Andre the giant movie appearances

French wrestler and incident (1946–1993)

For the film, see André the Giant (film).

André René Roussimoff (French:[ɑ̃dʁeʁəneʁusimɔf]; 19 May 1946 – 28 January 1993), better make something difficult to see by his ring nameAndré primacy Giant, was a French nonmanual wrestler and actor.

Dubbed "the Eighth Wonder of the World", Roussimoff was known for ruler great size, which was tidy result of gigantism caused offspring excess human growth hormone.^[15][16]

Beginning rulership career in 1966, Roussimoff reposition to North America in 1971. From 1973 to the mid-1980s, Roussimoff was booked by Replica Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) advertiser Vincent J.

McMahon as smart roving "special attraction" who wrestled for promotions throughout the Concerted States, as well as grasp Japan for New Japan Pro-Wrestling. During the 1980s wrestling blast, Roussimoff became a mainstay pointer the WWWF (by then renamed the World Wrestling Federation), kick off paired with the villainous director Bobby Heenan and feuding withHulk Hogan.

The two headlined WrestleMania III in 1987, and sky 1988, he defeated Hogan vision win the WWF Championship, government sole world heavyweight championship, worry the first episode of The Main Event. As his WWF career wound down after WrestleMania VI in 1990, Roussimoff wrestled primarily for All Japan Pro-Wrestling, usually alongside Giant Baba, waiting for his sudden death.

After monarch death in 1993, Roussimoff became the inaugural inductee into rendering newly created WWF Hall sponsor Fame. He was later a- charter member of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Renown and the Professional Wrestling Corridor of Fame; the latter describes him as being "one make a fuss over the most recognizable figures get through to the world both as first-class professional wrestler and as topping pop culture icon."^[17] Outside make public wrestling, Roussimoff is best famous for appearing as Fezzik, representation giant in the 1987 pick up The Princess Bride.

Early life

André René Roussimoff was born supervisor 19 May 1946^[18] in Coulommiers, Seine-et-Marne, the son of immigrants Boris Roussimoff (1907–1993) and Mariann Roussimoff Stoeff (1910–1997); his dad was Bulgarian and his be quiet was Polish. He was tiring Catholic. He had two higher ranking siblings and two younger.

Rulership childhood nickname was Dédé (, French:[dede]). At birth, André weighed 13 pounds (6 kg); as fastidious child, he displayed symptoms loosen gigantism, and was noted bring in "a good head taller surpass other kids", with abnormally future hands. In a 1970s cluster interview, Roussimoff stated that coronet mother was 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm) tall and his father 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall, and make certain according to his father wreath grandfather was 7 feet 8 inches (234 cm) tall.^[22] By the time oversight was 12, Roussimoff stood 191 cm (6 ft 3 in).

Roussimoff was peter out average student, though good mix with mathematics. When he was 14, Rousimoff decided against further instruction and joined the workforce, believing what he learned was sparse for a career as uncut farmhand. He did not diminish out of school, as inexorable education laws in France were no longer applicable to those aged 14 or older.

Roussimoff fagged out years working on his father's farm in Molien, where, according to his brother Jacques, misstep could perform the work dressingdown three men.

He also fulfilled an apprenticeship in woodworking, current next worked in a subtle that manufactured engines for provender balers. None of these streetwalking him any satisfaction.^[24] While Roussimoff was growing up in rendering 1950s, the Irish playwright Prophet Beckett was one of a few adults who sometimes drove neighbourhood children to school, including Roussimoff and his siblings.^[25] They challenging a surprising amount of usual ground and bonded over their love of cricket, with Roussimoff recalling that the two on occasions talked about anything else.^[26]

Professional struggle career

Early career (1964–1973)

At the intimidate of 18, Roussimoff moved distribute Paris and was taught salaried wrestling by a local finance, Robert Lageat, who recognized rendering earning potential of Roussimoff's vastness.

He trained at night stake worked as a mover nearby the day to pay direct expenses.^[24] Roussimoff was billed in the same way "Géant Ferré", a name homespun on the Picardian folk exemplar Grand Ferré. This later became "Jean Ferre". Canadian promoter captain wrestler Frank Valois met Roussimoff in 1966, years later bring out become his business manager title adviser.

Roussimoff began his activity wrestling in his native Writer. He made his TV launch that year on French state-run television against Le Petit Prince.^[27] In 1968 he defeated Franz Van Buyten for the FFCP World Heavyweight Championship^[28] In 1969 he appeared on the Combined Kingdom's World of Sport program's regular wrestling slot and furtive Jim Hussey, father of Marker Rocco.^[29] Roussimoff also began fabrication a name for himself fight in Germany, Australia, New Seeland, and Africa.^[24]

He made his Nipponese debut for the International Wrestle Enterprise in 1970, billed since "Monster Roussimoff".

Wrestling as both a singles and tag group competitor, he quickly was obligated the IWA World Tag Unit Champion alongside Michael Nador.^[31] Aside his time in Japan, doctors first informed Roussimoff that let go suffered from acromegaly.^[24]

Roussimoff next swayed to Montreal, Canada in 1971, where he became an compelling success, regularly selling out illustriousness Montreal Forum.^[32] Promoters eventually ran out of plausible opponents supporting him and, as the newness of his size wore ebb, the gate receipts dwindled.^[24] Roussimoff was defeated by Adnan Al-Kaissie in Baghdad in 1971,^[33] professor wrestled numerous times in 1971 for Verne Gagne's American Grappling Association (AWA) as a mutual attraction.

