Andre the Giant's Biography

Andre the Giant, born André René Roussimoff on May 19, 1946, in France, was a world-renowned professional wrestler and actor, celebrated for his immense size and charismatic personality. Standing at an astonishing 224 cm and weighing 236 kg, Andre was diagnosed with acromegaly, a condition that caused his extraordinary growth and earned him the nickname 'The Eighth Wonder of the World.' Andre became a global sensation after joining the World Wide Wrestling Federation (now WWE) in the 1970s, where his larger-than-life persona captivated millions. He became famous for his legendary matches, most notably against Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania III, and was inducted as the inaugural member of the WWE Hall of Fame in 1993. Beyond wrestling, Andre left a significant mark in Hollywood, starring as Fezzik in the beloved film 'The Princess Bride.' Despite his fame, Andre remained private, enjoying simple pleasures such as playing cards and spending time with friends. Known for his gentle nature and memorable quotes like 'I don't like to speak badly of people,' Andre's legacy endures both in the wrestling ring and on the silver screen. His estimated net worth at the time of his passing was around $4.5 million, largely from wrestling and acting. Andre the Giant remains an iconic figure in sports and entertainment history, remembered for his unique presence and lasting impact.