ (167 cm) | 5’6″ (167 cm) |
Miranda Otto, who portrayed Éowyn in the movies, was born on December 16, 1967, making her 32 years old at the start of filming for The Lord of the Rings.
Otto is an Australian actress with a height of 5’6″ (167 cm). She has appeared in various television shows and films, including Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018-), Homeland (2015), and War of the Worlds (2005).
Otto is slated to reprise her role of Éowyn in the upcoming film The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim (2024).
Éowyn, the niece of King Théoden, is a courageous shieldmaiden of Rohan who plays a crucial role in the War of the Ring. In the movies, Éowyn is 23 years old at the beginning of the first film, and her height is 5’6″ (167 cm). As a Rohirrim, Éowyn’s height is typical for the women of Rohan, who are generally taller than other women in Middle Earth. Éowyn’s birthday is February 24, 2995, in the Third Age.
David Wenham and Faramir
| David Wenham | Faramir | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 34 years old | 35 years old |
| Birthday | September 21, 1965 | March 2, 2983 (Third Age) |
| Nationality/Race | Australian | Human (Gondorian) |
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) | 5’10” (178 cm) |
David Wenham, who portrayed Faramir in the movies, was born on September 21, 1965, making him 34 years old at the start of filming for The Lord of the Rings. Wenham is an Australian actor with a height of 5’10” (178 cm).
Before appearing as Faramir, Wenham was a well-known name in Australian film and television. appearing in Cosi (1996), Idiot Box (1996), The Boys (1998), and Moulin Rouge! (2001). Since he has become a regular feature in major American films such as 300 (2007), Van Helsing (2004), and Elvis (2022).
Faramir, the younger brother of Boromir, is a noble Gondorian captain who plays an essential role in the War of the Ring. In the movies, Faramir is 35 years old at the beginning of the first film, and his height is 5’10” (178 cm). As a Gondorian, Faramir’s height is typical for the Men of Gondor, who are generally taller than other men in Middle Earth. Faramir’s birthday is March 2, 2983, in the Third Age.
Karl Urban and Éomer
| Karl Urban | Éomer | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 28 years old | 27 years old |
| Birthday | June 7, 1972 | April 1, 2991 (Third Age) |
| Nationality/Race | New Zealander | Human (Rohirrim) |
| Height | 6’1″ (185 cm) | 6’1″ (185 cm) |
Karl Urban, who portrayed Éomer in the movies, was born on June 7, 1972, making him 28 years old at the start of filming for The Lord of the Rings.
Urban is a New Zealander actor with a height of 6’1″ (185 cm). He got his big break in The Lord of the Rings and has since appeared in various television shows and films, including Star Trek (2009), Dredd (2012), and The Boys (2019-)
Éomer, the nephew of King Théoden, is a skilled horseman and warrior who becomes the King of Rohan after Théoden’s death. In the movies, Éomer is 27 years old at the beginning of the first film, and his height is 6’1″ (185 cm). As a Rohirrim, Éomer’s height is typical for the Men of Rohan, who are generally taller than other men in Middle Earth. Éomer’s birthday is April 1, 2991, in the Third Age.
Christopher Lee and Saruman
| Christopher Lee | Saruman | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 78 years old | N/A |
| Birthday | May 27, 1922 | N/A |
| Nationality/Race | British | Maia |
| Height | 6’5″ (196 cm) | 6’5″ (196 cm) |
Sir Christopher Lee, who portrayed Saruman in the movies, was born on May 27, 1922, making him 78 years old at the start of filming for The Lord of the Rings. He died in 2015 at the age of 93.
Lee became an actor after retiring from the Royal Air Force and serving in World War II. The British actor played mostly stock action roles until partnering up with Hammer Film Productions. This led him to appear in dozens of British horror films from the 1950s to the 1970s, most famously playing Count Dracula in several films. He moves to Hollywood in the late 1970s.
Lee, who was 6’5″ (196 cm), landed a number of notable roles following his performance as Saruman. He appeared in Sweeney Todd (2007), Alice in Wonderland (2010), and played Count Dooku in Star Wars.
