Have you ever been watching TV with a friend, minding your own business, and then suddenly a giant man appears on screen juggling a chainsaw? That’s usually the moment someone squints at the screen and asks, “Wait, how tall is Penn?” It’s a valid question. He looks like he could dunk a basketball on a regulation hoop while holding a drink in his other hand.
The answer, according to Penn Jillette himself, is he’s 6 feet 6 inches tall. That’s a solid six-six. For context, the average American man is about five-nine. So, standing next to your buddy at a BBQ, Penn would look like a friendly redwood tree towering over a garden shrub.
Why We All Care About Height
Let’s be honest: we are all a little obsessed with height. It’s the first thing we notice about a person. When you walk into a coffee shop and see a guy whose head nearly touches the door frame, you don’t just look; you stare. You whisper to your date, “Whoa, is that…?”
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With Penn, that “whoa” moment is the whole point. His height isn’t just a random fact; it’s a core tool of his magic act. Imagine trying to hide a coin behind your ear when you are eye-level with everyone. Penn doesn’t have that problem. He uses his size to make the impossible seem even more impossible.
Think about it: Teller is the quiet, nimble one. He’s about five-eleven, which is normal. But Penn? He’s the massive, loud, bellowing man. When he looms over you, you can’t help but feel a little bit like a child sitting at the grown-ups’ table. That’s the secret sauce of their partnership.
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The Gorilla in the Room
Here’s a fun little story. I once saw a clip where Penn was sitting in a normal chair backstage. His knees were practically up to his chin. He looked like a grown man sitting in a kindergarten classroom. It was goofy, relatable, and totally charming.
He jokes about how “normal” life is hard for him. Airplane seats are a nightmare. He can’t fit in a standard sedan. He says his favorite thing about flying first class isn’t the champagne, but the fact that he can actually stretch his legs without hitting the seat in front of him. We all complain about legroom, but for him, it’s a genuine daily adventure.
Penn And Teller Story at Ethel Laskey blog
Imagine trying to buy a suit off the rack. For Penn, that’s basically impossible. He has to get custom shirts and jackets, or look like he’s wearing his little brother’s clothes. That six-six frame creates a whole world of logistical hurdles we short folks never even think about.
Why You Should Care (Yes, It Matters)
You might be thinking, “Okay, so he’s tall. Why do I care?” Well, because his height is the reason their magic works so well. Magic is all about misdirection. His massive body is the misdirection. You are so focused on the giant bear, you forget to watch the quiet guy’s hands.
It’s like when you’re at a restaurant and the waiter drops a fork. You look at the clatter. But what about the chef sneaking a pickle onto your plate? Penn is that loud clatter. He distracts you with his sheer size while Teller does the quiet, delicate work. It’s a beautiful partnership built on contrast.
'Bad boys of magic' Penn & Teller inducted into Magic Circle after 50
Next time you watch a Penn & Teller trick, don’t just look at Penn’s face. Look at his shoes. Look at his hands. Notice how he uses his 78 inches of height to block your view or to make Teller look impossibly small. It’s not a coincidence; it’s choreographed genius.
Relating to the Giant
And honestly, we can all relate to feeling a little “big” or “small” in certain situations. Ever felt awkward at a cocktail party because you were too tall for the conversation? Or felt powerless because you were too short to see the stage? Penn embraces that awkwardness. He turns his physical difference into a superpower.
Funny Team Building Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images
He’s like that really tall friend you have who always volunteers to get things off the top shelf at the grocery store. You love him for it. You also secretly feel bad for him when he has to duck under doorways. That’s the warmth of Penn. He’s big, but he’s your big.
So, the next time someone asks, “How tall is Pennywise?” (which happens, because people confuse horror with magic), you can correct them. No, no. Penn is 6’6”. He’s a giant who uses his height to make you smile, wonder, and occasionally scream when he pulls a tarantula out of his pocket.
And if you ever see him in person, don’t ask for a selfie. He hates that. Just give him a nod and a smile. He’ll probably nod back, and you’ll feel like the smallest person in the world—but in the most delightful way possible.