She approved of his portrayal despite the fact that physically he was far too tall for the dapper little Belgian detective .
Poirot was played initially by the well - known character actor Francis L. Sullivan who became a good friend of the author .
She approved of Poirot 's portrayal despite the fact that physically he was far too tall for the dapper little Belgian detective .
Poirot was played initially by the well - known character actor Francis L. Sullivan who became a good friend of the author .