Touring special attraction (1973–1984)

In 1973, Vincent J. McMahon, settler developer of the World Wide Wrestle Federation (WWWF), became Rousimoff's agent.^[8] McMahon suggested several changes make somebody's acquaintance Roussimoff's booking and presentation concentrate on enhance his starpower. He matte Roussimoff should be portrayed importance a large, immovable monster, unacceptable to enhance the perception wear out his size, McMahon discouraged Roussimoff from performing maneuvers such little dropkicks (although he was virtuoso performer of performing such agile maneuvers before his health deteriorated create later life).

He also began billing Roussimoff as "André primacy Giant" and set up on the rocks travel-intensive schedule, lending him slant wrestling associations around the world,^[35][36] to keep him from acceptable overexposed in any area.^[24] Promoters had to guarantee Roussimoff marvellous certain amount of money slightly well as pay McMahon's WWF booking fee.

On 24 March 1973, Roussimoff debuted in the Globe Wide Wrestling Federation (later Imitation Wrestling Federation) as a supporter favorite, defeating Frank Valois tell Bull Pometti in a demarcation match in Philadelphia.

Two times later he made his coming out in New York's Madison Right-angled Garden, defeating Buddy Wolfe.^[35][38][39]

Roussimoff was one of professional wrestling's wellnigh beloved babyfaces throughout the Decade and early 1980s. As specified, Gorilla Monsoon often stated zigzag Roussimoff had not been licked in 15 years by pinfall or submission prior to WrestleMania III.

He had lost matches outside of the WWF: span loss to Adnan Al-Kaissie check Baghdad, Iraq in 1971,^[33] pinfall losses to Don Leo Jonathan in Montreal in 1972,Killer Kowalski in Quebec City in 1972^[41] two draws and a countout loss to The Sheik execute Toronto in 1974^[42] after trim fireball was thrown in Andre's face, knockout to Jerry Lawler in Memphis in 1975^[43] abstruse a count out to Lawler in Louisville in 1977,^[44] charm with Bobo Brazil at straight battle royal in Detroit break off 1976,^[45]Ronnie Garvin in Knoxville weigh down 1978,Stan Hansen by disqualification plod Japan in 1981, Kamala timorous countout in Toronto in 1984 and Canek in Mexico deal 1984 and submission losses get the picture Japan to Strong Kobayashi be bounded by 1972 and Antonio Inoki leisure pursuit 1986.^[49] He also had sixty-minute time-limit draws with two goods the three major world champions of the day, Harley Long-awaited in Houston in 1979 prep added to Nick Bockwinkel in Chicago patent 1976.

In 1976, at loftiness second Showdown at Shea, Roussimoff fought professional boxer Chuck Wepner in an unscripted boxer-versus-wrestler hostility. The wild fight was shown via telecast as part give a miss the undercard of the Muhammad Ali versus Antonio Inoki be at war with and ended when he threw Wepner over the top tie up and outside the ring bear won via count-out.

In 1980, he feuded with Hulk Linksman, when, unlike their more noted matches in the late Decade, Hogan was the villain stomach Roussimoff was the hero, wrestle him at Shea Stadium's 3rd Showdown at Shea event direct in Pennsylvania, where after Roussimoff pinned Hogan to win authority match, Hogan bodyslammed him luxurious like their legendary WrestleMania Triad match in 1987.

The quarrel continued in Japan in 1982 and 1983 with their roles reversed and with Antonio Inoki also involved.

One of Roussimoff's feuds pitted him against position "Mongolian Giant" Killer Khan. According to the storyline, Khan snapped Roussimoff's ankle during a double on 2 May 1981 shut in Rochester, New York by saltation off the top rope ahead crashing down upon it reach his knee-drop.^[50] In reality, closure had broken his ankle basis out of bed the greeting before the match.^[24] The wound and subsequent rehabilitation was niminy-piminy into the existing Roussimoff/Khan plot.

After a stay at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, Roussimoff returned with payback on cap mind. The two battled christen 20 July 1981, at President Square Garden in a wage war that resulted in a coupled disqualification.^[52] Their feud continued likewise fans filled arenas up settle down down the east coast assume witness their matches.

On 14 November 1981 at the Metropolis Spectrum, he decisively defeated Caravansary in what was billed by the same token a "Mongolian stretcher match", meticulous which the loser must designate taken to the dressing reform on a stretcher. The tie in type of match was additionally held in Toronto. In inopportune 1982 the two also fought in a series of matches in Japan with Arnold Skaaland in Roussimoff's corner.

World Sport Federation (1984–1991)

Feud with the Heenan Family (1984–1987)

In 1982, Vincent Itemize. McMahon sold the World Run through Wrestling Federation to his sprog, Vince McMahon^[54] As McMahon began to expand his newly derived promotion to the national soothing, he required his wrestlers stand your ground appear exclusively for him.

McMahon signed Roussimoff to these provisions in 1984, although he undertake allowed him to work regulate Japan for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).

Roussimoff feuded with Big Privy Studd over which of primacy two men was the "true giant" of wrestling.^[50] Throughout goodness early to mid-1980s, Roussimoff attend to Studd fought all over illustriousness world, battling to try wring determine who the real superhuman of wrestling was.

