Arizona Bulletin

Andre the Giant was not just a wrestler; he was a cultural phenomenon who captured the hearts of fans around the world. Standing at an astonishing 7 feet 4 inches tall and weighing over 500 pounds, he earned the nickname "The Eighth Wonder of the World." Andre's incredible size was due to acromegaly, a condition that shaped his life and career in unique ways. Despite the challenges he faced, he became a beloved figure in both the wrestling ring and Hollywood, famously starring in movies like The Princess Bride. His story is one of triumph over adversity, showcasing the indomitable spirit of a true giant in every sense of the word​.

Early Life

André the Giant, born André René Roussimoff on May 19, 1946, in Coulommiers, France, grew up in a small farming village. His parents, Boris and Mariann, were of Bulgarian and Polish descent. André displayed early signs of gigantism, a condition caused by excessive growth hormones, which contributed to his extraordinary size. By the age of 12, he was already over 6 feet tall and weighed around 200 pounds​.

During his early years, André attended a local school and was known for his academic ability, especially in mathematics. He also participated in sports, particularly soccer, where he often played as a goalkeeper due to his large stature. However, his growing size became a concern for his parents, who feared for his health​.

At the age of 14, André left school to work on his family's farm. His strength allowed him to do the work of multiple men, but he soon realized that farming was not his calling. At 17, he moved to Paris, where he began his wrestling training, which eventually led him to a career that would make him famous worldwide​.

Career

André René Roussimoff, better known as André the Giant, was a professional wrestler and actor whose career left a lasting impact on popular culture. He suffered from a condition called acromegaly, which led to his extraordinary size by age 12, he was already over 6 feet tall. Standing at around 7 feet 4 inches and weighing over 500 pounds as an adult, André became one of the most recognizable figures in professional wrestling.

André began his wrestling career in the 1960s in France, before moving to North America in the early 1970s. He quickly gained fame in the World Wide Wrestling Federation (now WWE), where his size and strength made him an instant star. His rivalry with Hulk Hogan, particularly their match at WrestleMania III in 1987, where Hogan famously body-slammed André, is one of the most iconic moments in wrestling history.

In addition to his wrestling career, André appeared in several movies, most notably as Fezzik in The Princess Bride (1987), where his gentle and humorous persona won the hearts of many fans. Despite his fame, André suffered from health complications due to his gigantism, and he passed away from heart failure in 1993 at the age of 46.

Relationship

André the Giant, had a complicated personal life. He had one daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, born in 1979 from his relationship with Jean Christensen. André and Jean met in the 1970s through the wrestling business, where Jean worked in public relations. Their relationship was strained, and André was frequently on the road due to his wrestling career. As a result, Robin only saw her father a few times during her childhood, often recalling that their meetings happened in wrestling arenas or courtrooms due to child support issues.

Net Worth

At the time of his death in 1993, André the Giant, one of the most iconic professional wrestlers, had an estimated net worth of about $10 million when adjusted for inflation. His wealth came from his long wrestling career, notably in the WWF, as well as his acting roles, including his famous portrayal of Fezzik in The Princess Bride. He was known for his rivalry with Hulk Hogan, particularly their WrestleMania III match, which is considered legendary in wrestling history.