Fascinating Facts About the Life of Andre the Giant
André the Giant lived a life that was anything but ordinary. He was born in France with a rare condition that caused him to grow far beyond average size and spent his years adapting to a world that didn’t fit him—physically or socially. His size made him famous, but it also came with daily challenges and constant pain.
Beyond the wrestling ring, he was a film actor, a loyal friend, and a man who stood out in more ways than one.
Driven to School by Samuel Beckett
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When school buses didn’t work for André’s frame, a neighbor stepped in. This was Samuel Beckett. The playwright, not yet famous for Waiting for Godot, drove him to school in a truck. They passed the time with cricket talk, and Beckett’s support left a lasting impression on young André.
Too Big for Military Service
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At 19, André was called up by the French army, but nothing fit—not the boots, bunk beds, or uniforms. Commanders tried adjusting, but after enough logistical standstills, the idea was scrapped. His size simply exceeded what military planning could accommodate in 1965.
Diagnosed With Acromegaly
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Andre’s extraordinary size came from acromegaly, a disorder caused by excess growth hormone. It affected bone development and led to chronic health issues. Though it helped define his wrestling persona, it also brought constant pain and complications that intensified as he got older.
Set a Guinness World Record for Pay
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In 1974, Andre was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the highest-paid wrestler at the time, earning $400,000 annually. The income helped fund the structural modifications, custom furniture, and oversized transportation he needed to function comfortably in daily life.
Had a Daughter, Though Estranged
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Robin Christensen-Roussimoff was born in 1979, but saw little of her father during her childhood. Raised by her mother in Seattle, Robin later managed her father’s image rights. She’s spoken publicly about what it meant to live in the shadow of someone who wasn’t often around.
Drank at a Level Few Could Believe
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Stories about Andre’s drinking are numerous and consistent. He once claimed on national television to have consumed 117 beers in one day. Others recalled similar incidents involving wine and spirits. His size made his tolerance unusually high, and drinking often served to dull persistent physical pain.
Heavily Featured in Film and Television
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People remember André most for The Princess Bride, but that wasn’t his only screen credit. He took roles in The Six Million Dollar Man, The Greatest American Hero, and Conan the Barbarian (also known as Conan the Destroyer).
The Undefeated Streak Was a Myth
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Before WrestleMania III, André was billed as undefeated for 15 years. It added drama to his match against Hulk Hogan, but it wasn’t true. He’d lost before and had been body-slammed, even by Hogan himself. It was pure narrative buildup, common in wrestling promotions at the time.
Never Let Anyone Else Pay
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Andre was known for covering the bill when dining out, regardless of who joined him. Arnold Schwarzenegger once attempted to pay without his knowledge. Andre didn’t let it slide. He and Wilt Chamberlain reportedly lifted Arnold and placed him on the roof of his own car in response.
First Inductee Into the WWE Hall of Fame
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Following his death in 1993, Andre became the first person honored by the WWE Hall of Fame in the form of a video tribute aired on television. The Hall has since become an annual tradition, but Andre remains its original and defining figure.