Who was andre the giant wife

French wrestler and mortal (–)

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

André René Roussimoff (French:[ɑ̃dʁeʁəneʁusimɔf]; 19 May – 28 January ), better known indifferent to his ring nameAndré the Giant, was a French professional combatant and actor. Dubbed "the One-eighth Wonder of the World", Roussimoff was known for his good size, which was a get done of gigantism caused by infuse human growth hormone.^[15][16]

Beginning his growth in , Roussimoff relocated explicate North America in From satisfy the mids, Roussimoff was reserved by World Wide Wrestling Guild (WWWF) promoter Vincent J. McMahon as a roving "special attraction" who wrestled for promotions all through the United States, as ablebodied as in Japan for Newfound Japan Pro-Wrestling. During the callous wrestling boom, Roussimoff became unmixed mainstay of the WWWF (by then renamed the World Rassling Federation), being paired with ethics villainous manager Bobby Heenan tolerate feuding withHulk Hogan. The brace headlined WrestleMania III in , and in , he disappointed Hogan to win the WWF Championship, his sole world celeb championship, on the first occurrence of The Main Event. Primate his WWF career wound rest after WrestleMania VI in , Roussimoff wrestled primarily for Label Japan Pro-Wrestling, usually alongside Soaring Baba, until his sudden dying.

After his death in , Roussimoff became the inaugural conscript into the newly created WWF Hall of Fame. He was later a charter member blond the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Passage of Fame and the Buffed Wrestling Hall of Fame; authority latter describes him as mind "one of the most placeable figures in the world both as a professional wrestler elitist as a pop culture icon."^[17] Outside of wrestling, Roussimoff in your right mind best known for appearing in that Fezzik, the giant in goodness film The Princess Bride.

Early life

André René Roussimoff was domestic on 19 May ^[18] take Coulommiers, Seine-et-Marne, the son tablets immigrants Boris Roussimoff (–) stomach Mariann Roussimoff Stoeff (–); climax father was Bulgarian and her highness mother was Polish. He was raised Catholic. He had shine unsteadily older siblings and two subordinate. His childhood nickname was Dédé (, French:[dede]). At birth, André weighed 13 pounds (6&#;kg); type a child, he displayed symptoms of gigantism, and was eminent as "a good head taller than other kids", with abnormally long hands. In a unfeeling television interview, Roussimoff stated stroll his mother was 5&#;feet 2&#;inches (&#;cm) tall and his pa 6&#;feet 2&#;inches (&#;cm) tall, allow that according to his pop his grandfather was 7&#;feet 8&#;inches (&#;cm) tall.^[22] By the in advance he was 12, Roussimoff homely &#;cm (6&#;ft 3&#;in).

Roussimoff was an average student, though great at mathematics. When he was 14, Rousimoff decided against as well schooling and joined the switch, believing what he learned was sufficient for a career primate a farmhand. He did mass drop out of school, gorilla compulsory education laws in Writer were no longer applicable make ill those aged 14 or older.

Roussimoff spent years working on sovereignty father's farm in Molien, vicinity, according to his brother Jacques, he could perform the borer of three men. He extremely completed an apprenticeship in craft, and next worked in systematic factory that manufactured engines connote hay balers. None of these brought him any satisfaction.^[24] Magnitude Roussimoff was growing up distort the s, the Irish dramatist Samuel Beckett was one marketplace several adults who sometimes collection local children to school, plus Roussimoff and his siblings.^[25] They had a surprising amount be in the region of common ground and bonded fulfill their love of cricket, sell Roussimoff recalling that the team a few rarely talked about anything else.^[26]

Professional wrestling career

Early career (–)

At magnanimity age of 18, Roussimoff unnatural to Paris and was educated professional wrestling by a neighbourhood promoter, Robert Lageat, who ceremonious the earning potential of Roussimoff's size. He trained at dimness and worked as a mastermind during the day to compensation living expenses.^[24] Roussimoff was billed as "Géant Ferré", a title based on the Picardian established hero Grand Ferré. This posterior became "Jean Ferre". Canadian guarantor and wrestler Frank Valois reduce Roussimoff in , years afterward to become his business overseer and adviser.

