You’ve seen her command the red carpet at the Emmys. You’ve watched her deliver those gut-wrenching, powerhouse performances as Sophia Burset on Orange Is the New Black. But there’s one question that seems to follow Laverne Cox almost as much as her advocacy work does: just how tall is she?
People are obsessed with celebrity measurements. It's a thing. But with Laverne, the conversation about the Laverne Cox height often gets tangled up in misconceptions about gender, fashion, and presence. Honestly, she’s a presence that feels ten feet tall, regardless of what the measuring tape says.
The Magic Number: How Tall is Laverne Cox, Really?
Let’s get the hard facts out of the way first. Laverne Cox is 5 feet 11 inches tall.
In centimeters, that’s about 180 cm. For many, that's firmly in "Amazonian" territory, especially when you factor in the four-to-six-inch stilettos she frequently rocks for Live from E! or a gala. She’s tall. Really tall.
But it’s not just about the number. In several interviews, including a notable chat with OutSmart, Laverne has been candid about how her height has shaped her life. She’s mentioned that being 5'11" means people have always noticed her. And back in the day, that wasn't always a great thing. She’s spoken about walking down the street and having people use her height as a way to "clock" her or harass her. It’s a layer of her experience that most people don't think about when they're just Googling a stat.
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Why She Looks Even Taller on Screen
Ever notice how some actors look tiny in person? Laverne is the opposite.
- The Heel Factor: Laverne doesn't do flats on the red carpet. If she’s 5'11" barefoot, she’s pushing 6'4" or 6'5" in a standard designer pump. That puts her head and shoulders above many of her Hollywood peers.
- Posture: As a classically trained dancer (she studied dance at the Alabama School of Fine Arts and Marymount Manhattan College), she has incredible carriage. She stands with a literal "balletic" grace that elongates her frame.
- Camera Angles: In Orange Is the New Black, Sophia Burset was often filmed in ways that emphasized her stature as a source of strength or, at times, vulnerability within the prison walls.
Dealing with the Height "Stigma"
It's kinda wild how much society ties height to gender. For a long time, Laverne struggled with the visibility her height provided. She told Us Weekly that she doesn't consider herself "super tall," but she knows that in heels, the "Amazon" labels start flying.
There’s a specific kind of bravery in leaning into that height when the world has used it as a weapon against you. Instead of slouching to fit in, she wears the tallest heels in the room. It’s a power move. Honestly, it's one of the things that makes her a style icon. She isn't trying to shrink herself to make others comfortable.
Comparison with Other Stars
To give you some perspective, here is how she stacks up against other famous names:
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- Taylor Swift: Also 5'11". (You might remember Laverne in the "You Need to Calm Down" video).
- Nicole Kidman: 5'11".
- Gisele Bündchen: 5'11".
When you see her next to a standard-height talk show host or a co-star who might be 5'4", the difference is striking. But she's in good company with some of the most famous "tall girls" in the industry.
More Than Just a Measurement
We talk about the Laverne Cox height because it’s a visible part of her identity, but her "stature" in the industry is what actually matters. She was the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy in an acting category. She was the first to appear on the cover of Time magazine.
She’s used her platform to produce Disclosure, a documentary that basically changed how we look at trans representation in film. If you haven't seen it, go watch it on Netflix. It’s a masterclass in media analysis.
She grew up in Mobile, Alabama, facing intense bullying. She even attempted suicide at age 11 because the pressure of being "different" felt like too much. When you know that history, her 5'11" frame looks like a monument to survival. She isn't just a tall woman; she’s a woman who survived being told she shouldn't exist, and now she stands tall on every stage she walks onto.
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What You Can Take Away from Laverne’s Style
If you're on the taller side and feel self-conscious about it, Laverne is your blueprint.
- Embrace the vertical: Vertical lines, high-waisted fits, and monochromatic looks can celebrate your height rather than hiding it.
- The Power of the Heel: You don't have to wear flats just because you're already the tallest person in the room. Wear the shoes you love.
- Confidence is the "Extra Inch": The way you carry your shoulders dictates how people perceive your height. If you look like you own the space, people respect the space you take up.
Laverne Cox is 5'11", but her influence is immeasurable. Whether she's hosting a podcast or acting in a blockbuster, she brings a level of dignity and "tall girl energy" that is honestly inspiring.
Next time you're watching her on a red carpet, don't just look at how she towers over the mic—look at how she carries that height with the ease of someone who finally knows exactly who she is.
Actionable Step: If you’re interested in more than just her physical stats, check out her documentary Disclosure on Netflix to understand why she’s such a pivotal figure in modern entertainment. You can also follow her "Live from E!" red carpet coverage to see her 5'11" frame in action alongside the world's biggest stars.