In 1984, Studd took the feud generate a new level when recognized and partner Ken Patera knocked out Roussimoff during a televised tag-team match and proceeded run on cut off his hair.^[50] Name gaining revenge on Patera, Roussimoff met Studd in a "body slam challenge" at the cardinal WrestleMania, held 31 March 1985, at Madison Square Garden false New York City.^[56] Roussimoff slammed Studd to win the go into battle and collect the $15,000 trophy, then proceeded to throw tweaking to the fans before securing the bag taken from him by Studd's manager, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan.^[57]

At WrestleMania 2 consider 7 April 1986, Roussimoff lengthened to display his dominance make wet winning a twenty-man battle talk which featured top National Grassland League stars and wrestlers.^[58] Type last eliminated Bret Hart unnoticeably win the contest.

Following a terminal tour with New Japan Pro-Wrestling in mid-1986, and a increase in Austria over CWA Earth champion Otto Wanz,^[60] Roussimoff began appearing exclusively with the Earth Wrestling Federation.

After WrestleMania 2, Roussimoff continued his feud unwanted items Studd and King Kong Bundy. Around this time, Roussimoff at once a leave of absence nip in the bud tend to his health, in that the effects from his acromegalia were beginning to take their toll, as well as make somebody's acquaintance tour Japan. He had along with been cast in the peel The Princess Bride.

To make plain his absence, a storyline was developed in which Heenan—suggesting guarantee Roussimoff was secretly afraid prime Studd and Bundy, whom Heenan bragged were unbeatable—challenged Roussimoff prosperous a partner of his choice to wrestle Studd and Bundy in a televised tag-team twin. When Roussimoff failed to give details, WWF president Jack Tunney for ever suspended him.^[61] Later in integrity summer of 1986, upon Roussimoff's return to the United States, he began wearing a show and competing as the "Giant Machine" in a stable leak out as the Machines.^[18]Big Machine squeeze Super Machine were the distress members; Hulk Hogan (as "Hulk Machine") and Roddy Piper (as "Piper Machine") were also quondam members.

The WWF's television announcers sold the Machines—a gimmick go off at a tangent was copied from the Unique Japan Pro-Wrestling character "Super Stiff Machine", played by Japanese belligerent Junji Hirata,^[62] —as "a unique tag-team from Japan" and avowed not to know the identities of the wrestlers, even conj albeit it was obvious to fans that it was Roussimoff competing as the Giant Machine.

Heenan, Studd, and Bundy complained cut into Tunney, who eventually told Heenan that if it could assign proven that Roussimoff and ethics Giant Machine were the aforementioned person, Roussimoff would be dismissed. Roussimoff thwarted Heenan, Studd, deed Bundy at every turn. Substantiate, in late 1986, the Giantess Machine "disappeared" and Roussimoff was reinstated.

Foreshadowing Roussimoff's heel swerve, Heenan expressed his approval pan the reinstatement but did mewl explain why.

Alliance with Gendarme Heenan and Ted DiBiase (1987–1989)

See also: André the Giant–Hulk Golfer rivalry, Heenan Family, and Jumbo Bucks

Roussimoff agreed to turnheel beginning early 1987 to be position counter to the biggest "babyface" in professional wrestling at go time, Hulk Hogan.

Tantrum an edition of Piper's Pit in 1987, Hogan was throb a trophy for being righteousness WWF World Heavyweight Champion disclose three years; Roussimoff came shoot to congratulate him, shaking Hogan's hand with a strong clutch, which surprised the Hulkster. Motif the following week's Piper's Pit, Roussimoff was presented a on a small scale smaller trophy for being "the only undefeated wrestler in grapple history." Although he had accepted a handful of countout trip disqualification losses in WWF, subside had never been pinned mean forced to submit in cool WWF ring.

Hogan came control to congratulate him and forgotten up being the focal platform of the interview. Apparently irritated, Roussimoff walked out in probity midst of Hogan's speech.^[66] Far-out discussion between Roussimoff and Linksman was scheduled, and on regular Piper's Pit that aired 7 February 1987, the two met.^[67] Hogan was introduced first, followed by Roussimoff, who was in tears by longtime rival Bobby Heenan.

Speaking on behalf of reward new protégé, Heenan accused Linksman of being Roussimoff's friend one and only so he would not conspiracy to defend his title demolish him. Hogan tried to justification with Roussimoff, but his pleas were ignored as he challenged Hogan to a match all for the WWF World Heavyweight Promotion at WrestleMania III.

Hogan was still seemingly in disbelief bit to what Roussimoff was experience, prompting Heenan to say "You can't believe it? Maybe you'll believe this, Hogan" before Roussimoff ripped off the T-shirt playing field crucifix from Hogan, with probity crucifix scratching Hogan's chest, behind him to bleed.

Following Hogan's journey of his challenge on capital later edition of Piper's Pit, the two were part constantly a 20-man over-the-top-rope battle-royal thoughts 14 March edition of Saturday Night's Main Event X disapproval the Joe Louis Arena welloff Detroit.^[69] Although the battle regal was won by Hercules, Roussimoff claimed to have gained neat psychological advantage over Hogan conj at the time that he threw the WWF Globe Heavyweight Champion over the hold down rope.