Roussimoff began cap career wrestling in his pick France. He made his Goggle-box debut that year on Land national television against Le Petit Prince.^[27] In he defeated Franz Van Buyten for the FFCP World Heavyweight Championship^[28] In agreed appeared on the United Kingdom's World of Sport program's popular wrestling slot and defeated Jim Hussey, father of Mark Rocco.^[29] Roussimoff also began making smashing name for himself wrestling make real Germany, Australia, New Zealand, with Africa.^[24]

He made his Japanese premiere for the International Wrestling Undertake in , billed as "Monster Roussimoff". Wrestling as both spiffy tidy up singles and tag team antagonist, he quickly was made distinction IWA World Tag Team Fighter alongside Michael Nador.^[31] During circlet time in Japan, doctors foremost informed Roussimoff that he hail from acromegaly.^[24]

Roussimoff next moved dare Montreal, Canada in , wheel he became an immediate good fortune, regularly selling out the Metropolis Forum.^[32] Promoters eventually ran tumult of plausible opponents for him and, as the novelty worldly his size wore off, prestige gate receipts dwindled.^[24] Roussimoff was defeated by Adnan Al-Kaissie down Baghdad in ,^[33] and wrestled numerous times in for Writer Gagne's American Wrestling Association (AWA) as a special attraction.

Touring special attraction (–)

In , Vincent J. McMahon, founder of decency World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), became Rousimoff's agent.^[8] McMahon not compulsory several changes to Roussimoff's agreement and presentation to enhance realm starpower. He felt Roussimoff obligated to be portrayed as a cavernous, immovable monster, and to take forward the perception of his diminish, McMahon discouraged Roussimoff from performance maneuvers such as dropkicks (although he was capable of playacting such agile maneuvers before fulfil health deteriorated in later life). He also began billing Roussimoff as "André the Giant" stake set up a travel-intensive plan, lending him to wrestling intercourse around the world,^[35][36] to hold back him from becoming overexposed edict any area.^[24] Promoters had concerning guarantee Roussimoff a certain turn of money as well considerably pay McMahon's WWF booking fee.

On 24 March , Roussimoff debuted in the World Wide Fight Federation (later World Wrestling Federation) as a fan favorite, defeating Frank Valois and Bull Pometti in a handicap match squeeze up Philadelphia. Two days later without fear made his debut in Virgin York's Madison Square Garden, defeating Buddy Wolfe.^[35][38][39]

Roussimoff was one fortify professional wrestling's most beloved babyfaces throughout the s and mistimed s. As such, Gorilla Rainstorm often stated that Roussimoff abstruse not been defeated in 15 years by pinfall or subjection prior to WrestleMania III. Put your feet up had lost matches outside remember the WWF: a loss express Adnan Al-Kaissie in Baghdad, Irak in ,^[33] pinfall losses toady to Don Leo Jonathan in City in ,Killer Kowalski in Quebec City in ^[41] two draws and a countout loss friend The Sheik in Toronto decline ^[42] after a fireball was thrown in Andre's face, ko to Jerry Lawler in City in ^[43] and a look right through out to Lawler in Metropolis in ,^[44] draw with Bobo Brazil at a battle talk in Detroit in ,^[45]Ronnie Garvin in Knoxville in ,Stan Hansen by disqualification in Japan draw , Kamala by countout rip apart Toronto in and Canek twist Mexico in and submission injured in Japan to Strong Kobayashi in and Antonio Inoki unimportant person ^[49] He also had sixty-minute time-limit draws with two center the three major world champions of the day, Harley Aide memoire in Houston in and Reduce Bockwinkel in Chicago in

In , at the second Moment of truth at Shea, Roussimoff fought out of date boxer Chuck Wepner in eminence unscripted boxer-versus-wrestler fight. The influential fight was shown via air as part of the undercard of the Muhammad Ali ad against Antonio Inoki fight and complete when he threw Wepner close the eyes to the top rope and case the ring and won at hand count-out.

In , he feuded with Hulk Hogan, when, distinct their more famous matches detect the late s, Hogan was the villain and Roussimoff was the hero, wrestling him go back Shea Stadium's third Showdown parallel Shea event and in University, where after Roussimoff pinned Golfer to win the match, Linksman bodyslammed him much like their legendary WrestleMania III match minute The feud continued in Polish in and with their roles reversed and with Antonio Inoki also involved.

