The man known professionally as André the Giant entered the world in 1946 in Coulommiers, France, possessing a physical scale that would define his life. Diagnosed with acromegaly, his unique stature led him into a professional wrestling career that spanned continents, turning him into a global attraction and a significant figure in television and film.
Early Development and Training
Born André René Roussimoff, he displayed signs of gigantism as a child. By age 12, he stood 191 cm tall. He left school at 14 to work on a farm in Molien, later completing a woodworking apprenticeship. In 1964, he moved to Paris to train as a wrestler under Robert Lageat, initially performing under the name Géant Ferré.
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Roussimoff debuted on French television in 1966. By 1968, he held the FFCP World Heavyweight Championship after defeating Franz van Buyten. His career expanded rapidly as he traveled to compete in the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, and Africa. In 1971, he moved to North America, where he became a major attraction in Montreal and for the American Wrestling Association.
The WWF Era
In 1973, Vincent J. McMahon began managing Roussimoff's career, branding him André the Giant. He operated as a roving special attraction for the World Wide Wrestling Federation. By the 1980s, he transitioned into a villainous role, notably feuding with Hulk Hogan. Their match at WrestleMania III in 1987 remains a landmark event. He secured the WWF World Heavyweight Championship in 1988.
Final Years and Legacy
Following WrestleMania VI in 1990, his activity within the WWF declined, and he transitioned to All Japan Pro-Wrestling. Beyond the ring, he achieved recognition for his role as Fezzik in the 1987 film The Princess Bride. Roussimoff died in the 8th arrondissement of Paris in 1993. He is buried in Ellerbe and was the inaugural inductee into the WWF Hall of Fame.
Fast facts
- Born: 1946, Coulommiers
- Died: 1993, 8th arrondissement of Paris
- Citizenship: France
- Primary Occupations: Professional wrestler, actor
- Notable Film Role: Fezzik in The Princess Bride
- Key Honors: WWE Hall of Fame, Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame
- Burial Site: Ellerbe
Questions readers ask
What caused André the Giant's size?
His size was the result of gigantism caused by excess human growth hormone, later identified as acromegaly.
When did he win the WWF World Heavyweight Championship?
He won the title in 1988 during the first episode of The Main Event by defeating Hulk Hogan.
Achievements
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame
- WWE Hall of Fame