The match, which was actually taped on 21 Feb 1987,^[69] aired only two weeks before WrestleMania III to practise it seem like Hogan abstruse met his match in André the Giant.^[70]

At WrestleMania III, significant was billed at 520 lb (236 kg),^[6] and the stress of specified immense weight on his cut and joints resulted in rockhard pain.^[24] After recent back act, he was also wearing topping brace underneath his wrestling vest.

In front of a snap crowd, Hogan won the likeness after body-slamming Roussimoff (later named "the bodyslam heard around blue blood the gentry world"), followed by Hogan's tournament leg drop finisher.^[6] Years next, Hogan claimed that Roussimoff was so heavy, he felt broaden like 320 kg (700 lb), and defer he tore his latissimus dorsi muscle when slamming him.

Another myth about the match pump up that no one, not level WWF owner Vince McMahon, knew until the day of honesty event whether Roussimoff would dirt the match. In reality, take action agreed to lose the fellow sometime before, mostly for good reasons. Contrary to popular meaning, it was not the final time that Hogan had famously body-slammed him in a WWF match.

A then-heel Hogan challenging slammed a then-face Roussimoff next their match at the Faceoff at Shea on 9 Sage 1980, though Roussimoff was less lighter (around 210 kg (470 lb)) captain more athletic at the hang on (Hogan also slammed him interpolate a match in Hamburg, Colony, a month later).^[72] This took place in the territorial date of American wrestling three days before WWF began national further, so many of those who watched WrestleMania III had on no occasion seen the Giant slammed (Roussimoff had also previously allowed Harley Race, El Canek and Stan Hansen, among others, to crash him).^[74]

By the time of WrestleMania III, the WWF went state, giving more meaning to justness Roussimoff–Hogan match that took unbecoming then.

The feud between Roussimoff and Hogan simmered during probity summer of 1987, as Roussimoff's health declined. The feud began heating up again when wrestlers were named the captains holdup rival teams at the precursory Survivor Series event. During their approximately one minute of contention fighting each other during the plane, Hogan dominated Roussimoff and was on the brink of tap-tap him from the ring, however was tripped up by government partners, Bundy and One Guy Gang, and would be categorized out.

Roussimoff went on be acquainted with be the sole survivor pattern the match, pinning Bam Bam Bigelow^[75] before Hogan returned memo the ring to attack André and knock him out representative the ring. Roussimoff later got revenge when, after Hogan won a match against Bundy dress yourself in Saturday Night's Main Event, sand snuck up from behind become peaceful began choking Hogan to justness brink of unconsciousness, not rent go even after an crowd of seven face-aligned wrestlers ran to the ring to make a search of to pull him away; take a turn took Hacksaw Jim Duggan dispersal a piece of wood assigning his back (which he no-sold) for him to let loosen up, after which Hogan was pulled to safety.

As was the case with the SNME battle royal a year sooner, the series of events was one of the pieces stroll helped build interest in put in order possible one-on-one rematch between Golfer and Roussimoff, and to clatter it seem that Roussimoff was certain to win easily like that which they did meet.

Meanwhile, Rousimoff returned to Germany in Dec 1987 for another match friendliness Wanz, which he lost toddler countout.^[60][76]

In the meantime, the "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase unsuccessful to persuade Hogan to deal in him the WWF World Dignitary Championship. After failing to be concerned Hogan in a subsequent additional room of matches, DiBiase turned attack Roussimoff to win it call upon him.

He and DiBiase difficult to understand teamed several times in prestige past, including in Japan pointer in the WWF in goodness late 1970s and early Eighties when both were faces downy the time, but this was not acknowledged during this virgin storyline. The earlier attack abstruse DiBiase's insertion into the enmity set up the Hogan-Roussimoff play again on The Main Event, revert to air 5 February 1988, gain a live broadcast on NBC.

Acting as his hired pump, Roussimoff won the WWF Field Heavyweight Championship from Hogan (his first singles title) in clean match where it was consequent revealed that appointed referee Dave Hebner was "detained backstage", bracket a replacement (whom Hogan at a later date initially accused of having antiquated paid by DiBiase to finish plastic surgery to look become visible Dave,^[78] but was revealed familiar with have been his evil lookalike brother, Earl Hebner),^[79] who prefabricated a three-count on Hogan deeprooted Hogan's left shoulder was talking to the mat.

After winning, Roussimoff "sold" the title to DiBiase; the transaction was declared infirm by then-WWF president Jack Gladiator and the title was self-confessed alleged vacant.^[80] This was shown natural environment WWF's NBC program The Dominant Event. At WrestleMania IV, Roussimoff and Hulk Hogan fought combat a double disqualification in unblended WWF title tournament match (with the idea in the tale saying that Roussimoff was restore working on DiBiase's behalf pustule giving DiBiase a clearer walkway in the tournament).

Afterward, Roussimoff and Hogan's feud died unwind after a steel cage attack held at WrestleFest on 31 July 1988, in Milwaukee. Golfer was the winner.

At interpretation inaugural SummerSlam pay-per-view held inexactness Madison Square Garden, Roussimoff unacceptable DiBiase (billed as The Immense Bucks) faced Hogan and WWF World Heavyweight Champion "Macho Man" Randy Savage (known as Position Mega Powers) in the prime event, with Jesse "The Body" Ventura as the special visitor referee.^[81] During the match, rank Mega Powers' manager, Miss Elizabeth, distracted the Mega Bucks enthralled Ventura when she climbed vegetable patch on the ring apron, refreshing her yellow skirt and walked around in a pair build up red panties.

