Standing at an unbelievable 7’4” and weighing over 500 pounds, André the Giant wasn’t just a man — he was a living spectacle. Born André René Roussimoff in a small French village, his size and charisma made him one of the most recognizable figures in sports and entertainment.
For over two decades, he dominated wrestling rings across the globe, thrilling millions with his unmatched presence. Yet behind the towering frame was a gentle soul, known for kindness, humor, and a legendary appetite for food, drink, and life itself.
From body-slamming Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania III to stealing hearts as Fezzik in The Princess Bride, André’s story is as captivating as it is inspiring. He battled the challenges of gigantism with courage, turning what some saw as a limitation into his greatest strength.
Even decades after his passing, André’s legacy looms large — not just in size, but in spirit.
This is the unforgettable journey of the Eighth Wonder of the World.
Early Life of André René Roussimoff in Grenoble, France
André René Roussimoff was born on May 19, 1946 in Grenoble, France. His parents, Boris (a Bulgarian immigrant) and Marian (of Polish descent), raised André alongside his siblings in the French countryside.
From the beginning, André’s life was destined to be different. By age 12, he stood 6’3” (1.91 m) and weighed nearly 200 pounds (90 kg). While his friends still fit in school desks, André often needed custom seating.
| Birth Details | Information |
| Full Name | André René Roussimoff |
| Date of Birth | May 19, 1946 |
| Place of Birth | Grenoble, France |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Parents | Boris & Marian Roussimoff |
| Heritage | Bulgarian-Polish |
| Childhood Nickname | “Dédé” |
Childhood Signs of Giantism and Acromegaly
By his teens, André’s body displayed signs of acromegaly, a hormonal disorder caused by excess growth hormone from the pituitary gland. This condition, also known as gigantism, enlarged his hands, feet, and facial features dramatically.
Doctors later confirmed his enormous stature was due to this disorder, which would also affect his health later in life.
Growing Up Fast: From 6’3” at 12 to 7’4” as an Adult
André’s height skyrocketed throughout his teenage years. At 17 years old, he stood 6’7”. By adulthood, he measured 7’4” (2.24 m) and weighed over 500 pounds (227 kg) — sometimes reported as high as 520 lbs during his wrestling prime.
| Age | Height | Weight |
| 12 | 6’3” | 200 lbs |
| 17 | 6’7” | 280 lbs |
| Adult | 7’4” | 500–520 lbs |
Family Roots: Parents, Siblings, and Heritage
André was one of five children. His father, Boris, worked on the family farm, while Marian was a homemaker. The Roussimoff family lived in Molien, a small town in the French Alps.
The Bulgarian-Polish heritage gave André a distinctive look — strong jawline, broad shoulders, and thick hair.
Meeting Samuel Beckett: A Unique School Commute Story
One of André’s most charming childhood stories involves playwright Samuel Beckett. Since André was too large for the school bus, Beckett — who lived nearby — often drove him to school in his truck. Their conversations? Mostly about cricket.
The Move to Paris and First Wrestling Opportunities
At 14 years old, André left school (the legal working age in France) and moved to Paris for work. His stature caught the attention of wrestling promoters, including French-Canadian Edouard Carpentier.
By 1966, André was wrestling under the name Jean Ferré in Quebec.
From Jean Ferré to André the Giant: Stage Names and Personas
Over the years, André wrestled under several names:
| Ring Name | Region/Promotion |
| Jean Ferré | France/Canada |
| Le Géant Ferré | Quebec |
| André the Giant | Worldwide |
| The Giant Machine | WWF |
The name “André the Giant” became iconic during his World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) run with Vincent McMahon Sr.
Wrestling in Europe, Japan, and North America
André wrestled in over 5,000 matches across Europe, Japan, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and North America. In Japan, he was billed as Monster Roussimoff.
He traveled 300 days a year, often requiring special accommodations — from custom beds to oversized airplane seats.
Signature Moves: Sitdown Splash, Bearhug, and Double Underhook Suplex
Despite his size, André moved with surprising agility early in his career. His signature moves included:
| Move | Description |
| Sitdown Splash | Dropping his full weight onto opponents |
| Bearhug | Crushing hold using chest and arms |
| Double Underhook Suplex | Lifting opponents and slamming them backward |
The Colossal Connection with Haku and the Heenan Family
In 1989, André teamed with Haku as The Colossal Connection, managed by Bobby “The Brain” Heenan. They won the WWF World Tag Team Championship, adding another accolade to André’s career.
