Andre The Giant

Date of Birth: May 19, 1946

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: January 27, 1993

Biography

André René Roussimoff, better known by his ring name André the Giant, was a French professional wrestler and actor. Born on May 19, 1946, in Coulommiers, France, André’s immense size was attributed to acromegaly, a disorder that results in excess growth hormone. He stood 7 feet 4 inches tall and weighed around 520 pounds at his peak. André began his wrestling career in the early 1960s, quickly gaining fame for his extraordinary size and strength. His career took off in North America after joining the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF, now WWE) in 1973. André became one of the most beloved wrestlers in the history of the sport, known for his feuds with Hulk Hogan and his role in the first-ever WrestleMania in 1985. Outside of wrestling, André also pursued an acting career, most notably playing Fezzik in the iconic film “The Princess Bride” (1987). Despite his larger-than-life persona, André was known for his gentle nature and kindness. His health began declining in the late 1980s due to complications from acromegaly, leading to his untimely death on January 27, 1993, in Paris, France.

5 Interesting Facts about Andre The Giant

1. André the Giant was nicknamed “The Eighth Wonder of the World” due to his massive size.

2. He once drank 119 beers in a single sitting, a feat that has become legendary.

3. André’s hand was so large that it could cover a 12-ounce can of beer, hiding it completely from view.

4. He was the first wrestler to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1993.

5. André had a custom-made, specially reinforced bed to accommodate his size while traveling.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Andre The Giant

1. “It’s not my fault being the biggest and the strongest. I don’t even exercise!”

2. “I have a disease. Please don’t be scared. Be my friend.”

3. “I think most people who have seen me in my lifetime will always remember me; that’s what I want.”

4. “I am not afraid of death, but I am in no hurry to die.”

5. “In the ring, I have a job to do. I must win.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, André the Giant’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

André the Giant had one daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, born in 1979. Robin was largely raised by her mother, Jean Christensen, as André’s wrestling career kept him frequently on the road.