André the Giant, born André René Roussimoff, was a French professional wrestler and actor who rose to international fame in the 1970s and 80s.
Standing at 7 feet (2.13 m) 4 inches (ca. 10 cm) tall and weighing over 500 pounds (ca. 227 kg), André was known for his immense size and strength, as well as his gentle nature and kind heart.
1. A heavy baby
The Giant was born on 19th May 1946 in Coulommiers, France. Andre’s actual name was Andre Rene Rousimoff.
His mother Mariann Rousimoff was an immigrant from Poland, while his father Boris Rousimoff was from Bulgaria. When he was born, Andre weighed about 13 pounds, which is the equivalent of 6 kg
2. A Condition
He suffered from acromegaly, a hormonal disorder that caused his size and facial features to be abnormally large he struggled with his health throughout his life due to this condition. Which resulted to be the reason of his death as well.
3. Early Life
Andre was the third of five siblings. He had a childhood nickname, Dede. Andre and his family lived in a small town in France called Molien. He attended school until he was 14 years old.
While going to school, Andre would sometimes get rides from a popular playwright called Samuel Beckett.
4. Andre’s Gigantism
Andre had a condition called gigantism which results in excessive growth of the body. At 12 years old, the boy was already 6 feet and 3 inches tall.
His parents had average heights, with his father standing at 6 feet 2 inches. His mother was 5 feet and 2 inches tall.
Because of this, he often felt isolated and alone. Later, he stated that these experiences inspired him to use his fame and success to help others and make the world better.
5. End of School
Andre’s school life ended when he was 14 years old. Compulsory schooling ended at 14 years in France during that period.
Andre then decided not to pursue further education. He ended up working on his father’s farm. He had extraordinary strength and could work like three adult men on the farm.
6. a slightly bigger family
André was known to be a private person who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He had a daughter named Robin, who was born in 1979, and he was known to be a loving and devoted father.
7. Achievement
André the Giant was a French professional wrestler and actor who gained worldwide fame for his towering size and incredible strength.
Throughout his career, he achieved numerous accolades and accomplishments that cemented his legacy as one of the greatest wrestlers ever.
8. A Classic Giant
In addition to his success in the wrestling ring, André also made a name for himself in the entertainment industry, appearing in several films and television shows. He is best known for his role as Fezzik in the classic movie “The Princess Bride”.
9. A movie star indeed
In addition to his wrestling career, André appeared in several films, including “The Princess Bride” and “Conan the Destroyer.” He also made numerous TV appearances and was a popular guest on talk shows.
Beyond his wrestling accomplishments, André was also recognized for his contributions to the entertainment world. He appeared in numerous films and TV shows throughout his career, including the iconic role of Fezzik in the classic movie “The Princess Bride.” His performance in the film was widely praised, and he became a beloved figure in pop culture.
10. Where it began
In 1946 and began wrestling professionally at 18. He quickly became a fan favourite thanks to his impressive size and strength, and he soon made a name for himself in the world of professional wrestling.
André began his wrestling career in France before moving to North America and working for various promotions, including the Worldwide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), now known as WWE. He quickly gained a reputation for his size of over 7 feet a weight over 500 pounds, enormous strength, charisma, and showmanship.
11. Stardom
Andre continued rising to fame in 1966 when he met Frank Valois. He continued to become popular with Frank Valois as his advisor and manager.
Frank made it possible for Andre to tour different regions. Andre built his reputation and became popular by wrestling in Germany, the United Kingdom, Africa, and New Zealand.
12. Famous in Japan
Andre the Giant continued to rise and build his career. In 1970 Andre became a popular wrestler in Japan. People called him ‘Monster Rouissimoff’ due to his height and stature.
He wrestled for the International Wrestling Enterprise where he became a tag team champion fighting alongside another wrestler called Michael Nador.
13. Hulk Hogan feud
Andre developed a feud with Hulk Hogan, another famous wrestler. When the feud first started, Hulk Hogan was the villain and Andre was the hero.
The feud between the two wrestlers continued and the tables turned. Andre became the villain, while Hulk turned into a hero. The two continued to wrestle it out in the ring.
14. Rivalry
One of André’s most famous matches was against Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania III in 1987. The two had a heated rivalry leading up to the event, and André had never been defeated in a televised match.
However, Hogan managed to body slam André, which had never been done before, and went on to win the game.
15. Undefeated
One of André’s most impressive achievements was his undefeated streak in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) for more than 15 years. He also held multiple championship titles, including the WWF World Heavyweight Championship and the NWA World Tag Team Championship.
16. Sense of Belonging
Despite his challenges due to his size, André found a sense of belonging in professional wrestling. He made his debut in the late 1960s and quickly gained a reputation as one of the sport’s most formidable competitors.
Over the years, he wrestled in promotions worldwide, including the World Wrestling Federation, where he became a fan favourite and a legend in his own right.
17. Giving Back
André the Giant, born André René Roussimoff, was a French professional wrestler and actor who gained worldwide fame for his towering height and impressive physique. W
hile he is widely known for his feats in the ring and on the big screen, André was also a generous philanthropist who gave back to his community in many ways.
