André the Giant

André René Roussimoff’s Early Life

André the Giant was a French professional wrestler who rose to prominence due to his enormous size and strength. André René Roussimoff was born in Coulommiers, Seine-et-Marne, on 19 May 1946. Andre the Giant was born to immigrant parents, a Bulgarian father and a Polish mother.

Roussimoff was raised in a Catholic home with four other siblings. As a child, he was nicknamed “dédé. Notably, during his birth, Roussimoff weighed 13 pounds, which shows the symptoms of gigantism. He also has abnormally long hands. This wasn’t strange as he came from a family where everyone is tall. His grandfather was 7 feet 8 inches (234 cm) tall.

While growing up, he suffered from a condition called Acromegaly. Roussimoff’s health condition caused his body to produce excess growth hormone, resulting in his large size.

Andre the Giant’s Educational background

Andre wasn’t a bright student. He was average but displayed great interest in mathematics. But at 14, Roussimoff decided against furthering his education. He quickly joined the workforce as a farmhand working on his father’s farm in Molien. In addition, Roussimoff also did apprenticeship in woodworking and worked in a factory that manufactured engines for hay balers.

Roussimoff’s Professional Wrestling Career

Andé started his wrestling career in France at 18 years under tutelage of Robert Lageat, who saw the earning potential of his size. Back then, he trained only at night and worked as a mover in the day to afford his living expenses.

Roussimoff officially started his wrestling career in Native France. He made his first TV debut on French national television against Le Petit Prince.Roussimoff fought other wrestlers like Franz Van Buyten and Jim Hussey. He also launched his wrestling career into other countries like Germany, Australia, New Zealand and Africa before eventually joining the World Wrestling Federation in 1984.

Roussimoff quickly gained fame due to his large stature. He was also a fan favorite outside the ring due to his gentle personality. André was involved in many notable feuds during his wrestling career. His most notable feud was against Hulk Hogan. Together, the two men had incredible chemistry in the ring. They put on some amazing matches. He won the WWF World Heavyweight Championship and was the inaugural inductee into the WWF Hall of Fame in 1993.

André was also an actor. He branched into acting during the 1970s and 1980s, where he appeared in a few movies and television shows. His most notable role was as Fezzik, the movable giant in The Princess Bride.

Roussimoff’s Personal Life

Remarkably, Roussimoff was one of the highest-paid wrestlers in the world according to 1974 Guinness Book of records. Roussimoff was never married but had a daughter, Robin Christensen, with a woman named Jean Christensen. He was a fun man who loved spending time at the ranch and entertaining his friends.

Roussimoff’s Death

Rousssimoff sadly passed away in 1993 at the age of 46. He died of congestive heart failure and an apparent heart attack in his sleep, likely associated with his untreated acromegaly, at a Paris hotel.