Discovering The Life And Legacy Of Andre The Giant: A Wrestling Icon

Andre the Giant, born André René Roussimoff, remains one of the most fascinating figures in the world of professional wrestling. Known for his immense size and talent, he made a significant impact both in the ring and on the big screen. His story is not just about his achievements but also about the challenges he faced due to his condition. Let's delve into the life of this unique individual who captured the hearts of many.

Who Was Andre the Giant?

Andre the Giant had the hormonal disorder acromegaly, which causes the release of excess growth hormone, resulting in gigantism. This condition played a crucial role in shaping his career as a dominant wrestler in the 1970s and '80s. Andre's size not only helped him become a wrestling superstar but also opened doors to Hollywood, where he found success in the classic film The Princess Bride. Tragically, he passed away at the young age of 46 in his home country of France.

Early Life

Born on May 19, 1946, in Coulommiers, France, Andre weighed an astonishing 13 pounds at birth. While he was billed as being from Grenoble in the French Alps, he actually grew up in the small town of Molien, located about forty miles east of Paris. He shared his childhood with four siblings, and there’s a charming story of him being given rides to school by the famous playwright Samuel Beckett, who lived nearby.

At the legal working age of 14, Andre left school to start working. It was during this time that his acromegaly became noticeable, and by the time he turned 15, he was already nearly 6-foot-6 tall. This rapid growth marked the beginning of his extraordinary journey.

Understanding Acromegaly

Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder caused by the pituitary gland releasing too much growth hormone. For Andre, this meant he began to grow significantly taller around the age of 14, leading to various physical changes, including an enlarged head, hands, feet, and chest. Wearing a size 22 shoe, he made regular items appear small, as seen in a famous 1981 Sports Illustrated profile where he held a beer can that looked miniature in his massive hands.

However, Andre's size came with its own set of challenges. He once remarked, “They don’t build anything for a giant,” highlighting the everyday difficulties he faced. For example, he had to use a pencil to dial a phone and often traveled for wrestling events, which made using airplane lavatories nearly impossible. He described those long car rides, saying, “Many times I have to ride for several hundred miles in the front seat of a car and my back and neck always get so stiff.”

Height and Weight

The exact height of Andre the Giant is still debated. Throughout his wrestling career, he was often billed as 7-foot-4, but many believe he was closer to 7-foot-2, as indicated on his French passport. Some estimates suggest he might have been slightly shorter than that.

His weight also varied throughout his life, with reports estimating it between 380 lbs. and 555 lbs. at the time of his death. Although he was often said to weigh 520 lbs., this could have been another instance of wrestling exaggeration.

A Wrestling Legend

Andre once said, “What God gave me, I use it to make a living,” which perfectly encapsulates his approach to wrestling. He began his career in France in 1966 under the name Jean Ferré. His path took him to Japan, where he was known as Monster Roussimoff, before he made a name for himself in Quebec in 1971.

By 1973, he had adopted the name “Andre the Giant” and was working with Vincent McMahon Sr. in the World Wide Wrestling Federation (now known as WWE). He quickly gained fame and was dubbed the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Over his career, he traveled extensively, wrestling in Europe, Mexico, Japan, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.

In 1987, Andre faced Hulk Hogan in the iconic Wrestlemania III, where he was billed as an undefeated wrestler. Despite the exaggerations, this event attracted a massive audience and marked a high point in his wrestling career. Following Wrestlemania III, Andre's health began to decline, and he underwent back surgery the following year. Nevertheless, he continued to perform until just before his passing, with his last match occurring on December 4, 1992, in Japan.

Legacy Beyond Wrestling

Andre's contributions to film are just as noteworthy as his wrestling career. He was cast as the lovable giant Fezzik in the 1987 movie The Princess Bride, a role that showcased his charm and acting ability. Although director Rob Reiner admitted he struggled to understand Andre during auditions, he ultimately won the role and delivered a memorable performance.

Filming was challenging due to Andre's ongoing back issues, leading to creative solutions like using cables for stunts. His acting career also included appearances in a French film in 1967, several television shows, and a cameo in Trading Mom in 1994. Andre was proud of his work, often carrying a videotape of The Princess Bride to share with friends.

The Final Chapter

Andre passed away at the age of 46 on January 28, 1993, in a Paris hotel room. His death, rooted in congestive heart failure linked to his untreated acromegaly, was a tragic end to a larger-than-life figure. While he had expressed a desire to be cremated, his body had to be flown back to the United States due to the lack of suitable facilities in France. His ashes were ultimately scattered on his ranch in North Carolina.

Despite the challenges he faced in his personal life, including a complicated relationship with his daughter Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, Andre's legacy shines brightly. He became the first inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame following his death, ensuring that his contributions to wrestling and entertainment will never be forgotten.

Reflections and Recognitions

Andre's life story has been explored in numerous documentaries and books, including the 2018 documentary Andre the Giant and the graphic novel Andre the Giant: Life and Legend. His influence continues to resonate through various forms of media, reminding us of the giant who conquered both the wrestling ring and Hollywood.

The world remembers Andre not just for his size, but for his heart, charisma, and the enduring impact he made in both wrestling and film. His story serves as an inspiration to many, illustrating that greatness comes in many forms, and sometimes the biggest challenges can lead to the greatest legacies.