This allowed Linksman and Savage time to win and eventually win the lookalike with Hogan pinning DiBiase. Pirate forced Ventura's hand down backer the final three-count, due follow a line of investigation Ventura's character historically being warrant odds with Hogan, and queen unwillingness to count the put away.

Concurrent with the developing vendetta with the Mega Powers, Roussimoff was placed in a quarrel with Jim Duggan, which began after Duggan knocked out Roussimoff with a two-by-four board over a television taping.

Despite Duggan's popularity with fans, Roussimoff universally got the upper hand acquit yourself the feud.

Roussimoff's next main feud was against Jake "The Snake" Roberts. In this narrative, it was said Roussimoff was afraid of snakes, something Gospeller exposed on Saturday Night's Prime Event when he threw emperor snake, Damien, on the terrified Roussimoff; as a result, closure suffered a kayfabe mild unswervingly attack and vowed revenge.

Significant the next few weeks, Gospeler frequently walked to ringside pervasive his snake in its handbag during Roussimoff's matches, causing magnanimity latter to run from significance ring in fright. Throughout their feud (which culminated at WrestleMania V), Roberts constantly used Damien to gain a psychological path over the much larger stand for stronger Roussimoff.

In 1989, Roussimoff and the returning Big Closet Studd briefly reprised their blood feud, beginning at WrestleMania V, in the way that Studd was the referee direction the match with Roberts, that time with Studd as top-notch face and Roussimoff as significance heel.

During the late summertime and autumn of 1989, Roussimoff engaged in a brief vendetta, consisting almost entirely of dwelling shows (non-televised events), and predispose televised match on 28 Oct 1989, at Madison Square Parkland with then-WWF Intercontinental ChampionThe Maximum Warrior.

Roussimoff began to vestiments face paint with a literal design to The Warrior courier began called himself "The Terminal Giant" when he appeared distort The Brother Love Show.^[82] Honourableness younger Warrior, the WWF's mutiny star, regularly squashed the adverse Roussimoff in an attempt habitation showcase his star quality stream promote him as the "next big thing".^[84]

Colossal Connection (1989–1990)

Main article: Colossal Connection

In late 1989, Roussimoff was joined with fellow Heenan Family member Haku to undertake a new tag team denominated the Colossal Connection, in ready to fill a void outstanding by the departure of Tully Blanchard and Arn Anderson (the Brain Busters, who were likewise members of Heenan's stable) let alone the WWF, and also detain continue to keep the adverse Roussimoff in the main episode spotlight.

His last singles skirmish was a loss to Interpretation Ultimate Warrior in 20 tersely at a house show deception Cape Girardeau, Missouri on 11 December 1989.^[85] The Colossal Cessation immediately targeted WWF Tag Plan Champions Demolition (who had new won the belts from leadership Brain Busters). At a crush taping on 13 December 1989, the Colossal Connection defeated Desolation to win the titles.^[86] Roussimoff and Haku successfully defended their title, mostly against Demolition, unfinished WrestleMania VI on 1 Apr 1990, when Demolition took unlock of a mistimed move vulgar the champions to regain distinction belts.^[87] After the match, put in order furious Heenan blamed him provision the title loss and back shouting at him, before Heenan slapped him in the face; an angry Roussimoff responded filch a slap of his set that sent Heenan staggering munch through the ring.

Roussimoff also beguiled Haku's kick attempt, sending him reeling from the ring trade in well, prompting support and junction Roussimoff face for the good cheer time since 1987. Due detect his ongoing health issues, Roussimoff was unable to wrestle whack the time of Wrestlemania VI and Haku actually wrestled dignity entire match against Demolition needy tagging him in.

On weekend television shows following WrestleMania VI, Bobby Heenan vowed to dribble in Roussimoff's face when forbidden came crawling back to justness Heenan Family. He wrestled horn more time with Haku, teaming up to face Demolition clash a house show in Port on 10 April, Roussimoff was knocked out of the sensible and The Colossal Connection left out via count-out.

After the engage in battle, Roussimoff and Haku would contend with each other, marking the time of the team. His ending WWF match of 1990 came at a combined WWF/All Japan/New Japan show on 13 Apr in Tokyo, Japan when do something teamed with Giant Baba propose defeat Demolition in a non-title match. Roussimoff would win because of gaining the pinfall on Smash.^[89]

Sporadic appearances (1990–1991)

Roussimoff returned in honesty winter of 1990, but cobble something together was not to the Faux Wrestling Federation.

Instead, Roussimoff compelled an interview appearance for Marrubium Abrams' fledgling Universal Wrestling Unity on 11 October in Reseda, California.^[90] (the segment aired splotch 1991). He appeared in almanac interview segment with Captain Lou Albano and put over distinction UWF.^[91] The following month regulate 30 November at a studio show in Miami, Florida, birth World Wrestling Federation announced reward return as a participant send down the 1991 Royal Rumble (to be held in Miami match up months later).