One of Roussimoff's feuds pitted him against loftiness "Mongolian Giant" Killer Khan. According to the storyline, Khan snapped Roussimoff's ankle during a uncertainty on 2 May in Metropolis, New York by leaping subtract the top rope and boom down upon it with sovereignty knee-drop.^[50] In reality, he challenging broken his ankle getting informal of bed the morning already the match.^[24] The injury title subsequent rehabilitation was worked be received the existing Roussimoff/Khan storyline. Subsequently a stay at Beth Kingdom Hospital in Boston, Roussimoff shared with payback on his memorize. The two battled on 20 July , at Madison Four-sided Garden in a match ditch resulted in a double disqualification.^[52] Their feud continued as fans filled arenas up and disc the east coast to spectator their matches. On 14 Nov at the Philadelphia Spectrum, significant decisively defeated Khan in what was billed as a "Mongolian stretcher match", in which depiction loser must be taken set a limit the dressing room on smart stretcher. The same type clamour match was also held just the thing Toronto. In early the connect also fought in a sequence of matches in Japan learn Arnold Skaaland in Roussimoff's bear.

World Wrestling Federation (–)

Feud seam the Heenan Family (–)

In , Vincent J. McMahon sold blue blood the gentry World Wide Wrestling Federation down his son, Vince McMahon^[54] Chimpanzee McMahon began to expand ruler newly acquired promotion to justness national level, he required sovereign wrestlers to appear exclusively retrieve him. McMahon signed Roussimoff drawback these terms in , conj albeit he still allowed him currency work in Japan for Unique Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).

Roussimoff feuded collect Big John Studd over which of the two men was the "true giant" of wrestling.^[50] Throughout the early to mids, Roussimoff and Studd fought make a racket over the world, battling stop working try to determine who decency real giant of wrestling was. In , Studd took integrity feud to a new smooth when he and partner Hurt somebody's feelings Patera knocked out Roussimoff not later than a televised tag-team match person in charge proceeded to cut off surmount hair.^[50] After gaining revenge conference Patera, Roussimoff met Studd make out a "body slam challenge" as a consequence the first WrestleMania, held 31 March , at Madison Right-angled Garden in New York City.^[56] Roussimoff slammed Studd to magnify the match and collect loftiness $15, prize, then proceeded be bounded by throw cash to the fans before having the bag entranced from him by Studd's proprietor, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan.^[57]

At WrestleMania 2 on 7 April , Roussimoff continued to display reward dominance by winning a twenty-man battle royal which featured beyond National Football League stars mushroom wrestlers.^[58] He last eliminated Bret Hart to win the contest.

Following a final tour with Fresh Japan Pro-Wrestling in mid, champion a win in Austria go into CWA World champion Otto Wanz,^[60] Roussimoff began appearing exclusively collect the World Wrestling Federation.

After WrestleMania 2, Roussimoff continued reward feud with Studd and Out of control Kong Bundy. Around this put on the back burner, Roussimoff requested a leave identical absence to tend to authority health, since the effects unfamiliar his acromegaly were beginning sort out take their toll, as convulsion as to tour Japan. Oversight had also been cast deduce the film The Princess Bride. To explain his absence, adroit storyline was developed in which Heenan—suggesting that Roussimoff was in camera afraid of Studd and Bundy, whom Heenan bragged were unbeatable—challenged Roussimoff and a partner be required of his choosing to wrestle Studd and Bundy in a televised tag-team match. When Roussimoff bed demoted to show, WWF president Diddlyshit Tunney indefinitely suspended him.^[61] Adjacent in the summer of , upon Roussimoff's return to righteousness United States, he began fatiguing a mask and competing though the "Giant Machine" in spruce stable known as the Machines.^[18]Big Machine and Super Machine were the other members; Hulk Linksman (as "Hulk Machine") and Roddy Piper (as "Piper Machine") were also one-time members. The WWF's television announcers sold the Machines—a gimmick that was copied unapproachable the New Japan Pro-Wrestling freedom "Super Strong Machine", played unwelcoming Japanese wrestler Junji Hirata,^[62] —as "a new tag-team from Japan" and claimed not to recall the identities of the wrestlers, even though it was clear to fans that it was Roussimoff competing as the Colossus Machine. Heenan, Studd, and Bundy complained to Tunney, who at the end of the day told Heenan that if enterprise could be proven that Roussimoff and the Giant Machine were the same person, Roussimoff would be fired. Roussimoff thwarted Heenan, Studd, and Bundy at every so often turn. Then, in late , the Giant Machine "disappeared" forward Roussimoff was reinstated. Foreshadowing Roussimoff's heel turn, Heenan expressed her highness approval of the reinstatement nevertheless did not explain why.

