Eli Wallach's Height
5ft 7 (170.2 cm)
American actor, best remembered for roles in films such as The Misfits, The Magnificent Seven, The Good, The Bad & The Ugly, Nuts, Baby Doll, The Godfather Part III and The Holiday.
Photo by s_bukley/BigStock.com
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Add a Comment69 comments
Average Guess (34 Votes)
5ft 7.09in (170.4cm)
5ft 7.09in (170.4cm)
Arch Stanton said on 4/May/23
I believe Wallach attended the same school as Marlon Brando which was associated with director Elia Kazan, and the art of "method acting" but I might be mistaken. Wallach was also in Kazan's Baby Doll, recommended Sandy!
I believe Wallach attended the same school as Marlon Brando which was associated with director Elia Kazan, and the art of "method acting" but I might be mistaken. Wallach was also in Kazan's Baby Doll, recommended Sandy!
Sandy Cowell said on 2/May/23
I’m watching a programme called ‘Discovering Clark Gable’ and I was knocked out to find that Eli starred with Clark and Marilyn Monroe in ‘The Misfits’! It’s high time I start watching some of these old classics.
5ft7.25.
I’m watching a programme called ‘Discovering Clark Gable’ and I was knocked out to find that Eli starred with Clark and Marilyn Monroe in ‘The Misfits’! It’s high time I start watching some of these old classics.
5ft7.25.
Gerald S said on 10/Apr/23
Rob, how about 5’7.5” peak?
Wallach did have at least two inches on 5’5.5” Marilyn Monroe in The Misfits, more like 3 inches on 5’5” Carroll Baker in Baby Doll and could appear 5’9” with his boots on in The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.
Editor Rob
Rob, how about 5’7.5” peak?
Wallach did have at least two inches on 5’5.5” Marilyn Monroe in The Misfits, more like 3 inches on 5’5” Carroll Baker in Baby Doll and could appear 5’9” with his boots on in The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.
Editor Rob5ft 7.5 is about the highest I could ever envisage him.
170cmdepressed said on 14/Oct/22
I think about 5'9 at his prime in The Good, The Bad and the Ugly. He reaches Eastwood's shoulders in some shots
I think about 5'9 at his prime in The Good, The Bad and the Ugly. He reaches Eastwood's shoulders in some shots
Voorhees Myers said on 21/Jul/22
5-7 honest call.
5-7 honest call.
Sinclair said on 12/Jun/22
I must admit height wise I felt like Wallach whenever I was with my 6'4" cousin, who resembled Clint Eastwood in stature (probably because of the similar height). However, Wallach was nothing under 5'7" peak in my mind, he had a good shot at 5'7.25", maybe even 5'7.5", although a flat 5'7" is probably more realistic than the latter.
I must admit height wise I felt like Wallach whenever I was with my 6'4" cousin, who resembled Clint Eastwood in stature (probably because of the similar height). However, Wallach was nothing under 5'7" peak in my mind, he had a good shot at 5'7.25", maybe even 5'7.5", although a flat 5'7" is probably more realistic than the latter.
Sinclair said on 15/May/22
Sergio did a first rate job at making Wallach pass for 5’9” in The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. 5’7” probably more believable for Wallach though.
Sergio did a first rate job at making Wallach pass for 5’9” in The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. 5’7” probably more believable for Wallach though.
Nik Ashton said on 27/Jul/21
@ A Lawrence - How tall do you think he was?
@ A Lawrence - How tall do you think he was?
A Lawrence said on 25/Jul/21
Very Small.
Very Small.
Rising174cm said on 29/Dec/20
He was never taller than 5'7", much less over 5'8". Very nice man, but as I said, he was closer to 5'3" when I met him and was photographed with him in his early 90s.
He was never taller than 5'7", much less over 5'8". Very nice man, but as I said, he was closer to 5'3" when I met him and was photographed with him in his early 90s.
