When people look up robert taylor how tall, they usually aren't looking for just one man. It’s kinda funny how Hollywood works. You’ve got two massive stars with the exact same name, both known for playing tough, stoic leading men, but separated by about seven decades of film history.
First, you have the "Golden Boy" of MGM, the guy with the "perfect profile" from the 1930s. Then there’s the rugged Australian who brought Longmire to life on Netflix. Honestly, their heights are a big part of why they both became icons. Being a leading man is often about "filling the frame," and both Taylors knew exactly how to do that.
Robert Taylor: How Tall Was the MGM Legend?
The original Robert Taylor (born Spangler Arlington Brugh) was the epitome of the classic Hollywood star. He stood 6 feet tall (about 183 cm). In today’s world, 6 feet is tall but not "giant" status. Back in 1935? He was a skyscraper.
Most of his contemporaries, like James Cagney or Humphrey Bogart, were significantly shorter. Cagney was maybe 5'5", and Bogey was around 5'8" on a good day. Standing at 6'0", Taylor had this natural authority that made him the perfect romantic lead opposite legends like Greta Garbo in Camille.
He wasn't just tall, though. He was lean.
At his peak, he weighed around 170 to 175 pounds. This gave him a lithe, athletic look that worked just as well in a naval uniform as it did in a tuxedo.
Later in his career, as he transitioned into Westerns like Devil’s Doorway, that height helped him maintain a "tough guy" image even as his face matured and lost that boyish softness. He didn't need lifts in his shoes. He had the real deal.
Height Comparison: The Golden Age
To put his 6-foot frame into perspective, let's look at who he shared the screen with:
- Clark Gable: Roughly 6'1". These two were the "kings" of the MGM lot.
- Barbara Stanwyck: His first wife was about 5'5". When they stood together, the height difference was classic Hollywood—he could comfortably tuck her under his arm.
- Greta Garbo: She was about 5'7", which was very tall for a woman at the time. Taylor’s 6'0" height was necessary so she didn't tower over him in Camille.
The Longmire Factor: Robert Taylor’s Modern Height
Now, if you’re asking robert taylor how tall because you just finished binge-watching Longmire or Territory, you’re looking at a different set of numbers. The Australian Robert Taylor is even taller than his predecessor.
He stands at 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm).
This 6'2" height is a massive reason why he was cast as Walt Longmire. The character of Walt is supposed to be this immovable object, a man of the West who carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. If Taylor were 5'9", the show would have felt completely different.
When he stands in front of a suspect or leans against his truck, his height does the acting for him. It creates a sense of safety and also a bit of intimidation.
Why the 6'2" Frame Matters for Walt Longmire
Basically, Taylor’s height allowed him to play "down." He doesn't have to shout to be the most important person in the room. He just stands there.
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You’ll notice in the show that he often wears a Stetson and cowboy boots. Those boots easily add another 1.5 to 2 inches. So, in most scenes, Sheriff Walt Longmire is actually looming at nearly 6 feet 4 inches.
Compare him to his co-star Katee Sackhoff (Vic Moretti), who is about 5'6". The visual contrast highlights the "protector" dynamic that fans of the show love.
The "Other" Robert Taylors
Just to make things more confusing, there are a couple of other "Robert Taylors" in the public eye.
There's Robert Taylor the footballer (the Finnish winger who played with Messi at Inter Miami). He is 6 feet even (182 cm). He’s got that classic athletic build—trim, fast, and exactly the same height as the 1930s movie star.
Then there’s the Robert Taylor who played for the Cleveland Guardians/Washington Nationals organization in the late 2000s. He was listed at 6 feet 2 inches and 210 pounds.
Does Height Really Matter in Hollywood?
Sorta. It’s all about "presence."
In the old days, being "too tall" was actually a problem because it made it hard to frame shots with shorter leading ladies. But for both Robert Taylors, their height was a tool. The 1930s Taylor used it for elegance. The modern Taylor uses it for grit.
If you're trying to figure out which one is which, just remember:
- Black and white / Classic Westerns: That’s the 6'0" Robert Taylor.
- Sheriff's badge / Australian accent / Netflix: That’s the 6'2" Robert Taylor.
- Running down a soccer pitch with Messi: That’s the 6'0" Robert Taylor.
Actionable Takeaway for Fans
If you’re a fan of the modern Robert Taylor, check out his work in the 2024 series Territory. His 6'2" frame is used to full effect there as he plays a dynasty patriarch. If you prefer the classic era, watch Ivanhoe (1952) to see how a 6-foot-tall actor dominated the screen in a suit of armor.
Knowing the height of these actors helps you appreciate the "physicality" of their performances. It’s not just about the lines they say; it’s about how they occupy the space around them. Whether it's 6'0" or 6'2", the name Robert Taylor seems to be synonymous with "tall, dark, and commanding."