Questions
Who was Andre the Giant?
He was the French professional wrestler and actor born Andre Rene Roussimoff, one of the most famous giants in wrestling history. He was billed as "the Eighth Wonder of the World."
When and where was he born?
He was born on May 19, 1946, in Coulommiers, France. His childhood nickname was Dede.
What caused his enormous size?
He had gigantism caused by excess human growth hormone. While wrestling in Japan around 1970, doctors diagnosed him with acromegaly.
How tall was he and how much did he weigh?
He was billed at 7 ft 4 in (224 cm) and 520 lb (236 kg).
Is it true the playwright Samuel Beckett drove him to school?
Yes. While Roussimoff was growing up in the 1950s, the Irish playwright Samuel Beckett was one of several adults who sometimes drove local children, including Roussimoff and his siblings, to school.
How did he get into wrestling?
At age 18 he moved to Paris and was taught professional wrestling. He trained at night and worked as a mover during the day.
What did he do before wrestling?
In his youth he worked on his father’s farm in Molien, completed an apprenticeship in woodworking, and worked in engine manufacturing.
What were his early ring names?
Before he became Andre the Giant he wrestled under names including Geant Ferre and Jean Ferre.
When did he join the WWWF?
He made his professional wrestling debut on January 25, 1966, and joined the WWWF on March 24, 1973.
What happened at WrestleMania III?
In 1987, in front of a record crowd, Hulk Hogan body-slammed Andre in a moment remembered as "the bodyslam heard around the world."
Was Andre really undefeated for years?
Announcer Gorilla Monsoon often stated that Roussimoff had not been defeated by pinfall or submission in 15 years prior to WrestleMania III.
Did he ever win a world title?
Yes. He won his only major world title, the WWF World Heavyweight Championship, on February 5, 1988, defeating Hulk Hogan.
Why did he become a bad guy?
Roussimoff agreed to turn heel in early 1987 to counter Hulk Hogan’s popular babyface act.
What movie is he famous for?
He played Fezzik, the giant, in the 1987 film The Princess Bride, the role he is best known for as an actor.
What was his family background?
His father, Boris Roussimoff, was Bulgarian and his mother, Mariann Roussimoff Stoeff, was Polish. He had four siblings.
When did he die and how is he remembered?
He died in Paris on January 28, 1993, at age 46. After his death he became the inaugural inductee into the WWF Hall of Fame.
