Peter Dinklage Net Worth: Game of Thrones Star’s $25 Million Fortune Explained
Peter Dinklage has a net worth of $25 million as of 2025. His per-episode salary of $1.1 million for Game of Thrones made him one of the ten highest-paid actors in television history. This places him as the wealthiest actor from the Game of Thrones cast.
The 55-year-old actor built this fortune primarily through his eight-season run as Tyrion Lannister on HBO’s fantasy epic. His compensation evolved dramatically from his early career struggles to commanding seven-figure paychecks per episode. Beyond television, Dinklage diversified his income through major studio films, voice acting work, and his production company.
Key wealth drivers:
- Total Game of Thrones earnings exceeded $30 million
- Major film roles in X-Men, Avengers, and Three Billboards franchises
- Voice acting in animated blockbusters grossing over $877 million
Game of Thrones: The Foundation of Dinklage’s Wealth
Game of Thrones transformed Dinklage from a respected character actor into a television titan. For the final two seasons spanning 14 episodes between July 2017 and May 2019, Dinklage earned $1.1 million per episode, totaling $14.3 million. For seasons 5 and 6 covering 20 episodes, he earned $500,000 per episode for $10 million total.
The salary progression reveals strategic negotiations. In the early seasons, Dinklage earned approximately $150,000 per episode, totaling $3 million for seasons one and two combined. His salary increased to $300,000 per episode for seasons three and four, earning $6 million across those seasons.
The show’s five leads, including Kit Harington, Emilia Clarke, Lena Headey, and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, banded together and negotiated $1.2 million per episode for the final season. While sources cite figures between $1.1 million and $1.2 million, the total earnings from Game of Thrones clearly exceed $30 million.
Game of Thrones Salary Timeline:
| Seasons | Per-Episode Salary | Total Episodes | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | $150,000 | 20 | $3 million |
| 3-4 | $300,000 | 20 | $6 million |
| 5-6 | $500,000 | 20 | $10 million |
| 7-8 | $1.1 million | 14 | $14.3 million |
This compensation structure reflected Tyrion Lannister’s central role. Dinklage was the first actor cast in the series in May 2009 by showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. His character appeared in more episodes than any other cast member, justifying premium compensation.
Film Career Contributions to Net Worth
Dinklage’s film work significantly supplemented his television earnings. He gained initial attention for his breakout role in the 2003 indie film The Station Agent, where his nuanced performance earned critical praise. This led to roles in major studio productions.
For voicing the villain Scourge in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, Dinklage was reportedly paid $400,000. His work in franchise films provided substantial income:
- X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014): Major studio blockbuster role as Bolivar Trask
- Avengers: Infinity War (2018): Marvel Cinematic Universe appearance
- Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017): Supporting role in Oscar Best Picture nominee
He ventured into voice acting in 2012 when he voiced Captain Gutt in Ice Age: Continental Drift, which earned over $877 million at the box office. Additional voice work includes The Angry Birds Movie (2016) and video game Destiny.
While specific salaries for most films remain undisclosed, his involvement in billion-dollar franchises and critically acclaimed productions contributed millions to his overall net worth. The combination of blockbuster paychecks and indie prestige projects demonstrates strategic career management.
Award Recognition and Industry Standing
Dinklage won four Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, earning the record for most wins in this category. Earning his first statuette in 2011, Dinklage remains the only Game of Thrones cast member ever to win on television’s biggest night.
Dinklage earned an Emmy nomination for every season of Game of Thrones, winning in 2011, 2015, 2018, and 2019. Tonight’s victory gives Dinklage the record for the most wins ever in this category, a distinction previously held by Breaking Bad’s Aaron Paul. He also earned a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Peter Dinklage has received 61 different award nominations and won 14 awards. Beyond Emmys and Golden Globes, he earned Screen Actors Guild nominations five consecutive years from 2013 to 2017, plus Critics’ Choice Television Award nominations in 2012, 2016, and 2017.
These accolades enhanced his market value. Award recognition typically translates to higher salaries for subsequent projects, expanded negotiating leverage, and increased demand from premium studios and streaming platforms.
Career impact:
- Emmy wins elevated per-episode rates from $500K to $1.1M
- Award recognition secured lead roles in major franchises
- Industry credibility opened doors to production opportunities
Beyond Acting: Production and Voice Work
In 2016, Dinklage founded Estuary Films, a joint-venture production company, with his partner David Ginsburg. I Think We’re Alone Now was the first film produced under the company, with Dinklage both starring in and producing it. Production ventures provide additional revenue streams beyond acting fees through backend deals and ownership stakes.
His voice acting portfolio extends across multiple mediums. Beyond theatrical releases, he provided voice work for video games including the Game of Thrones: A Telltale Games Series in 2015 and Destiny. Voice acting typically requires less time commitment than live-action while still commanding substantial fees.
Dinklage married theater director Erica Schmidt in 2005 and they have two children. He has been a dedicated vegetarian since age 16 and has supported PETA in numerous campaigns. His personal choices reflect financial stability and the freedom to prioritize values over commercial imperatives.
Recent projects include Wicked, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, and the upcoming crime drama Roofman alongside Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst. He is set to appear in the upcoming Showtime series Dexter: Resurrection, suggesting ongoing high-value television work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Peter Dinklage worth in 2025?
Peter Dinklage’s net worth is estimated at $25 million as of 2025, primarily earned through his Game of Thrones salary and film work.
How much did Peter Dinklage make per episode of Game of Thrones?
Dinklage earned $1.1 million per episode for the final two seasons, making him one of TV’s highest-paid actors in history.
How much total did Peter Dinklage make from Game of Thrones?
Peter Dinklage’s total earnings from Game of Thrones likely exceeded $30 million across all eight seasons from 2011 to 2019.
How many Emmy Awards has Peter Dinklage won?
Peter Dinklage won four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor, setting a record for most wins in that category.
What production company does Peter Dinklage own?
Peter Dinklage founded Estuary Films in 2016, a production company he runs with partner David Ginsburg.
