André Roussimoff

André Roussimoff

André René Roussimoff, known worldwide as André the Giant, was a French professional wrestler and actor who gained international fame due to his extraordinary size, the result of a medical condition known as acromegaly (gigantism). Born on May 19, 1946, in Coulommiers, France, he was nicknamed “The Eighth Wonder of the World” and became one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling during the 1970s and 1980s. Roussimoff began his wrestling career in 1966 in France under the name Jean Ferré, and his size quickly drew the attention of international promoters. In 1971, he moved to North America, where he was promoted by Vincent J. McMahon, founder of the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), as a global attraction. Renamed André the Giant, he remained one of the most popular wrestlers in the world for over a decade, known for his imposing presence and gentle demeanor. Throughout his career, André wrestled in various territories and promotions worldwide, including Japan, Canada, Europe, Australia, and the United States. He was a central figure in the wrestling boom of the 1980s, starring in one of the most iconic rivalries in sports entertainment history: his feud with Hulk Hogan, which culminated at the historic WrestleMania III (1987) before more than 93,000 fans. In that match, Hogan famously body-slammed André in what became known as the body slam heard around the world, a defining moment in WWF history. In 1988, André briefly won the WWF World Championship, only to immediately “sell” the title to Ted DiBiase in a storyline that led to the championship being declared vacant. In the following years, his health declined due to complications from acromegaly, though he remained active in the ring, particularly in Japan and Mexico with promotions such as All Japan Pro Wrestling and UWA. Parallel to wrestling, André pursued an acting career. His most beloved role was Fezzik in the film The Princess Bride (1987), a character he cherished and which cemented his status as a beloved figure outside the ring. He also appeared in other productions, such as Conan the Destroyer, The Six Million Dollar Man, and The Fall Guy, among others. In his personal life, André was known for his generosity, reserved personality, and legendary drinking feats—stories of which became part of wrestling folklore. He had a daughter, Robin Christensen, and spent his final years on a ranch in North Carolina. He passed away on January 28, 1993, in a Paris hotel due to heart failure, shortly after attending his father's funeral. His legacy endures as one of the most recognized and beloved figures in wrestling history. He was the first-ever inductee into the WWF Hall of Fame in 1993 and has been honored through documentaries, books, films, video games, and the creation of the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, an annual WWE event. He also inspired the visual artist Shepard Fairey, creator of the iconic “Obey” street art campaign. André the Giant was not just a wrestling legend but also a symbol of resilience, spectacle, and humanity in an industry defined by drama and exaggeration. His story is that of a man whose physical greatness was matched by a remarkable human spirit.
Known For: Acting
Birthday: 1946-05-19
Place of Birth: Coulommiers, France
Also Known As: André the Giant, André Roussimoff, Géant Ferré, Jean Ferré, Monster Roussimoff, "The Giant" Jean Ferre, André René Roussimoff

Movies List of André Roussimoff

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The Princess Bride

1987 Movie
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WrestleMania

1985 Movie
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Trading Mom

1994 Movie
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WrestleMania II

1986 Movie
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WWE WrestleMania III

1987 Movie
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WWE WrestleMania V

1989 Movie
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WWF Hulkamania 2

1987 Movie
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WWE World Tour 1991

1991 Movie
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WWE World Tour 1992

1992 Movie
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I Like To Hurt People

1985 Movie
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WWE Royal Rumble 1990

1990 Movie
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WWE SummerSlam 1989

1989 Movie
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WWE WrestleMania VI

1990 Movie
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WWE SummerSlam 1991

1991 Movie
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WWE U.K. Rampage 1991

1991 Movie
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The Ultimate Warrior

1990 Movie
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The Real Rocky

2011 Movie
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Micki & Maude

1984 Movie
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Fan Favorites

1989 Movie
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Hulkamania 3

1988 Movie
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Hulkamania 4

1989 Movie
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The Wrestling Queen

1973 Movie
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WWE U.K. Rampage 1988

1988 Movie
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WWE Royal Rumble

1988 Movie
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Conan the Destroyer

1984 Movie
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The Claw

2021 Movie
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Andre the Giant

2018 Movie
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WWE: True Giants

2014 Movie
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WWE: Andre The Giant

2005 Movie
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Andre the Giant

1985 Movie
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WWE WrestleMania IV

1988 Movie
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WWE WrestleFest

1988 Movie
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WWE SummerSlam 1988

1988 Movie
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WWE Royal Rumble 1989

1989 Movie
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WWE The Big Event

1986 Movie
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WWE The Main Event

1988 Movie
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WWE WrestleMania VII

1991 Movie
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Biography: Chyna

2023 Movie
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WWF Summer Flashback!

1997 Movie
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WrestleMania

1985 Movie
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WrestleMania 2

1986 Movie
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WrestleMania III

1987 Movie
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WrestleMania IV

1988 Movie