Professional Wrestling Career

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 119 views

Andre the Giant, born André René Roussimoff, was a French professional wrestler and actor. He is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and beloved figures in the world of professional wrestling. Born on May 19, 1946, in Coulommiers, France, Andre the Giant stood at an astonishing 7 feet 4 inches (2.24 meters) tall and weighed around 520 pounds (236 kilograms).

Early Life and Career

Andre the Giant's early life was marked by a rare condition called acromegaly, which caused his body to produce excessive growth hormone. This condition led to his extraordinary height and weight. Despite the challenges he faced due to his size, Andre was a kind and gentle soul who was loved by everyone around him.

Andre began his career as a wrestler in the 1960s, working for various regional promotions in France and the United States. He quickly gained popularity due to his incredible size, strength, and charisma. In 1973, Andre joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now known as WWE, and became a mainstay of the organization.

Professional Wrestling Career

Andre the Giant's professional wrestling career spanned over three decades, during which he became a household name. He was known for his incredible size, strength, and agility, which made him a formidable opponent in the ring. Andre's signature move was the "Giant Splash," a massive splash that would often send his opponents crashing to the mat.

Andre's most notable feuds were with wrestlers like Hulk Hogan, "Macho Man" Randy Savage, and Big John Studd. He also had a famous feud with wrestler and actor, King Kong Bundy. Andre's matches were always highly anticipated and often drew huge crowds.

Acting Career

In addition to his professional wrestling career, Andre the Giant also had a successful acting career. He appeared in several films and television shows, including "The Princess Bride," "Conan the Destroyer," and "Mystery, Alaska." Andre's acting career was marked by his unique size and presence, which often added a comedic touch to his roles.

Personal Life

Andre the Giant was known for his kind and gentle nature. He was a beloved figure in the world of professional wrestling, and his fans adored him. Andre was also a heavy drinker and smoker, which took a toll on his health. He died on January 28, 1993, at the age of 46, due to congestive heart failure.

Legacy

Andre the Giant's legacy is still felt in the world of professional wrestling today. He is remembered as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, and his iconic size and strength continue to inspire new generations of wrestlers. Andre's kindness and generosity also made him a beloved figure outside of the wrestling world.

Interesting Facts

Andre the Giant was a vegetarian and a heavy drinker.
He was a fan of the French national football team and often wore a French flag to the ring.
Andre was a close friend of Hulk Hogan and often appeared in his matches.
He was a talented musician and played the accordion.
Andre's favorite food was escargot, a type of French snail dish.

Conclusion

Andre the Giant was a true giant in every sense of the word. His incredible size, strength, and charisma made him a beloved figure in the world of professional wrestling. His kind and gentle nature also made him a beloved figure outside of the wrestling world. Andre's legacy continues to inspire new generations of wrestlers and fans, and his memory will always be remembered as one of the greatest figures in professional wrestling history.

References

"Andre the Giant: A Biography" by Brian Garvey
"The Andre the Giant Story" by WWE
"Andre the Giant: The Man, the Myth, the Legend" by Jim Ross

"The Life and Career of Hulk Hogan"
"The History of Professional Wrestling"
"The Greatest Wrestlers of All Time"

Q: Who was Andre the Giant?

A: Andre the Giant, born André René Roussimoff, was a French professional wrestler and actor. He is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and beloved figures in the world of professional wrestling.

Q: What was Andre the Giant's height and weight?

A: Andre the Giant stood at an astonishing 7 feet 4 inches (2.24 meters) tall and weighed around 520 pounds (236 kilograms).

Q: What was Andre the Giant's condition that caused his size?

A: Andre the Giant was born with a rare condition called acromegaly, which caused his body to produce excessive growth hormone. This condition led to his extraordinary height and weight.

Q: When did Andre the Giant start his wrestling career?

A: Andre began his career as a wrestler in the 1960s, working for various regional promotions in France and the United States.

Q: What was Andre the Giant's signature move?

A: Andre's signature move was the "Giant Splash," a massive splash that would often send his opponents crashing to the mat.

Q: Who were some of Andre the Giant's notable feuds?

A: Andre's most notable feuds were with wrestlers like Hulk Hogan, "Macho Man" Randy Savage, and Big John Studd. He also had a famous feud with wrestler and actor, King Kong Bundy.

Q: What was Andre the Giant's acting career like?

A: In addition to his professional wrestling career, Andre the Giant also had a successful acting career. He appeared in several films and television shows, including "The Princess Bride," "Conan the Destroyer," and "Mystery, Alaska."

Q: What was Andre the Giant's personal life like?

A: Andre the Giant was known for his kind and gentle nature. He was a beloved figure in the world of professional wrestling, and his fans adored him. Andre was also a heavy drinker and smoker, which took a toll on his health.

Q: When did Andre the Giant pass away?

A: Andre the Giant died on January 28, 1993, at the age of 46, due to congestive heart failure.

Q: What is Andre the Giant's legacy?

A: Andre the Giant's legacy is still felt in the world of professional wrestling today. He is remembered as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, and his iconic size and strength continue to inspire new generations of wrestlers.

Q: What are some interesting facts about Andre the Giant?

A: Some interesting facts about Andre the Giant include:

He was a vegetarian and a heavy drinker.
He was a fan of the French national football team and often wore a French flag to the ring.
Andre was a close friend of Hulk Hogan and often appeared in his matches.
He was a talented musician and played the accordion.
Andre's favorite food was escargot, a type of French snail dish.

Q: Where can I learn more about Andre the Giant?

A: There are several books and documentaries available about Andre the Giant's life and career. Some recommended resources include:

"Andre the Giant: A Biography" by Brian Garvey
"The Andre the Giant Story" by WWE
"Andre the Giant: The Man, the Myth, the Legend" by Jim Ross

Q: What are some related articles about Andre the Giant?

A: Some related articles about Andre the Giant include:

"The Life and Career of Hulk Hogan"
"The History of Professional Wrestling"
"The Greatest Wrestlers of All Time"

Q: What categories does Andre the Giant fall under?

A: Andre the Giant falls under the following categories:

Arts
Entertainment
Sports
Biography
History