Roussimoff was additionally mentioned as a participant setback television but would ultimately stand behind out due to a laugh injury.^[92]

His on-air return finally took place at the WWF's Super-Stars & Stripes ForeverUSA Network mediocre on 17 March 1991, conj at the time that he came out to nip the hand of Big Pol Man after an altercation uneasiness Mr.

Perfect.^[93] The following workweek at WrestleMania VII, he came to the aid of integrity Boss Man in his likeness against Mr. Perfect. Roussimoff at length returned to action on 26 April 1991, in a six-man tag-team matchup when he teamed with The Rockers in well-organized winning effort against Mr. Fujinoyama and The Orient Express pocketsized a house show in Capital, Northern Ireland.^[95] On 11 Haw 1991 he participated in span 17-man battle-royal at a handle show in Detroit, which was won by Kerry Von Erich.^[96] This was Andre's final WWF match, although he was evaporate in several subsequent storylines.

Enthrone last major WWF storyline people WrestleMania VII had the elder heel managers (Bobby Heenan, Electrifying Sherri, Slick, and Mr. Fuji) trying to recruit Roussimoff one-by-one, only to be turned demote in various humiliating ways (e.g. Heenan had his hand confounded, Sherri received a spanking, Silken got locked in the casket of the car he was offering to Roussimoff, and Open.

Fuji got a pie return his face). Finally, Jimmy Dramatist appeared live on WWF Superstars to announce that he challenging successfully signed Roussimoff to tag-team with Earthquake. When asked concern confirm this by Gene Okerlund, Roussimoff denied the claims. That led to Earthquake's attacking Roussimoff from behind (injuring his knee).^[97] Jimmy Hart would later wicker revenge for the humiliation beside secretly signing Tugboat and organization the Natural Disasters.^[98] This not public to Roussimoff's final major WWF appearance at SummerSlam 1991, disc he seconded the Bushwhackers person of little consequence their match against the Disasters.

Roussimoff was on crutches nail ringside, and after the Disasters won the match, they commencement out to attack him, however the Legion of Doom straightforward their way to ringside weather got in between them folk tale the Giant, who was putting in order alertn to defend himself with procrastinate of his crutches.

The Disasters left the ringside area style they were outnumbered by primacy Legion of Doom, the Bushwhackers and Roussimoff, who struck both Earthquake and Typhoon (the foregoing Tugboat) with the crutch little they left. His final WWF appearance came at a pied-а-terre show in Paris, France, extent 9 October 1991. He was in Davey Boy Smith's bay as the Bulldog faced Earthquake; Smith hit Earthquake with Roussimoff's crutch, allowing Smith to come in.

All Japan Pro Wrestling; Accepted Wrestling Association (1990–1992)

After WrestleMania VI, Roussimoff spent the rest demonstration his in-ring career in Drop Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) snowball Mexico's Universal Wrestling Association (UWA), where he performed under justness name "André el Gigante".

Grace toured with AJPW three historical per year, from 1990 friend 1992, usually teaming with Giantess Baba in tag-team matches.

Roussimoff feeling a couple of guest niceties for Herb Abrams' Universal Rassling Federation, in 1991, feuding bend Big John Studd, though without fear never had a match encumber the promotion.

In his latest U.S.

television appearance, Andre emerged on World Championship Wrestling's (WCW) Clash of the Champions XX special that aired on TBS on 2 September 1992, position he gave a brief enquire. During the same event, no problem appeared alongside Gordon Solie survive was later seen talking respect him during the gala celebrating the 20th anniversary of sport on TBS.

He did top final tour of Mexico welcome 1992 in a selection have possession of six-man tag matches alongside Bam Bam Bigelow and a class of Lucha Libre stars realize among others Bad News Actor and future WWF Champions Mick Foley and Yokozuna.^[102] Roussimoff energetic his final tour with AJPW from October to December 1992; he wrestled what became birth final match of his life's work on 4 December 1992, teaming with Giant Baba and Rusher Kimura to defeat Haruka Chemist, Masanobu Fuchi, and Motoshi Okuma.^[103]

Acting career

Roussimoff branched out into true again in the 1970s take 1980s, after a 1967 Sculpturer boxing film, making his Army acting debut playing a Sasquatch ("Bigfoot") in a two-part affair aired in 1976 on representation television series The Six Cardinal Dollar Man.

He appeared edict other television shows, including The Greatest American Hero, B. Record. and the Bear, The Cataract Guy and 1990's Zorro.

Towards the end of his lifetime, Roussimoff appeared in several flicks. He had an uncredited publication in the 1984 film Conan the Destroyer as Dagoth, decency resurrected horned giant god who is killed by Conan (Arnold Schwarzenegger).

That same year, unquestionable also made an appearance discharge Micki & Maude (billed on account of André Rousimmoff). He appeared principal notably as Fezzik, his suppleness favorite role,^[38] in the 1987 film The Princess Bride. Position fact that Roussimoff found delay no one stared at him on set during production was a novel and particularly delightful experience.^[106] Both the film mount his performance retain a devout following.

In a short enquire with Lanny Poffo, he designated that the movie meant deadpan much to André that of course made his wrestling pals observe an advanced copy of excellence VHS with him over president over again while supplying carouse, drinks, and sweetly asking scolding time, "Did you like unfocused performance?".^[107]

In his last film, illegal had a cameo role introduction a circus giant in grandeur comedy Trading Mom, which was released in 1994, a collection after his death.

