Helen Sloan/courtesy of HBO Peter Dinklage during an iconic trial scene from season 4 of "Game of Thrones.""A Lannister always pays his debts." Actor Peter Dinklage, however, has few debts to pay.
The Jersey-born actor essentially bootstrapped his career, living as a self-described starving artist for years before reaching his "Game of Thrones" success.
Dinklage now ranks among Hollywood's most-wanted actors - and just happens to be a dwarf. You can catch him on season 5 of "Game of Thrones," which returns to HBO on April 12.