André the Giant

André the Giant, born André René Roussimoff, was a French professional wrestler and actor. Billed as the Eighth Wonder of the World, his extraordinary size, the result of acromegaly, made him a global phenomenon and one of the most recognizable figures in sports entertainment. For much of his career, he was promoted as an unbeatable special attraction, drawing crowds across North America, Europe, and Japan. His fame peaked during the 1980s wrestling boom, most notably in the World Wrestling Federation, where his match against Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania III became a defining moment in the industry. Beyond wrestling, he charmed a wider audience with his performance as Fezzik in the 1987 film The Princess Bride, a role that showcased his warmth and comedic timing. His health deteriorated under the strain of his condition, and he died at age 46. André the Giant remains a singular figure, a gentle giant whose legacy spans both the squared circle and popular culture.[edit]

André René Roussimoff was born on May 19, 1946, in Coulommiers, a small town east of Paris, to Boris and Mariann Roussimoff. His father was of Bulgarian descent, his mother French-Canadian. André grew up on the family farm, where his extraordinary growth began in his early teens; by age 12 he already stood over six feet tall. The condition, later diagnosed as acromegaly, prevented him from completing formal schooling. He left school early to work, first helping his father with carpentry and later hauling lumber at a local sawmill. His size drew attention, and a local wrestling promoter persuaded him to train. He began wrestling in France in the early 1960s, adopting the name "Géant Ferré" in homage to a French folk hero. He quickly became a draw across Europe, wrestling in England, Germany, and Japan. In 1971, he relocated to North America, signing with the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) in 1973. His early North American matches were carefully managed to preserve his mystique, he rarely lost and was presented as a marvel.[edit]

André debuted in the WWWF in 1973 and made his Madison Square Garden debut in 1974, instantly becoming a top draw. He toured relentlessly, headlining cards across the United States and Japan. His size and surprising agility made him a unique attraction. In 1984, he became a regular on WWF television, managed by Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. The most famous moment of his career came at WrestleMania III on March 29, 1987, when he faced Hulk Hogan in front of an announced crowd of 93,173 at the Pontiac Silverdome. Hogan bodyslammed André and pinned him, a sequence replayed endlessly. Later that year, André turned heel, aligning with Heenan and challenging Hogan for the WWF Championship. He won the title on February 5, 1988, in a controversial match, but the reign lasted only six weeks before he lost it at WrestleMania IV. He continued wrestling sporadically into the early 1990s, often in tag matches or as a special attraction. Outside the ring, he acted in several films, most notably The Princess Bride (1987), where his portrayal of Fezzik earned him lasting affection from a mainstream audience.[edit]

André the Giant was universally regarded as a "gentle giant," a persona that resonated deeply with fans. His immense size made him a spectacle, but his on-screen warmth and off-screen humility turned him into a beloved figure. He was known for his playful sense of humor, he often lifted fans onto his shoulders for photos, and his willingness to sign autographs for hours. The wrestling media and promoters billed him as a marvel, while fans saw him as a kind-hearted giant. His role in The Princess Bride expanded his appeal beyond wrestling, introducing him to generations who knew him only as Fezzik. Even decades after his death, his image remains a symbol of gentle strength and authenticity.[edit]

André the Giant stands as the 19th most famous person in Pro Wrestling, a position he has held steady across recent cycles according to the iFANN Global Fame Rankings. This standing reflects a global attention span that tracks media coverage and cultural consumption worldwide, ensuring his legacy remains vibrant decades after his passing. While modern stars often rally behind organized groups with specific titles, André's supporters do not share a formal moniker. Instead, they are known collectively as "Andre Maniacs" or simply the faithful, united by a deep reverence for a man who transcended the ring. The absence of an official fan club name does not diminish their devotion; rather, it highlights a unique form of fandom driven by historical preservation rather than digital mobilization. In April 2026, this collective spirit manifested physically when local residents and historians unveiled a highway marker in Ellerbe, North Carolina, turning the town where André lived into a pilgrimage site for wrestling enthusiasts. This dedication serves as a lasting tribute, bridging the gap between his earthly life and his mythological status without the need for a structured organization.[edit]

Known for his immense appetite, André reportedly consumed dozens of beers and multiple bottles of wine in a single sitting, often sleeping for up to 15 hours straight. Despite his imposing size, he possessed a surprisingly soft voice and a gentle demeanor, frequently lifting fans onto his shoulders for photos and signing autographs for hours. He was a heavy smoker, consuming up to three packs of cigarettes daily, and while his billed weight was 520 pounds, he likely exceeded 540 pounds at his heaviest. His kindness extended beyond the ring; he once paid for a fan's surgery and regularly gave money to homeless people. The character Fezzik in The Princess Bride was written specifically for him after director Rob Reiner spotted him on television.