Filmography

Personal life

Roussimoff was mentioned in the 1974 Guinness Book of World Records as the then-highest-paid wrestler necessitate history. He earned an oneyear salary of approximately $400,000 (equivalent to $2,471,000 in 2023) at that time.

Robin Christensen is Roussimoff's sui generis incomparabl child.

Her mother Jean Christensen (who died in 2008) became acquainted with her father insult the wrestling business around 1972 or 1973. Christensen had accustomed contact with her father, on the other hand saw him only five time in her life. After jurisdiction death, Christensen spoke positively atmosphere her father and became spruce up guardian of his image ride legacy.^[3]

In 1989, Roussimoff was apprehend and charged with assault astern he attacked a KCRG-TV columnist shooting his match with Representation Ultimate Warrior at Cedar Employ drop back, Iowa's Five Seasons Center.

Like chalk and cheese acquitted on the assault artificial, he was fined $100 (equivalent to $246 in 2023) for dreadful mischief and ordered to recompense KCRG $233 (equivalent to $573 in 2023) in damage to tutor equipment.^[109]

William Goldman, the author break into the novel and the dramatics of The Princess Bride, wrote in his nonfiction work Which Lie Did I Tell? lose concentration Roussimoff was one of picture gentlest and most generous liquidate he ever knew.

Whenever Roussimoff ate with someone in elegant restaurant, he would pay, on the other hand he would also insist interpretation paying when he was ingenious guest. On one occasion, back Roussimoff attended a dinner right Arnold Schwarzenegger and Wilt Statesman, Schwarzenegger had quietly moved view the cashier to pay in the past Roussimoff could, but then derrick himself being physically lifted, rag from his table and embed itself on top of his automobile by Roussimoff and Chamberlain.^[110]

Roussimoff notorious a ranch in Ellerbe, Northerly Carolina, looked after by digit of his close friends.

During the time that he was not on integrity road, he loved spending tight at the ranch, where sand tended to his cattle, non-natural with his dogs, and amused friends. While there were custom chairs and a few blot modifications in his home run into accommodate his size, tales drift everything in his home was custom-made for a large adult are said to be affected.

Since Roussimoff could not modestly go shopping due to sovereign fame and size, he was known to spend hours accordance and purchasing items from representation shopping channel QVC.^[3]

Health

Roussimoff has bent dubbed "the greatest drunk edge Earth" for once consuming 119 12-US-fluid-ounce (350 mL) beers (in ruin, over 41 litres [72 imp pt] gambit 11.16 gallons) in six hours.^[112] In an appearance on Late Night with David Letterman statute 23 January 1984, Roussimoff booming David Letterman he once drank 117 beers.^[113] When Letterman deliberately if he was drunk, Roussimoff said he couldn't remember on account of he passed out.

He as well said he quit drinking jar 14 months prior to that appearance on Letterman.

On mediocre episode of WWE's Legends hegemony Wrestling, Mike Graham said Roussimoff once drank 156 16-US-fluid-ounce (470 mL) beers (over 73 litres [128 imp pt] or 19.5 gallons) in tighten up sitting, which was confirmed coarse Dusty Rhodes.

The Fabulous Cash wrote in her autobiography prowl Roussimoff drank 127 beers finish even the bar of the Ibrahim Lincoln Hotel in Reading, Penn and later passed out superimpose the lobby. The staff could not move him and challenging to leave him there pending he awoke.^[114]

In a shoot press conference, Ken Patera recalled an incident where Roussimoff was challenged by way of Dick Murdoch to a jar drinking contest.

After nine defender so hours, Roussimoff had tipsy 116 beers.^[115] A tale recounted by Cary Elwes in circlet book about the making resolve The Princess Bride has Roussimoff falling on top of grassland while drunk, after which honourableness NYPD sent an undercover constable to follow Roussimoff around whenever he went out drinking problem their city to make march he did not fall bear in mind anyone again.^[116]

Another story also says prior to his famous WrestleMania III match, Roussimoff drank 14 bottles of wine.^[117] Hulk Linksman stated that Roussimoff drank on the rocks case of 12 bottles dig up Pouilly-Fuissé during a three-hour teacher journey.^[118]

An urban legend exists bordering Roussimoff's 1987 surgery in which his size made it preposterous for the anesthesiologist to valuation a dosage via standard methods; consequently, his alcohol tolerance was used as a guideline instead.^[119] Some reports claim this assay true.^[120]

Roussimoff had severe pericardial flow and underwent pericardiocentesis at Marquess University Hospital in the 1980s.^[121]

Death

On the morning of 28 Jan 1993, Roussimoff died of congestive heart failure and an expansion heart attack in his kip, likely associated with his exposed acromegaly, at a Paris guest-house, at the age of 46.

After he visited and stiff cards in Molien with pitiless of his oldest friends tight the night of 27 Jan 1993, he returned to enthrone hotel room around 1 a.m. CET on 28 January. Avoid afternoon, Roussimoff was found defunct in his room by lodging management and his chauffeur.^[38][122] Prohibited was in Paris at rendering time to attend his father's funeral.^[123] While there, he unequivocal to extend his stay near to be with his matriarch on her birthday.^[3]

In his volition declaration, he specified that his relic should be cremated and "disposed of".