Iconic Feuds: Hulk Hogan, Ted DiBiase, and Survivor Series Clashes
His most famous rivalry was with Hulk Hogan. The storyline with Ted DiBiase in the late 1980s included selling the WWF Championship — a plotline still discussed by wrestling fans today.
WrestleMania III and the Historic Body Slam Before 93,000 Fans
On March 29, 1987, at WrestleMania III, Hogan body-slammed André before 93,173 fans in the Pontiac Silverdome — one of the most iconic moments in wrestling history.
Career Achievements: Undefeated Streak and WWE Hall of Fame Induction
- 15-year undefeated streak
- WWF Champion (1988)
- WWF Tag Team Champion (with Haku)
- First inductee into WWE Hall of Fame (1993)
Acting Career: From The Six Million Dollar Man to The Princess Bride
André’s size and charm made him a natural fit for Hollywood. His acting debut came in 1975 on The Six Million Dollar Man.
| Year | Role | Production |
| 1975 | Bigfoot | The Six Million Dollar Man |
| 1984 | Dagoth | Conan the Destroyer |
| 1987 | Fezzik | The Princess Bride |
Fezzik and the Making of a Movie Legend with Rob Reiner
Director Rob Reiner cast André as Fezzik in The Princess Bride. Actor Cary Elwes later shared stories about André’s gentle nature and incredible drinking ability during filming.
Daily Life Challenges: Travel, Custom Cars, and Living Large
- Custom van with extra headroom
- Specially built chairs for TV appearances
- Couldn’t fit in standard airplane lavatories — sometimes used buckets on flights
- Beds and hotel rooms often required special arrangements
The Drinking Legend: 100 Beers, 20 Bottles of Wine, and Tall Tales
Stories from friends claim André could drink 100 beers in a single sitting or 20 bottles of wine without appearing overly drunk. His Sports Illustrated (1981) profile detailed his massive appetite.
Health Struggles, Surgeries, and Declining Mobility in the 1990s
Years of wrestling and gigantism took a toll. André underwent back surgery in 1991, and by the early ’90s, he struggled to walk without assistance.
Final Days in Paris and Early Death at Age 46
On January 27, 1993, André died of congestive heart failure in his hotel room in Paris while attending his father’s funeral. He was just 46 years old.
Funeral, Cremation, and Resting Place in Ellerbe, North Carolina
His body was cremated in France, and his ashes were scattered on his North Carolina ranch.
Legacy in Wrestling, Film, and Pop Culture
André’s influence goes beyond wrestling. He’s been celebrated in art (Shepard Fairey’s “Obey Giant” campaign), documentaries, and countless biographies.
Graphic Novels, Biographies, and the 2018 HBO Documentary
- André the Giant: Life and Legend (2014 graphic novel)
- André the Giant: The True Story (2020 biography)
- HBO’s André the Giant (2018 documentary, directed by Jason Hehir)
The Gentle Giant: Personal Relationships, Daughter, and Private Life
André had one daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, with Jean Christensen. He remained private about his personal relationships but was known for his generosity.
Fun Facts and Rare Memorabilia of André the Giant
| Fact | Detail |
| Shoe Size | 22 US |
| Hand Span | Could hide a silver dollar in his palm |
| Appetite | Could eat 12 steaks & 15 lobsters in one meal |
| Beer Record | 119 beers in one night (rumored) |
FAQs
Q1: How tall was André the Giant?
A: He stood 7’4” (2.24 m) tall.
Q2: What caused André’s size?
A: A hormonal disorder called acromegaly, caused by excess growth hormone.
Q3: How did André die?
A: Congestive heart failure in 1993.
Q4: Was André undefeated in wrestling?
A: He had a 15-year undefeated streak early in his career.
Q5: What was André’s most famous acting role?
A: Fezzik in The Princess Bride (1987).
Conclusion
André the Giant wasn’t just a wrestler — he was a larger-than-life legend whose impact spanned sports, film, and culture. From Grenoble to Hollywood, from the ring to the silver screen, André’s story is one of talent, ambition, and humanity.
His legacy lives on not only through his wrestling accolades and memorable movie roles but also in the hearts of fans who remember the gentle giant with the colossal smile.