Sinclair said on 15/Aug/20
I cannot understand why some sites list Wallach as 5’10”, whilst other sites list him as 5’7”. There is a big difference between 5’7” and 5’10”. I’d personally go as high as 5’8.25” for Wallach’s peak, although 5’7” could be an appropriate alternative. I think 5’10” is incorrect for Wallach’s peak. In The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, I thought Wallach was 5’8” range, perhaps, 5’7” at the lowest, 5’9” at the highest, but not 5’10”. In The Godfather Part III, Andy Garcia is significantly taller than Wallach and many of us agree Garcia is 5’9” range.
I cannot understand why some sites list Wallach as 5’10”, whilst other sites list him as 5’7”. There is a big difference between 5’7” and 5’10”. I’d personally go as high as 5’8.25” for Wallach’s peak, although 5’7” could be an appropriate alternative. I think 5’10” is incorrect for Wallach’s peak. In The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, I thought Wallach was 5’8” range, perhaps, 5’7” at the lowest, 5’9” at the highest, but not 5’10”. In The Godfather Part III, Andy Garcia is significantly taller than Wallach and many of us agree Garcia is 5’9” range.
Arch Stanton said on 17/May/17
Yes, if Stiller is 5 ft 6 flat, Wallach looked about 5'3.5 walking in one scene, I was thinking Stiller was 5'6.5 when I said 5'4. Yes, you can tell he was a lovely guy.
Yes, if Stiller is 5 ft 6 flat, Wallach looked about 5'3.5 walking in one scene, I was thinking Stiller was 5'6.5 when I said 5'4. Yes, you can tell he was a lovely guy.
RisingForce said on 17/May/17
I'm sure he was by that point. By his 90s, he looked about 5'3" to me in person, but a very nice man. I have a photo with him and I'm leaning, but I still look 4-5 inches taller (in fact, that's why I leaned in for the photo, though I'm sure that he wasn't standing at his max height then. For reference, I was measured last year at 5'9" in Converse, though I was wearing Nikes back when the photo was taken which probably made me around 5'9.5". It doesn't rule out 5'7" peak, which seems possible looking at him on Kojak as Telly with his heeled boots didn't seem to dwarf him, iirc. Whether a more solid or a weaker 5'7" seems to be the question.
I'm sure he was by that point. By his 90s, he looked about 5'3" to me in person, but a very nice man. I have a photo with him and I'm leaning, but I still look 4-5 inches taller (in fact, that's why I leaned in for the photo, though I'm sure that he wasn't standing at his max height then. For reference, I was measured last year at 5'9" in Converse, though I was wearing Nikes back when the photo was taken which probably made me around 5'9.5". It doesn't rule out 5'7" peak, which seems possible looking at him on Kojak as Telly with his heeled boots didn't seem to dwarf him, iirc. Whether a more solid or a weaker 5'7" seems to be the question.
Arch Stanton said on 16/May/17
In Keeping the Faith (2000) Ben Stiller had easily two inches on him, made him look 5 ft 4 range but he was 85 at the time I think.
In Keeping the Faith (2000) Ben Stiller had easily two inches on him, made him look 5 ft 4 range but he was 85 at the time I think.
Ian C said on 4/Apr/17
Mario Brega claimed six foot four, LoganNoll, but he is at least two inches shorter than Clint Eastwood in A Fistful of Dollars. Which is not to say that he wasn't enormous. You could have made a field tent out of one of his shirts.
Mario Brega claimed six foot four, LoganNoll, but he is at least two inches shorter than Clint Eastwood in A Fistful of Dollars. Which is not to say that he wasn't enormous. You could have made a field tent out of one of his shirts.
Ian C said on 3/Apr/17
Yet another short, barrel-chested man who lived well into his nineties. I would dearly love to see a study correlating height and age of death.
The Magnificent Seven is absolutely infested with short guys. Wallach does a lot of sitting down in that movie, probably to disguise his height.
Yet another short, barrel-chested man who lived well into his nineties. I would dearly love to see a study correlating height and age of death.
The Magnificent Seven is absolutely infested with short guys. Wallach does a lot of sitting down in that movie, probably to disguise his height.
LoganNoll1996 said on 12/Sep/16
Can we add Mario Bregga to this site? Sites describe him as 6'4" but he doesn't look it next to Van Kleef or Eli Wallach in the Dollars Trilogy.