Legends surrounding his career often blur the line between fact and folklore. A persistent story claims he fought real-life boxer Chuck Wepner in a sanctioned match, though investigations clarify this was likely a conflation of exhibition bouts. While fans often recount that he was bodyslammed only once, analysis reveals at least 30 documented instances of him being lifted off the mat by various wrestlers globally. Yet, the moment at WrestleMania III remains the definitive image of his legend: the unbeatable giant finally falling to Hulk Hogan before over 93,000 witnesses. For nearly 15 years, he maintained a streak of being undefeated in singles competition, a narrative of invincibility that made his eventual defeat so shocking to the world.[edit]

André married Jeanette Roussimoff in 1974. The couple had one daughter, Robin, born in 1977. Despite his public persona, André was a private family man who cherished his time at home on a ranch in Ellerbe, North Carolina, where he raised livestock and enjoyed quiet country life. His daughter Robin later became a teacher. His parents, Boris and Mariann, lived in France; his father worked as a carpenter and his mother was a homemaker. He had one brother, Jacques, and two sisters, Alberte and Jacqueline.[edit]

André was closely associated with Hulk Hogan, his rival and the star of their WrestleMania III match. Manager Bobby "The Brain" Heenan guided him during his heel turn and championship reign. He also teamed with The Great Kabuki in Japan and had notable feuds with Ric Flair and Ken Patera. In his later years, he developed a close friendship with British wrestler William Regal, who looked after him during tours.[edit]

André married Jeanette Roussimoff in 1974. The couple remained married until his death in 1993. They had one daughter, Robin, born in 1977. André was known to be a devoted husband and father, keeping his family life largely private. No other public relationships or significant romantic partners are documented. As of his death, he was still married to Jeanette.[edit]

Jeanne Roussimoff confirmed that André René Roussimoff passed away naturally in his sleep at his home near Ellerbe, North Carolina. The event occurred early on January 28, 1993, just three days after his final public appearance at the Royal Rumble, where he had struggled visibly with mobility during the match. While initial reports occasionally cited January 27 due to time zone differences, historical records and biographies confirm the date as the moment of his passing. He was forty-six years old when acute congestive heart failure claimed him, a direct complication of the acromegaly that had defined his physical existence for decades.

The wrestling world reacted with immediate grief, led by Vince McMahon who held a moment of silence before broadcasts and dedicated WrestleMania IX to his memory. Fans gathered at arenas globally to mourn the Eighth Wonder of the World, while sales of his films, particularly The Princess Bride and Hercules, saw a renewed surge in interest. A private funeral service followed shortly after his death, attended by close family and select colleagues before he was laid to rest in France near his hometown of Coulommiers. The family requested discretion regarding the burial location, keeping the transition quiet and respectful of their privacy.

Posthumous honors cemented his legacy within months of his death. André was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1993, becoming one of the earliest recipients of this distinction. His estate continues to be managed by his family, who oversee his likeness and intellectual property rights with care. Decades later, the tradition of the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal began at WrestleMania in 2015.[edit]

iFANN currently estimates André the Giant's net worth in 2026 at $10 Million. This figure is derived primarily from his wrestling career, film roles, and posthumous merchandising. During his peak in the 1980s, he earned substantial sums as a special attraction, often receiving a percentage of gate receipts. His film work, especially The Princess Bride, added to his income. After his death, his estate has continued to generate revenue through WWE merchandise, video games, and licensing deals. The estate is managed by his daughter Robin.[edit]

André the Giant was posthumously inducted into the WWF Hall of Fame in 1993, recognizing his monumental impact on professional wrestling. He was also awarded the WWF Championship belt posthumously that same year, a symbolic honor. These accolades celebrate his status as one of the most iconic figures in the sport's history.[edit]