Right, the article’s premise is a little off-kilter. The actors of today are probably of similar height altogether, and are actually even more apt to be buffed up.
The difference is in the way they present themselves, in terms of manner, demeanor and comportment. They come across as UNMANLY and UNMASCULINE. Too much emo, too much self-consciousness. Doesn’t help when film directors also emphasize so many “strike a cool pose” shots. It all comes across as so laughably (and embarrassingly) ludicrous to me.
That’s why Cruise is so good as Jack Reacher. Definitely manly, masculine and unself-conscious.