Can we add Mario Bregga to this site? Sites describe him as 6'4" but he doesn't look it next to Van Kleef or Eli Wallach in the Dollars Trilogy.
ArjunaKorale said on 16/May/15
Yes, Arch, I did know that Volonte was already an accomplished actor in Italy (although I have never seen any of his other roles, outside of the Spaghetti Westerns). Certainly, I will not easily forget his drug-taking, sadistic (yet pathetic) villain El Indio. This is why I think he was a v good actor...Volonte could be nasty & still make you feel a little sorry for him! And yes, Arch, I also could see Volonte as around 5 ft 10 or 5 ft 11 inches tall...just watch him in For A Few Dollars More & you will see that he wore immense heels under his flairs, lol! Anyway, this is a vote from me & Mr Stanton...Rob, please add a little bit more Italian flair to your great site!
Yes, Arch, I did know that Volonte was already an accomplished actor in Italy (although I have never seen any of his other roles, outside of the Spaghetti Westerns). Certainly, I will not easily forget his drug-taking, sadistic (yet pathetic) villain El Indio. This is why I think he was a v good actor...Volonte could be nasty & still make you feel a little sorry for him! And yes, Arch, I also could see Volonte as around 5 ft 10 or 5 ft 11 inches tall...just watch him in For A Few Dollars More & you will see that he wore immense heels under his flairs, lol! Anyway, this is a vote from me & Mr Stanton...Rob, please add a little bit more Italian flair to your great site!
Arch Stanton said on 14/May/15
Gian Maria Volonte was more than just the villain in those movies, he was a famous Italian actor who had a mass of decent roles if you're up on Italian cinema. He'd be well worth adding I agree. He could have been around 6'1 actually if Clint was 6'4. I'd need to watch Fistful again for ocmparison, but in my head for some reason I was thinking Volonte was about 5 ft 10!
Gian Maria Volonte was more than just the villain in those movies, he was a famous Italian actor who had a mass of decent roles if you're up on Italian cinema. He'd be well worth adding I agree. He could have been around 6'1 actually if Clint was 6'4. I'd need to watch Fistful again for ocmparison, but in my head for some reason I was thinking Volonte was about 5 ft 10!
ArjunaKorale said on 13/May/15
Sorry, I meant to say Gian Maria Volonte! Rob, could you please do an entry on this brilliant villain (A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More) as well as hero (A Bullet for the General) from the Spaghetti Westerns...
Sorry, I meant to say Gian Maria Volonte! Rob, could you please do an entry on this brilliant villain (A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More) as well as hero (A Bullet for the General) from the Spaghetti Westerns...
ArjunaKorale said on 10/May/15
Eli was always one of my favourite actors after I saw him play THE UGLY ONE in Sergio Leone's fab spaghetti western. I had Eli down as 5 ft 7 or 5 ft 8 tall in height. Rob, please could you do an entry for Gian Maria Volante? He always played the very best of villains in the Dollars trilogy. I've seen Volante listed as 187 cm, but he seems more like 182 cm to me.
Eli was always one of my favourite actors after I saw him play THE UGLY ONE in Sergio Leone's fab spaghetti western. I had Eli down as 5 ft 7 or 5 ft 8 tall in height. Rob, please could you do an entry for Gian Maria Volante? He always played the very best of villains in the Dollars trilogy. I've seen Volante listed as 187 cm, but he seems more like 182 cm to me.
ArjunaKorale said on 10/May/15
Eli was always one of my favourite actors after I saw him play THE
UGLY
Eli was always one of my favourite actors after I saw him play THE
UGLY
Sam said on 26/Jun/14
Yes, RIP...Rob, could you chance to "US Actor best remember for Baby Doll, The Misfits, The Magnificent Seven, The Good, The Bad & The Ugly, Nuts, The Godfather Part III and The Holiday"?
Yes, RIP...Rob, could you chance to "US Actor best remember for Baby Doll, The Misfits, The Magnificent Seven, The Good, The Bad & The Ugly, Nuts, The Godfather Part III and The Holiday"?
clint said on 25/Jun/14
RIP brother.