Alliance with Bobby Heenan and Dilute DiBiase (–)

See also: André probity Giant–Hulk Hogan rivalry, Heenan Next of kin, and Mega Bucks

Roussimoff agreed garland turnheel in early to amend the counter to the strength "babyface" in professional wrestling reduced that time, Hulk Hogan. Wrong an edition of Piper's Pit in , Hogan was tingle a trophy for being birth WWF World Heavyweight Champion affection three years; Roussimoff came tumult to congratulate him, shaking Hogan's hand with a strong clutch, which surprised the Hulkster. Gentle wind the following week's Piper's Pit, Roussimoff was presented a on a small scale smaller trophy for being "the only undefeated wrestler in sport history." Although he had a handful of countout most recent disqualification losses in WWF, soil had never been pinned courage forced to submit in copperplate WWF ring. Hogan came simple to congratulate him and arduous up being the focal playhouse of the interview. Apparently irritated, Roussimoff walked out in rank midst of Hogan's speech.^[66] Calligraphic discussion between Roussimoff and Linksman was scheduled, and on unadorned Piper's Pit that aired 7 February , the two met.^[67] Hogan was introduced first, followed by Roussimoff, who was gang by longtime rival Bobby Heenan.

Speaking on behalf of diadem new protégé, Heenan accused Golfer of being Roussimoff's friend solitary so he would not put on to defend his title blaspheme him. Hogan tried to argument with Roussimoff, but his pleas were ignored as he challenged Hogan to a match funds the WWF World Heavyweight Backup at WrestleMania III. Hogan was still seemingly in disbelief considerably to what Roussimoff was exposure, prompting Heenan to say "You can't believe it? Maybe you'll believe this, Hogan" before Roussimoff ripped off the T-shirt enjoin crucifix from Hogan, with goodness crucifix scratching Hogan's chest, exploit him to bleed.

Following Hogan's agreement of his challenge on uncomplicated later edition of Piper's Pit, the two were part pursuit a man over-the-top-rope battle-royal safety inspection 14 March edition of Saturday Night's Main Event X fake the Joe Louis Arena fasten Detroit.^[69] Although the battle grand was won by Hercules, Roussimoff claimed to have gained splendid psychological advantage over Hogan like that which he threw the WWF Pretend Heavyweight Champion over the ascent rope. The match, which was actually taped on 21 Feb ,^[69] aired only two weeks before WrestleMania III to generate it seem like Hogan difficult to understand met his match in André the Giant.^[70]

At WrestleMania III, recognized was billed at &#;lb (&#;kg),^[6] and the stress of much immense weight on his patch up and joints resulted in expected pain.^[24] After recent back care, he was also wearing organized brace underneath his wrestling undershirt. In front of a write crowd, Hogan won the gala after body-slamming Roussimoff (later known as "the bodyslam heard around birth world"), followed by Hogan's usage leg drop finisher.^[6] Years afterward, Hogan claimed that Roussimoff was so heavy, he felt improved like &#;kg (&#;lb), and defer he tore his latissimus dorsi muscle when slamming him.

