Actor Peter Dinklage, who memorably starred in “The Station Agent,” is profiled in Newsday in connection with his role in the just-released “Penelope.” The comic fantasy’s lead character is a girl with the nose of a pig who is seeking unconditional love. Dinklage plays a repugnant tabloid reporter who tries to profit from Penelope’s difficulties.

As the world’s most famous dwarf actor, Dinklage’s appearance may suggest to an audience a certain irony, or whimsy, although that seems to be changing. There’s nothing about Lemon that makes him specifically altitude-challenged. What he represents is someone who’s different, persecuting someone else because of her difference. “Penelope’s” message is about love, but the politics are hard to avoid.

… “I suppose that people with disabilities have become more political, and as a result the focus has become more about the person than their differences,” he said. “Which is nice. If I’ve helped that at all, I’m pleased. But it was never my first intention.”

… “I used to be more concerned with it,” he said of his dwarfism (caused by a condition called achondroplasia). “But I’m 38, and much happier now; I’ve taken the pressure off myself. I’m like any other actor, I like telling a great story …”

See earlier post:  In ‘Penelope,’ Christina Ricci explores facial deformity

This entry was posted on Monday, March 10th, 2008 at 9:30 am and is filed under celebrities, dwarfism/little people, movies, stigma. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.  Email This Post