RIP brother.
Arch Stanton said on 19/Jun/14
Looked 5-6 inches shorter than Gable in The Misfits and was still easily 2 inches taller than Monroe in heels! Difficult to see him under 5 ft 7 peak,. although he did have that typical squat Latino sort of build which could make him seem shorter at times.
Looked 5-6 inches shorter than Gable in The Misfits and was still easily 2 inches taller than Monroe in heels! Difficult to see him under 5 ft 7 peak,. although he did have that typical squat Latino sort of build which could make him seem shorter at times.
Arch Stanton said on 15/Dec/13
Oddly looks 5'9 next to Audrey Hepburn in How to Steal a Million who herself looks near that next to Peter o Toole. I suspect a box in their scenes!!
Oddly looks 5'9 next to Audrey Hepburn in How to Steal a Million who herself looks near that next to Peter o Toole. I suspect a box in their scenes!!
Arch Stanton said on 13/Jun/13
He looked 5'5" range in Godfather III next to 5'9.25 Andy Garcia. Garcia had about 4 inches on him. He'd have been 75 in that film so quite reasonably could have lost 1.5 from peak, I'd have guessed him at 5'5.5" at that age. He did look 5'7"-5'8" next to Eastwood in GBU.
He looked 5'5" range in Godfather III next to 5'9.25 Andy Garcia. Garcia had about 4 inches on him. He'd have been 75 in that film so quite reasonably could have lost 1.5 from peak, I'd have guessed him at 5'5.5" at that age. He did look 5'7"-5'8" next to Eastwood in GBU.
Roger H said on 4/May/13
He is listed at 178 on lots of websites
He is listed at 178 on lots of websites
Monica said on 17/Sep/12
When he was young he is height was only 1.70 cm?
When he was young he is height was only 1.70 cm?
Dave said on 5/Jan/12
5'7 peak , in the movie the Holiday Kate Winslet was towering him
5'7 peak , in the movie the Holiday Kate Winslet was towering him
krazy krippled! said on 2/Jan/11
Put him at 5'7 peak height Rob
Put him at 5'7 peak height Rob
Jack said on 23/Dec/10
I've seen him several times and spoken with him occasionally over a period of 30+ years as we live a few blocks apart on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. I'd say today he's around 5'5 but when I first saw him in the late 70s and early 80s that he was still 5'7 at that time.
I've seen him several times and spoken with him occasionally over a period of 30+ years as we live a few blocks apart on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. I'd say today he's around 5'5 but when I first saw him in the late 70s and early 80s that he was still 5'7 at that time.
Shaun said on 3/Dec/10
Eastwood was almost a head taller than him, about 9 inches mouth to top of head. Given that Eastwood was 6'4" Wallach was around 5'7".
Eastwood was almost a head taller than him, about 9 inches mouth to top of head. Given that Eastwood was 6'4" Wallach was around 5'7".
Shaun said on 30/Oct/10
5'7" prime. Today 5'3.5"???
5'7" prime. Today 5'3.5"???
Doug said on 9/Apr/09
Gianmaria Volont
Gianmaria Volont
Doug said on 9/Apr/09
I thought he looked about 5'9" in GBU. He looked tallish compared to the little shopkeeper ENzo Petito which a 5'7" man wouldn't. He looks tiny now I'll give you that but I thought he looked 5'8" or 5'92 in GBU, perhaps actually if he was 5'7" barefoot he was.
I thought he looked about 5'9" in GBU. He looked tallish compared to the little shopkeeper ENzo Petito which a 5'7" man wouldn't. He looks tiny now I'll give you that but I thought he looked 5'8" or 5'92 in GBU, perhaps actually if he was 5'7" barefoot he was.
Sal Rinella said on 13/Mar/09
I ran into him on the streets of brooklyn by accident and I would say he's not 5'7" 5'6'or 5'5". He'sacoolcat and he stopped and talked to us as well as signed an autograph.This was when I was going to school for acting. So I was jazzed.
