Who Is André the Giant? Age, Biography and Wiki
André the Giant, born André René Roussimoff on May 19, 1946, was a larger-than-life figure in both professional wrestling and film. Hailing from France, André rose to stardom in the 1970s and '80s, becoming a household name not just for his incredible wrestling prowess but also for his role in the cult classic film The Princess Bride. His unique combination of size and charisma made him a beloved figure among fans, and his contributions to entertainment continue to be celebrated today.
Unfortunately, André passed away on January 27, 1993, at the age of 46. His legacy lives on through countless tributes and the ongoing appreciation of his groundbreaking career.
| Occupation | Family Members |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 19, 1946 |
| Age | 46 Years |
| Birth Place | Coulommiers, France |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | France |
| Date of death | 28 January, 1993 |
| Died Place | Paris, France |
Popularity
André the Giant's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Standing at an astonishing height of 7 feet 4 inches (224 cm) and weighing around 520 pounds (236 kg) during his prime, André the Giant was a physical marvel. His extraordinary size was attributed to acromegaly, a disorder caused by an excess of growth hormone. This condition not only contributed to his remarkable height but also defined much of his life experience, both in wrestling and beyond.
Speaking on behalf of his new protégé, Heenan accused Hogan of being Roussimoff's friend only so he would not have to defend his title against him. Hogan tried to reason with Roussimoff, but his pleas were ignored as he challenged Hogan to a match for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania III.
Hogan was still seemingly in disbelief as to what Roussimoff was doing, prompting Heenan to say "You can't believe it? Maybe you'll believe this, Hogan" before Roussimoff ripped off the T-shirt and crucifix from Hogan, with the crucifix scratching Hogan's chest, causing him to bleed.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, André maintained a relatively private personal life. While he was often seen as a mythic figure in the public eye, little is known about his relationships. Reports suggest that André had friendships and connections within the wrestling community, but he ultimately remained unmarried and without children.
After his passing, numerous anecdotes from fellow wrestlers and friends provided insights into his caring nature and his commitment to those he loved, but he never entered into a long-term romantic relationship that was well-documented in the media.
He was raised Catholic. He had two older siblings and two younger. His childhood nickname was Dédé. At birth, André weighed 6 kg; as a child, he displayed symptoms of gigantism, and was noted as "a good head taller than other kids", with abnormally long hands.
In a 1970s television interview, Roussimoff stated that his mother was 5 ft tall and his father 6 ft tall, and that according to his father his grandfather was 7 ft tall. By the time he was 12, Roussimoff stood 6 ft.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, André the Giant's net worth was estimated to be around $10 million. His earnings came not only from his wrestling career but also extensive work in films and television appearances. Today, posthumous licensing of his image and merchandise related to his legacy continue to generate revenue, contributing to his lasting financial impact. The brand he's created remains immensely valuable within both wrestling circles and popular culture.
At the age of 18, Roussimoff moved to Paris and was taught professional wrestling by a local promoter, Robert Lageat, who recognized the earning potential of Roussimoff's size. He trained at night and worked as a mover during the day to pay living expenses.
Roussimoff was billed as "Géant Ferré", a name based on the Picardian folk hero Grand Ferré. This later became "Jean Ferre". Canadian promoter and wrestler Frank Valois met Roussimoff in 1966, years later to become his business manager and adviser.
Career, Business and Investments
André the Giant began his wrestling career in the 1960s and became a pivotal figure in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) during its global expansion. His infamous matches, particularly against Hulk Hogan, are etched into the annals of wrestling history. Beyond wrestling, André made a mark in Hollywood with memorable roles, especially in The Princess Bride as Fezzik.
In addition to his performing career, André was involved in various business ventures, including merchandise related to his brand. Even years after his death, his legacy is preserved through content and collectibles that celebrate his contributions to both wrestling and film.
Beginning his career in 1966, Roussimoff relocated to North America in 1971. From 1973 to the mid-1980s, Roussimoff was booked by World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) promoter Vincent J. McMahon as a roving "special attraction" who wrestled for promotions throughout the United States, as well as in Japan for New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
During the 1980s wrestling boom, Roussimoff became a mainstay of the WWWF (by then renamed the World Wrestling Federation), being paired with the villainous manager Bobby Heenan and feuding with Hulk Hogan.
The two headlined WrestleMania III in 1987, and in 1988, he defeated Hogan to win the WWF Championship, his sole world heavyweight championship, on the first episode of The Main Event.
As his WWF career wound down after WrestleMania VI in 1990, Roussimoff wrestled primarily for All Japan Pro-Wrestling, usually alongside Giant Baba, until his sudden death.
Social Network
Although André the Giant was not a part of the social media age, his legacy is celebrated across various platforms. Fans and wrestling organizations often share content reflecting on his illustrious career, quotes from him, and his timeless scenes in films. Fan pages and wrestling groups frequently discuss his impact and host discussions about his life, ensuring that André's memory continues to thrive in the digital world.
In 1980, he feuded with Hulk Hogan, when, unlike their more famous matches in the late 1980s, Hogan was the villain and Roussimoff was the hero, wrestling him at Shea Stadium's third Showdown at Shea event and in Pennsylvania, where after Roussimoff pinned Hogan to win the match, Hogan bodyslammed him much like their legendary WrestleMania III matc
h in 1987.
The feud continued in Japan in 1982 and 1983 with their roles reversed and with Antonio Inoki also involved.
Education
André's education is lesser-known, as he did not pursue a traditional classroom-centric path due to his early entry into the wrestling world. His training started in his teens, and he learned the intricacies of wrestling primarily through practical experience and by working alongside seasoned wrestlers in the industry. This hands-on approach ultimately helped him develop a unique and charismatic wrestling style that captivated audiences worldwide.
* In 1993, when the then-World Wrestling Federation created the WWF Hall of Fame, André the Giant was the inaugural and sole inductee in the class of 1993.
