John Carl Dinklage: All About Peter Dinklage’s Father

Celebritydecks
5 min readFeb 12, 2024

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Peter Dinklage, the renowned actor known for his iconic role in Game of Thrones has a fascinating family history that often goes unnoticed. Behind this well-known actor lies the legacy of his father, John Carl Dinklage, an insurance salesman, passionate fly fisherman and Korean War veteran.

John Carl Dinklage
Image- Facebook

We will go into John Carl Dinklage’s less popular life story and examine the events that shaped him.

John Carl Dinklage Early Life

Born on October 24, 1931 in New Jersey, USA, John Carl Dinklage hailed from a family with Irish and German heritage. While specific details about his childhood and education remain unknown, we do know that he attended an elementary school in New Jersey.

Growing up alongside his siblings Edna Jeanette Tapley, Ray Dinklage and David P. Dinklage, his early years were shaped by the love and support of his family. In 1949, his family relocated to Mantoloking before eventually settling in Brookside, where he would spend the rest of his life.

John’s life took a different turn when he decided to serve his country during the Korean War. He showed his bravery and dedication as an Army First Lieutenant from 1955 to 1957.

After his military service, he transitioned to the insurance industry, where he worked as a salesman until his retirement in 1991. However, his true passion lay in fly fishing.

John also played a significant role in shaping his children’s professional development, particularly that of his son Peter Dinklage. He constantly provided encouragement and support as a loving father.

While specific details of his physical appearance, such as his hair and eye color are known, not much else is documented. However, it is worth mentioning that John stood at around 5 feet 7 inches tall.

John Carl Dinklage Wife and Kids

John Carl Dinklage’s life was enriched not only by his passion for fly fishing and his military service but also by the love and companionship of his wife, Diane E. Hayden. They got married in 1966 when John was 35 years old, and Diane became Diane Dinklage.

Their journey as a couple began in New Jersey, although the exact details of how they met and started dating remain unknown. Together, they built a strong and enduring marriage that lasted nearly 38 years, ending with John’s passing.

John Carl Dinklage wife and kids
Image- hollywoodzam.com , John Carl Dinklage wife and kids

During their years together, John and Diane were blessed with two sons, Jonathan and Peter, who brought immense joy to their family.

Jonathan, born and raised in Mendham Township, Brookside, pursued his education and developed into a highly regarded violinist. He has made notable contributions to Hollywood productions like Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012) and Rush: Cinema Strangiato (2019). While not as recognized as his brother Peter, Jonathan’s talent and artistic endeavors deserve admiration.

Peter Hayden Dinklage, born on June 11, 1969, rose to fame with his exceptional portrayal of Tyrion Lannister in the critically acclaimed television series Game of Thrones. His remarkable performance earned him numerous accolades, including a Primetime Emmy and a Golden Globe. Unfortunately, John passed away in 2004, a few years before Peter’s meteoric rise to stardom. Although he wasn’t there to witness his son’s peak in the entertainment industry, John’s influence undoubtedly shaped Peter’s journey.

John Carl Dinklage and Erica Schmidt
Peter Dinklage and Erica Schmidt

In 2005, Peter Dinklage found love and married Erica Schmidt, his life partner. Together, they have two children, born in 2011 and 2017, further expanding John Carl Dinklage’s legacy. It is noteworthy that while John stood at 5 feet 8 inches tall, his son Peter, who has achondroplasia, has a height of 4 feet 5 inches.

John Carl Dinklage’s life was defined not only by his careers, hobbies and military service but also by the love and support he received from his wife and the role he played in nurturing the talents of his sons.

Peter Dinklage’s Relationship with His Father

Despite their physical differences, Peter and John Dinklage shared a strong bond, marked by friendship and support. John’s untimely passing in 2004 left a lasting impact on Peter, who continued to draw inspiration from his elder brother.

Peter’s close ties with his mother and brother have always been evident. The actor openly credits his older brother for sparking his interest in acting and both his brother and mother played pivotal roles in encouraging his pursuit of a career in the industry.

John Carl Dinklage Net Worth

As for John Carl Dinklage’s net worth, given his profession as a salesperson, it’s estimated to be between $200,000 and $500,000 before his death. In contrast, Peter Dinklage, with a successful acting career, boasts a net worth of $25 million.

John Dinklage Passed Away

Tragically, John passed away on June 27, 2004, at the age of 72, while residing in Brookside. An accomplished fly-fisherman, the cause of his death remains undisclosed. Preceded by the deaths of his parents, two siblings, and wife, John left behind his lone surviving brother, David Dinklage. He was remembered at St. Mary’s Abbey Delbarton School in Morristown, New Jersey.

In summary, John Carl Dinklage, a kind man with a sweet disposition, may not have been widely known in the media, but his son Peter Dinklage brought him into the public eye. Peter’s success in the television program ‘Game of Thrones’ highlighted the supportive role John played in his children’s lives. Though John didn’t witness his son’s triumphs, his positive influence endures in the memories of those who knew and loved him.

If you want to know more about John Carl Dinklage then you may like this article, please check out 👉John Carl Dinklage Biography: Everything About Peter Dinklage Father👈

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