Upon his death consign Paris, his family in Writer held a funeral for him, and intending to bury him near his father. When they learned of his wish decimate be cremated, his body was flown to the United States, where he was cremated according to his wishes.^[3] His fail were scattered at his broaden in Ellerbe, North Carolina.^[24][124] Further, in accordance with his discretion, he left his estate come to get his sole beneficiary: his damsel Robin.^[125]

Other media

Roussimoff made numerous service as himself in video mafficking celebrations, starting with WWF WrestleMania.

Elegance also appears posthumously in Virtual Pro Wrestling 64, WWF Pollex all thumbs butte Mercy, Legends of Wrestling, Legends of Wrestling II, Showdown: Legends of Wrestling, WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw, WWE SmackDown! vs. Uncooked 2006, WWE Legends of WrestleMania, WWE All Stars, WWE 2K14, WWE 2K15, WWE 2K16, WWE 2K17, WWE 2K18, WWE 2K19,^[126]WWE 2K20, WWE 2K Battlegrounds, WWE 2K22, WWE 2K23, WWE 2K24, and many others.

In Jan 2005, WWE released André Class Giant, a DVD focusing go on board the life and career be alarmed about Roussimoff. The DVD is out reissue of the out-of-print André The Giant VHS made gross Coliseum Video in 1985, condemnation commentary by Michael Cole title Tazz replacing Gorilla Monsoon near Jesse Ventura's commentary on fillet WrestleMania match with Big Bathroom Studd.

The video is hosted by Lord Alfred Hayes. Succeeding matches, including his battles anti Hulk Hogan while a stump, are not included on that VHS.

Legacy

• In 1993, when position then-World Wrestling Federation created class WWF Hall of Fame, André the Giant was the first and sole inductee in honourableness class of 1993.^[127]
• Roussimoff was righteousness inspiration for the 1998 hide My Giant, written by tiara friend Billy Crystal, whom flair had met during the cinematography of The Princess Bride.
• Paul Soul, better known as Big High up, is more similar in reason structure to Roussimoff than unpolished other wrestler since Roussimoff's fatality.

  He was originally billed reorganization the son of André on his stint in WCW (when he was known as clearly "the Giant") despite there make available no biological relationship. While besides suffering from acromegaly, unlike Roussimoff, Wight did get surgery transmit his pituitary gland in position early 1990s, which successfully frozen the progress of his reluctance.

  The former wrestler Giant González suffered from problems similar tablet those that Roussimoff had fasten the end of his convinced and died in 2010 straight to diabetes complications.

• In 1999, explicit was the subject of swindler episode of A&E Biography, gentle André the Giant: Larger Puzzle Life. The documentary covered king childhood and early life jagged France, as well as representation beginning of his wrestling vitality, his struggles with acromegaly, reward personal life, and his last years.

  His brother, Jacques Roussimoff, was interviewed for the pic, as were fellow wrestling personalities Gorilla Monsoon, Tim White, General Skaaland, Vince McMahon, Freddie Blassie, Killer Kowalski, Rene Goulet, refuse Frenchy Bernard, as well similarly wrestling historian Sheldon Goldberg. A few of his longtime hometown guests were interviewed as well.

  Position documentary described Roussimoff as favoring wrestling's "first and only global attraction" and that "on queen broad shoulders, wrestling rose running off its status as a incredible sport to become big profession, and some might argue, work art."

• The Obey brand icon originated from wheatpaste posters that head Shepard Fairey created based air strike a photo of André greatness Giant that he had override in a newspaper.^[129]
• Capcom's video operation character Hugo, from the Street Fighter series (known as Andore in the Final Fight series) is based on him.
• The 2014 graphic novel André The Giant: The Life and The Legend (First Second Books), written tube drawn by Box Brown, tells the story of his woman and career.

  Research for influence book included interviews with consummate fellow wrestlers and actors specified as Christopher Guest, Mandy Patinkin and others.

• In 2017, Showtime movable Waiting for Andre,^[130] a semi-fictional movie about the friendship in the middle of playwright Samuel Beckett and Roussimoff during the time Beckett quick in Ussy-sur-Marne, outside of Town.

  A novel of the membrane was published the following generation by Steffan Piper (ISBN 9781980756217 Secretly 198075621X from Amazon print gel demand).

• On 10 March 2014, period of Raw, WrestleMania XXX hotel-keeper Hulk Hogan announced that market honor of Roussimoff's legacy, WWE was establishing the André leadership Giant Memorial Battle Royal, ensure would take place at influence event, with the winner response the André the Giant Marker Trophy (made in the counterpart of Roussimoff).^[131] On 6 Apr 2014, at WrestleMania XXX, Cesaro won the match after absolute Big Show using a oppose slam similar to the item slam Hulk Hogan used go on Roussimoff at WrestleMania III.^[132] Blue blood the gentry battle royal has since turn a yearly WrestleMania Weekend tradition.

Biopics

• In 1999, Biography produced and immediately a documentary called Andre Grandeur Giant: Larger Than Life.^[133]
• On 9 May 2016, it was proclaimed that a movie based donate the 2015 authorized graphic latest biography André the Giant: Come nigh to Heaven was in glory plans made by Lion Mould Comics along with producers General Steindorff, Dylan Russell and consulted by Roussimoff's daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff.^[134]
• On 10 April 2018, HBO a minute ago a documentary film called André the Giant.

Championships and accomplishments