Saruman, originally known as Curumo, is a powerful wizard and member of the White Council who eventually betrays the Free Peoples of Middle Earth. His height in the movies is 6’5″ (196 cm), matching the actor.
As a Maia, Saruman is an immortal spirit that has taken on a physical form, and his height reflects the imposing nature of his character. There is no specific birthday for Saruman as he existed before the world’s creation.
Who are the Valar in Lord of the Rings?
Hugo Weaving as Elrond
| Hugo Weaving | Elrond | |
|---|---|---|
| Ag | 40 years old | Approximately 6,520 years old |
| Birthday | April 4, 1960 | 510 (First Age) |
| Nationality/Race | Australian-British | Elf (Half-elf) |
| Height | 6’2″ (188 cm) | 6’2″ (188 cm) |
Hugo Weaving, who portrayed Elrond in the movies, was born on April 4, 1960, making him 40 years old at the start of filming for The Lord of the Rings.
Weaving is an Australian-British actor born in Nigeria with a height of 6’2″ (188 cm). He was well-known in Australian films before the Peter Jackson films, appearing in Priscilla: Queen of the Desert (1994) alongside Guy Pierce and receiving a best actor award for his role as a serial killer in The Interview (1998).
Weaving is now a regular in Hollywood films. He is best known for playing Agent Smith in The Matrix (1999), the title role in V for Vendetta (2005), and Red Skull in Captain America: The First Avenger (2010).
Elrond, Lord of Rivendell, is a wise and ancient Elf who has played a significant role in the history of Middle Earth. He fought in both of the great wars of the Ring. At the time of the events of The Lord of the Rings, Elrond is approximately 6,520 years old. His height in the movies is 6’2″ (188 cm).
As a Half-elf, Elrond’s height is consistent with that of the other Elves, who are generally taller than other races in Middle-earth. Elrond was born in the year 510 of the First Age.
Andy Serkis as Gollum
| Andy Serkis | Gollum | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 36 years old | 589 years old |
| Birthday | April 20, 1964 | 2430 (Third Age) |
| Nationality | British | Hobbit (Stoor) |
| Height | 5’8″ (173 cm) | 4’2″ (127 cm) |
Andy Serkis, who portrayed Gollum in the movies, was born on April 20, 1964, making him 36 years old at the start of filming for The Lord of the Rings. Serkis is a British actor with a height of 5’8″ (173 cm). He is known for his physical acting and has played many computer-generated characters, including in King Kong (2005) and in the Star Wars sequel trilogy files (2015-).
Serkis is currently the eighth highest-grossing actor of all time thanks to his CGI work. He has also acted in movies including Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) and The Batman (2022). He is also a successful director and producer.
Gollum, once known as Sméagol, is a tragic character who was twisted by the corrupting influence of the One Ring. At the time of the events of The Lord of the Rings, Gollum is 589 years old, as his life has been unnaturally extended by the influence of the Ring. His height in the movies is 4’2″ (127 cm).
As a Hobbit of the Stoor variety, Gollum’s height is consistent with that of other Stoors, who are generally shorter than other races in Middle Earth, but a little taller than other Hobbits. Gollum was born in the year 2430 of the Third Age.
Sala Baker and Sauron
| Sala Baker | Sauron | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 24 years old | N/A |
| Birthday | September 22, 1976 | N/A |
| Nationality/Race | New Zealander | Maia |
| Height | 6’2″ (188 cm) | Variable |
Sala Baker, who portrayed Sauron in the movies, was born on September 22, 1976, making him 24 years old at the start of filming for The Lord of the Rings. Baker is an actor and stuntman from New Zealand, where the movies were filmed, with a height of 6’2″ (188 cm). He also played several orcs in the film.
Baker has worked as a stuntman on various films including Pirates of the Caribbean (2003), Deadpool (2016), and plays a raider captain in The Mandalorian (2019).
Sauron, originally known as Mairon, is the primary antagonist of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. As the Dark Lord of Mordor, Sauron is a powerful Maia who desires to rule over Middle Earth.
Sauron’s height is variable as he can change his form. In the movies, his physical form is a towering figure, but he is more often an all-seeing eye. There is no specific birthday for Sauron as he existed before the world’s creation.