You’ve probably seen Andy Samberg standing next to Terry Crews in Brooklyn Nine-Nine and thought, "Wow, Jake Peralta looks tiny." Honestly, it’s a bit of a perspective trick. When you spend years acting alongside a former NFL linebacker who looks like he was carved out of granite, anyone is going to look a bit vertically challenged. But if you actually dig into the numbers, the reality of how tall is Andy Samberg is surprisingly... normal.
He isn't a giant. He isn't a hobbit.
Most official sources and industry insiders put Andy Samberg at 5 feet 10 inches (roughly 177 to 178 cm).
Now, why does this matter? Because there is this weird, long-running joke—mostly fueled by Brooklyn Nine-Nine fans—about Andy being "above average height according to the 1940 census." It’s a classic Jake Peralta deflection. But in the real world of 2026, 5'10" is pretty much the definition of the American male average, or maybe just a hair above it.
The Mystery of the "Peralta Height"
If you’ve watched the show, you remember the episode where Jake gets arrested and claims he’s 6 feet tall. He isn't. Not even close. There’s actually a great behind-the-scenes photo of Samberg standing on his tiptoes to take a picture with NBA players Doug McDermott and Enes Freedom.
Those guys are 6'7" and 6'10".
Standing next to them, Andy looks like a toddler. But that’s the thing about Hollywood height—it’s all about who you’re standing next to. On SNL, he was often surrounded by guys like Bill Hader (6'1") and Jason Sudeikis (6'1"), which made him look like the "short one" of the group.
In reality, being 5'10" means he can basically shop at any Gap in America without needing a tailor.
Why Celeb Heights Are Always a Mess
People lie. Agents lie. Casting calls lie.
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In the entertainment industry, there’s this weird pressure for leading men to be at least 6 feet tall. Because of this, you’ll often see actors who are 5'8" claiming 5'10", and guys who are 5'10" (like Andy) getting pushed into the 6-foot category on promotional materials.
Andy, though, seems pretty chill about it. He’s never been the "tough guy" lead; he’s the funny guy, the "Digital Short" guy, and the guy who marries a brilliant harpist like Joanna Newsom. Fun fact: Joanna Newsom is roughly 5'3" or 5'4", so when they walk the red carpet together, Andy actually looks quite tall.
Comparing Samberg to The Lonely Island Crew
To get a better sense of his scale, let's look at his best friends. The Lonely Island is basically a trio of "normal-sized" dudes who somehow conquered the world with songs about boats and gift boxes.
- Akiva Schaffer: He’s usually cited around 5'11".
- Jorma Taccone: He’s the "short" one of the group, coming in at about 5'7" or 5'8".
When you see the three of them together, Andy is right in the middle. He’s the stabilizer.
The "Above Average" Debate
Is 5'10" actually tall? Well, it depends on where you live. In the United States, the average height for an adult male is roughly 5'9". So, technically, Andy Samberg is above average.
Just barely.
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If he went to the Netherlands, he’d be looking up at everyone. If he was in the 1940s—as the Brooklyn Nine-Nine joke goes—he’d be a specimen of physical dominance.
Does it change how he acts?
Honestly, Andy’s height is part of his comedic DNA. He has this "scrappy kid" energy. He moves with a lot of kinetic, frantic motion that works better because he isn't a massive 6'4" lumbering guy. Imagine Jake Peralta doing a "sliding across the floor" bit if he were the size of Vince Vaughn. It wouldn't be as funny; it would just be destructive.
He uses his frame to his advantage. He’s lanky but not thin, tall but not imposing. It’s the perfect build for a guy who needs to be believable as both a goofy detective and a literal pop star (shout out to Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping).
What We Can Actually Confirm
Look, unless we get Andy to stand against a wall with a pencil and a measuring tape on a livestream, we’re relying on "celeb-height" data and eye-witness accounts from people who have worked with him.
One Reddit user who worked on a film set with him mentioned that in person, he’s "exactly 5'10", maybe a smudge under if he’s slouching." That sounds about right. He doesn't wear lifts. He doesn't do the Tom Cruise thing where he has to stand on a box to kiss his co-stars.
Putting the Height Into Perspective
To really wrap your head around how tall is Andy Samberg, think of these other 5'10" celebs:
- Matt Damon – Also 5'10", but looks "beefier."
- Johnny Depp – Often cited as 5'10", though some say 5'9".
- Cillian Murphy – Often looks taller on screen but is roughly in that same 5'9"-5'10" range.
It’s the "Everyman" height. It allows him to blend in or stand out depending on how he carries himself.
Final Thoughts on the Peralta Stature
So, the next time you're debating this with your friends during a rewatch of The Good Place (where he makes a cameo) or Palm Springs, you can settle it. He’s 5'10". He’s not a giant, but he’s definitely not short. He’s just Andy.
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Next Steps for You:
If you really want to see how height is manipulated in Hollywood, go back and watch the "The Fugitive" episodes of Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Pay attention to the camera angles when Andy is standing next to Terry Crews versus when he's alone. It’s a masterclass in making a 5'10" guy look like a small child through framing and lighting.
Also, if you're ever feeling insecure about your own height, just remember that the "1940 census" joke is always available to you. It's a bulletproof defense.