I ran into him on the streets of brooklyn by accident and I would say he's not 5'7" 5'6'or 5'5". He'sacoolcat and he stopped and talked to us as well as signed an autograph.This was when I was going to school for acting. So I was jazzed.
Taylor said on 2/Nov/08
Wow, he looked a lot taller in The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.
Wow, he looked a lot taller in The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.
adam said on 25/Oct/08
Could he have been a little more than just 5-7 peak? Was he really NINE inches shorter than Eastwood? I would have thought that he had been like 5-9.
Could he have been a little more than just 5-7 peak? Was he really NINE inches shorter than Eastwood? I would have thought that he had been like 5-9.
marco said on 19/Jul/08
Gleen,I saw the western of Sergio Leone.
I read that Eastwood is 193,Wallach 1,70 and Van Cleef 1,88.
Do you know the height of Gianmaria Volont
Gleen,I saw the western of Sergio Leone.
I read that Eastwood is 193,Wallach 1,70 and Van Cleef 1,88.
Do you know the height of Gianmaria Volont
Elle said on 19/Mar/08
Aww legend! Yeah that look's about right.
Aww legend! Yeah that look's about right.
glenn said on 30/Jan/08
yeah,that was luck.i couldnt believe what i was seeing.
yeah,that was luck.i couldnt believe what i was seeing.
l0ck n l0ad said on 29/Jan/08
Yes Glenn at least you got to witness in live with your eyes the spectacular GBU reunion which is something many fans would envy for.
Yes Glenn at least you got to witness in live with your eyes the spectacular GBU reunion which is something many fans would envy for.
l0ck n l0ad said on 23/Jan/08
5'7" ? Does this that in The Good The Bad & The Ugly (GBU) he was only 5'7"? I always thought he a little taller! Although in the scene were Tuco and Blondie are walking side by side just before they get capured by the North side you see Tuco looking pretty short next to Blondie.
To Bruno, I agree indeed he was absolutely brilliant in GBU! I've seen that movie countless times I remember it frame by frame. I'm glad in a way it didn't win any oscars, that way you can always claim it's underrated. If I had to choose my most favorite movie of all time it would GBU.
To Glenn, that would be so insane to get a picture with both Eli and Clint together, a picture you could proudly show to your grandchildren some day. I'm sorry to hear you couldn't get a pic :-(
5'7" ? Does this that in The Good The Bad & The Ugly (GBU) he was only 5'7"? I always thought he a little taller! Although in the scene were Tuco and Blondie are walking side by side just before they get capured by the North side you see Tuco looking pretty short next to Blondie.
To Bruno, I agree indeed he was absolutely brilliant in GBU! I've seen that movie countless times I remember it frame by frame. I'm glad in a way it didn't win any oscars, that way you can always claim it's underrated. If I had to choose my most favorite movie of all time it would GBU.
To Glenn, that would be so insane to get a picture with both Eli and Clint together, a picture you could proudly show to your grandchildren some day. I'm sorry to hear you couldn't get a pic :-(
Lmeister said on 13/Jan/08
One of the best supporting actors of all time. He even made the Holiday a good movie!!!
One of the best supporting actors of all time. He even made the Holiday a good movie!!!
glenn said on 12/Jan/08
whats crazy is that a year ago this week i saw eli and clint together.couldnt get a pic.
whats crazy is that a year ago this week i saw eli and clint together.couldnt get a pic.
Bruno said on 11/Jan/08
I say 5 8 in the 60s less now. Absolutely brilliant in the good the bad and the ugly should have won an oscar. One of the greatest movies of all time.
I say 5 8 in the 60s less now. Absolutely brilliant in the good the bad and the ugly should have won an oscar. One of the greatest movies of all time.
Antron said on 6/Dec/07
in Godfather III looks to be about Pacino's size or under
in Godfather III looks to be about Pacino's size or under
jo said on 12/Sep/07
hello i m french and saw him in a french movie le cerveau
and i think that ely is 170cm like bourvil a french actor
hello i m french and saw him in a french movie le cerveau
and i think that ely is 170cm like bourvil a french actor
Franco said on 26/Jul/07
lol....ELY = 165cm
lol....ELY = 165cm
Chris said on 14/Jul/07
I hope I live to be as old and cool as Eli!