18. Make a Wish
André was known for his charitable work throughout his career, and he gave back to his community in many ways. His work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation was one of his most notable philanthropic efforts.
André frequently supported the organization, which grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. He often visited sick children in hospitals and granted their wishes, bringing joy and happiness to those who needed it most.
19. Not Just Muscle but also Heart
In addition to his work with Make-A-Wish, André was a generous donor to many other organizations.
He supported the Special Olympics, the American Cancer Society, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association, among others. André was known for his compassion and generosity, giving back to his community whenever possible.
20. Support for his Home
André was also committed to helping those in need in his home country of France. He was a strong advocate for farmers in the rural areas of France and often spoke out in support of their struggles. He also donated money and resources to help those in need in his hometown of Grenoble, where he was widely beloved.
André the Giant was a legendary wrestler and actor, and a generous philanthropist who gave back to his community in countless ways. He supported many charities and causes throughout his life, and his commitment to improving the world continues to inspire others today.
André’s legacy reminds us of the importance of giving back and the positive impact one person can have on the planet.
21. The reason for his commitment
André’s commitment to giving back to his community was rooted in his childhood experiences.
He was born with a rare condition known as gigantism, which caused him to grow enormously. André faced many challenges as a child because of his size, and
22. Awards and Recognition
During his career, André the Giant received numerous awards and recognitions, both in the wrestling world and beyond. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most notable accolades he received.
23. Hall of Flame
One of André’s most impressive achievements was his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1993. This honour is reserved for only the most accomplished and influential wrestlers in the sport’s history, and André’s inclusion was a testament to his incredible talent and enduring legacy.
24. “The Eighth wonder of the World”
In addition to his Hall of Fame induction, André won several championships. He was a one-time WWF World Heavyweight Champion and a one-time WWF Tag Team Champion, and he also held titles in various other wrestling promotions around the world.
His dominance in the ring earned him the nickname “The Eighth Wonder of the World,” His legacy continues to inspire and awe fans today.
25. Muscle, Heart, and Brain
André received the French Order of Arts and Letters, which he was awarded in 1991. This prestigious honour is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts and literature in France. It is a testament to André’s impact in and outside the wrestling ring.
26. A True Icon
André the Giant was a true icon in professional wrestling and beyond. His incredible size and strength made him a force to be reckoned with in the ring, and his talent and charisma made him a beloved figure to fans worldwide.
His numerous awards and recognitions are a testament to his enduring impact and his place in the pantheon of wrestling legends.
27. His Death
André the Giant passed away on January 27, 1993, due to congestive heart failure. He was only 46 years old at the time of his death. Despite his struggles with health and alcoholism, André is remembered as one of the greatest professional wrestlers ever.
He passed away in 1993 at 46. His death was attributed to congestive heart failure, likely caused by his acromegaly. Despite his untimely death,
28. Living on
André’s legacy continues to live on through his contributions to professional wrestling and his memorable appearances in movies.
He will always be remembered as a larger-than-life figure with a heart to match. André’s larger-than-life persona and incredible feats of strength continue to inspire and captivate fans worldwide. He will always be remembered as a true legend in professional wrestling and entertainment.
29. Giant Battle Royal
Today, André’s legacy of generosity and compassion lives on through the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, an annual wrestling tournament in his honour.
The game raises money for the Special Olympics, one of André’s favourite charities, and is a testament to his impact on his community and the world.
30. Legacy
In addition to his wrestling career, André’s legacy lives on through his contributions to the entertainment industry. He was a beloved actor who appeared in several popular films and television shows.
André’s larger-than-life personality and impressive size have also inspired numerous books and documentaries about his life.
31. Overcome Challenges
Despite these challenges, André rose to fame as a professional wrestler, captivating audiences with his immense strength and imposing presence. He became one of the most recognizable figures in the sport, appearing in countless matches and earning a reputation as a true icon.
Beyond his accomplishments in the wrestling ring, André was also known for his kindness, generosity, and dedication to his craft. Despite his fame and success, he remained humble and down-to-earth, earning his colleagues and fans’ admiration and respect.
32. True to himself and his Passions
Tragically, André’s life was cut short by his health problems, and he passed away at 46. However, his legacy lives on through his incredible career as a wrestler and his enduring impact on popular culture.
André the Giant’s life story is a testament to the power of perseverance, dedication, and compassion. Despite his challenges, he remained true to himself and his passion for wrestling, earning a place in the hearts of fans worldwide.
33. In Conclusion
In conclusion, André the Giant was a larger-than-life figure in professional wrestling and popular culture. Despite his imposing size, André’s struggles and dedication to his craft made him a beloved and respected figure inside and outside the wrestling ring.
Born with a rare condition that caused his body to produce excess growth hormones continuously, André’s physical stature made him a unique and fascinating figure from a young age. However, his size also led to various health problems, including chronic pain and mobility issues.
