James Denton, best known for portraying Mike Delfino on Desperate Housewives, is frequently asked about his physical stature. Verified sources list his height at approximately 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm), a measurement consistent across production materials and reputable biographical records. This height is common for leading men in television and has not been a stated factor in role selection or casting decisions. Below is a concise table summarizing the key attribute and its sourcing.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches / 180 cm | Production bios, reputable biographies |
How Height Is Reported in Entertainment Bios
In casting and press materials, actors’ heights are often rounded to the nearest inch or centimeter depending on regional standards. U.S. sources typically use imperial measurements, while international outlets may prefer metric. For leads like James Denton, studios keep standardized figures to streamline billing and wardrobe, and these numbers are periodically audited but not always publicly audited in detail.
Measurement Conventions
- Shoes off versus shoes on: Official bios usually list without shoes.
- Rounding practices: Commonly rounded to the nearest whole inch.
- Regional formatting: U.S. listings in feet/inches; others in centimeters.
James Denton’s Role and Public Profile
James Denton’s most prominent role, Mike Delfino on Desperate Housewives, required both dramatic and comedic range. His physical presence, including his height, contributed to onscreen chemistry with co-stars but was not a specific casting mandate. In interviews, Denton has rarely discussed height as a defining professional factor, emphasizing instead character work and narrative arc.
Why Exact Height Can Be Hard to Pinpoint
Even with verified bios, small discrepancies appear across databases due to timing (e.g., growth during adolescence), rounding choices, or simple transcription errors. When height is listed in different systems—IMDb, studio press kits, magazine archives—slight variations are common for any actor, not just Denton. Cross-referencing multiple reputable sources helps establish a reliable consensus.
Comparing With Industry Standards
Within the landscape of television leading men, a height near 5 feet 11 inches sits comfortably within typical ranges. The comparison table below contextualizes James Denton’s height alongside a few contemporaries for clarity.
| Actor | Reported Height | Era/Notable Role |
|---|---|---|
| James Denton | 5'11" (180 cm) | Mike Delfino, Desperate Housewives |
| Tom Cruise | 5'7" (170 cm) | Multiple leading roles |
| Matthew McConaughey | 6'0" (183 cm) | Film leading man |
| Idris Elba | 6'2" (188 cm) | Television and film |
Height in Casting and Typecasting Considerations
Casting directors often select within a range rather than a fixed number, and an inch or two rarely alters availability for a specific project. For James Denton, height aligned him with the everyman archetype used in neighborhood-set dramas like Desperate Housewives. Typecasting based on physique does occur, but Denton’s performances are more closely tied to his character choices than to any single physical metric.
Measuring and Understanding Height Over Time
Heights can change slightly across the lifespan due to posture, spinal compression, or medical conditions, but for adults in the public eye, change is minimal. Verified sources for James Denton reflect his adult measurement, which has remained consistent throughout his most visible work. This stability makes it straightforward to cite a single figure for reference.
How to Interpret Public Height Data
When reviewing any actor’s listed height, consider the source: official agency bios and press kits are more reliable than fan forums. Cross-checking with at least two independent reputable outlets usually resolves inconsistencies. For James Denton, the prevailing figure of 5 feet 11 inches is corroborated by production materials and long-form biographies.
Summary and Key Takeaways
- James Denton’s verified height is approximately 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm).
- Measurements are typically taken without shoes and may be rounded in different regions.
- Height has not been a limiting or defining factor in his major roles.
- Comparable actors fall within a similar range, underscoring how common this height is in leading roles.
- Reliable data comes from studio bios and established biographical references.
For ongoing reference, treat widely cited figures from authoritative press materials as the baseline, and be mindful of minor discrepancies across databases. James Denton’s height, like many physical attributes in show business, matters in presentation but is secondary to the work and choices that define a lasting career.