I hope I live to be as old and cool as Eli!
glenn said on 14/Jul/07
soft spoken,sweet man.
soft spoken,sweet man.
Chris said on 13/Jul/07
What was Eli like to meet? He always looks like a pretty cool guy.
What was Eli like to meet? He always looks like a pretty cool guy.
glenn said on 13/Jul/07
i try to shy away from both actually chris.
i try to shy away from both actually chris.
sf said on 12/Jul/07
Wow, I always thought he was around 5'9" in his heyday, but this picture makes me wonder.
Wow, I always thought he was around 5'9" in his heyday, but this picture makes me wonder.
Chris said on 12/Jul/07
Oh okay, just thought of a library straight away. Guess I go to libraries more than book signings!
Oh okay, just thought of a library straight away. Guess I go to libraries more than book signings!
glenn said on 10/Jul/07
bob hope, yes.george burns i never saw.i dont think.i never remembered i met milton berle.i was 10.most i remember.95 percent i remember.
bob hope, yes.george burns i never saw.i dont think.i never remembered i met milton berle.i was 10.most i remember.95 percent i remember.
Anthony said on 10/Jul/07
Lena Horne and Borgnine I think are both 90. Ever got Bob Hope or George Burns?
Lena Horne and Borgnine I think are both 90. Ever got Bob Hope or George Burns?
glenn said on 9/Jul/07
its eli and ernest brognine next.maybe an odd women or 2.lena horne? i have general mcarthers wife.she was in her 90s then.but not a celeb.
its eli and ernest brognine next.maybe an odd women or 2.lena horne? i have general mcarthers wife.she was in her 90s then.but not a celeb.
Brad said on 9/Jul/07
Leone's direction made everybody tall and larger than life. That was his success. Big close-up and the ground to head shot. I know somebody who asked Lee Van Cleef where the graveyard was cause he wanted to visit it when he was going to Barcelona. Van Cleef said Leone built it, it doesn't exist! Now that's amazing considering they built the big bridge twice (blew up on a bad cue by an AD). Try getting budgets for that these days. Better be named Lucas. He's lost height. Ben Stiller is taller than him.
Leone's direction made everybody tall and larger than life. That was his success. Big close-up and the ground to head shot. I know somebody who asked Lee Van Cleef where the graveyard was cause he wanted to visit it when he was going to Barcelona. Van Cleef said Leone built it, it doesn't exist! Now that's amazing considering they built the big bridge twice (blew up on a bad cue by an AD). Try getting budgets for that these days. Better be named Lucas. He's lost height. Ben Stiller is taller than him.
Anthony said on 8/Jul/07
Glenn, this is an odd question, but is Eli the oldest celeb you have a photo with?
Glenn, this is an odd question, but is Eli the oldest celeb you have a photo with?
D. Ray Morton said on 8/Jul/07
I love this guy. He's been in some great movies as of late.
I love this guy. He's been in some great movies as of late.
RICHARD said on 7/Jul/07
He looked tall in The Good,The Bad, and The Ugly but he was dwarfed by Clint Eastwood. I would at least give him 5'9'
He looked tall in The Good,The Bad, and The Ugly but he was dwarfed by Clint Eastwood. I would at least give him 5'9'
Cat Stevens said on 7/Jul/07
the good, the bad and the ugly rules
the good, the bad and the ugly rules
glenn said on 7/Jul/07
library? it was a book signing.
library? it was a book signing.
Chris said on 7/Jul/07
You met Eli in the library?
You met Eli in the library?
glenn said on 7/Jul/07
it just dawned on me i saw the man with no name and tuco together.couldnt get up to them on time.7 months ago.what a sight that was.
it just dawned on me i saw the man with no name and tuco together.couldnt get up to them on time.7 months ago.what a sight that was.
glenn said on 7/Jul/07
the man was 5-4.i was shocked.
the man was 5-4.i was shocked.
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