André the Giant

Biography

André René Roussimoff, famously known as André the Giant was born on May 19, 1946, in Coulommiers, Seine-et-Marne, France. Standing at an extraordinary 7 feet 4 inches and weighing over 520 pounds during his wrestling career, André became one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling and popular culture.

André suffered from acromegaly, a hormonal disorder caused by excess growth hormone, which contributed to his immense size. Despite the challenges of his condition, André’s unique physique and charisma made him a legend.

André grew up in a rural area outside Paris and worked on his family's farm as a child. His size became evident early, and by the age of 12, André was already over 6 feet tall. He left school after completing eighth grade, believing his physical stature would help him secure manual labor jobs.

Early Wrestling Career

André’s wrestling journey began in the early 1960s. He was trained by French wrestling legend Édouard Carpentier and initially wrestled in Europe under the ring name "Géant Ferré", a nod to his enormous size. He gained popularity in countries like France, the UK, and Japan, where his size and strength were a spectacle to behold.

In Japan, André further honed his skills, learning different wrestling techniques that made him more than just a "giant." His agility, considering his size, amazed fans and opponents alike.

WWE Career and Rise to Fame

André’s career reached new heights when he joined World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), later known as WWE, in the 1970s. Managed by Vince McMahon Sr., André was marketed as an unstoppable force who could dominate any opponent.

• Undefeated Streak: For nearly 15 years, André maintained an undefeated streak, rarely losing clean in matches. His presence sold out arenas worldwide, making him one of the biggest attractions in professional wrestling history.
•  
• Feuds: André had memorable rivalries with some of wrestling’s greatest stars, including Hulk Hogan, Big John Studd, and Randy Savage.
•  

1. WrestleMania III (1987)

One of the most iconic moments in André's career—and wrestling history—was his match against Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania III in front of over 93,000 fans in Pontiac, Michigan.

• The match was built around André’s status as an unbeatable giant and Hogan’s determination to topple the legend.
•  
• The Body Slam: Hogan performed an incredible body slam on André, an act that cemented his status as a hero and created one of wrestling's most memorable moments. Hogan won the match, but André’s legendary status remained intact.
•  

2. Tag Team and Later Years

In his later career, André became part of the Colossal Connection, a tag team with Haku. Together, they won the WWE Tag Team Championships in 1989. As his health declined due to acromegaly, André transitioned to fewer in-ring appearances and more storytelling roles, often working as a villain.

Acting Career

André expanded his fame beyond wrestling with appearances in films and television. His most famous role was as Fezzik, the lovable giant in the classic fantasy film "The Princess Bride" (1987). His performance was widely praised for showcasing his charm and humor.

André also appeared in other projects such as "The Six Million Dollar Man" and "Conan the Destroyer", demonstrating his versatility as a performer.

Personal Life

Despite his fame, André often led a private life. Known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," André faced daily challenges due to his immense size, including difficulty traveling and finding accommodations suited to his stature. However, he was known for his kind and generous nature.

André was also famous for his prodigious drinking habits, reportedly consuming dozens of beers in one sitting—a legend that added to his larger-than-life persona.

Health Issues and Death

André’s acromegaly caused significant health problems throughout his life. His size placed immense strain on his heart, and by the late 1980s, his physical condition had deteriorated.

André passed away on January 27, 1993, in Paris, France, due to congestive heart failure. He was 46 years old. He had been in France to attend his father’s funeral, making his death particularly poignant.

Legacy

André the Giant’s impact on professional wrestling and popular culture is immeasurable.

• In 1993, André became the inaugural inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame, a testament to his influence and contributions to the sport.
•  
• The documentary "André the Giant" (2018), produced by HBO, showcased his life, career, and enduring legacy, introducing his story to new generations.

Key Accomplishments

• WWE Hall of Fame Inductee (1993)
• WWE Tag Team Champion (with Haku)
• Headlined major events, including WrestleMania III, one of the most-watched wrestling events in history.