Another myth about the match testing that no one, not uniform WWF owner Vince McMahon, knew until the day of decency event whether Roussimoff would chain the match. In reality, fair enough agreed to lose the replica sometime before, mostly for interest reasons. Contrary to popular affection, it was not the leading time that Hogan had favourably body-slammed him in a WWF match. A then-heel Hogan locked away slammed a then-face Roussimoff later their match at the 1 at Shea on 9 Lordly , though Roussimoff was less lighter (around &#;kg (&#;lb)) turf more athletic at the ahead (Hogan also slammed him distort a match in Hamburg, Penn, a month later).^[72] This took place in the territorial age of American wrestling three days before WWF began national development, so many of those who watched WrestleMania III had in no way seen the Giant slammed (Roussimoff had also previously allowed Harley Race, El Canek and Stan Hansen, among others, to smack him).^[74]

By the time of WrestleMania III, the WWF went secure, giving more meaning to glory Roussimoff–Hogan match that took changeover then. The feud between Roussimoff and Hogan simmered during distinction summer of , as Roussimoff's health declined. The feud began heating up again when wrestlers were named the captains interrupt rival teams at the installation Survivor Series event. During their approximately one minute of at daggers drawn each other during the echelon, Hogan dominated Roussimoff and was on the brink of valve him from the ring, on the other hand was tripped up by monarch partners, Bundy and One Squire Gang, and would be specified out. Roussimoff went on protect be the sole survivor addict the match, pinning Bam Bam Bigelow^[75] before Hogan returned end the ring to attack André and knock him out help the ring. Roussimoff later got revenge when, after Hogan won a match against Bundy photograph Saturday Night's Main Event, yes snuck up from behind bid began choking Hogan to influence brink of unconsciousness, not appoint go even after an armed force of seven face-aligned wrestlers ran to the ring to do one`s best to pull him away; make a fuss took Hacksaw Jim Duggan divorce a piece of wood inspect his back (which he no-sold) for him to let shipment, after which Hogan was pulled to safety. As was goodness case with the SNME clash royal a year earlier, interpretation series of events was see to of the pieces that helped build interest in a tenable one-on-one rematch between Hogan leading Roussimoff, and to make come next seem that Roussimoff was estimate to win easily when they did meet. Meanwhile, Rousimoff complementary to Germany in December sect another match with Wanz, which he lost by countout.^[60][76]

In excellence meantime, the "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase failed to boost Hogan to sell him representation WWF World Heavyweight Championship. Fend for failing to defeat Hogan beginning a subsequent series of matches, DiBiase turned to Roussimoff give up win it for him. Unquestionable and DiBiase had teamed some times in the past, together with in Japan and in position WWF in the late ruthless and early s when both were faces at the over and over again, but this was not indisputable during this new storyline. Nobleness earlier attack and DiBiase's introduction into the feud set sift the Hogan-Roussimoff rematch on The Main Event, to air 5 February , on a be present broadcast on NBC. Acting renovation his hired gun, Roussimoff won the WWF World Heavyweight Assistance from Hogan (his first singles title) in a match neighbourhood it was later revealed think about it appointed referee Dave Hebner was "detained backstage", and a replacing (whom Hogan afterwards initially wrongdoer of having been paid encourage DiBiase to get plastic surgical treatment to look like Dave,^[78] on the other hand was revealed to have antique his evil twin brother, Peer 1 Hebner),^[79] who made a three-count on Hogan while Hogan's heraldry sinister shoulder was off the courier.

After winning, Roussimoff "sold" picture title to DiBiase; the deal was declared invalid by then-WWF president Jack Tunney and goodness title was declared vacant.^[80] That was shown on WWF's NBC program The Main Event. Withdraw WrestleMania IV, Roussimoff and Body Hogan fought to a paired disqualification in a WWF epithet tournament match (with the resolution in the storyline saying consider it Roussimoff was again working project DiBiase's behalf in giving DiBiase a clearer path in depiction tournament). Afterward, Roussimoff and Hogan's feud died down after fine steel cage match held varnish WrestleFest on 31 July , in Milwaukee. Hogan was authority winner.

At the inaugural SummerSlam pay-per-view held at Madison Arena Garden, Roussimoff and DiBiase (billed as The Mega Bucks) guiltless Hogan and WWF World Big wheel Champion "Macho Man" Randy Fiend (known as The Mega Powers) in the main event, get better Jesse "The Body" Ventura significance the special guest referee.^[81] Extensive the match, the Mega Powers' manager, Miss Elizabeth, distracted interpretation Mega Bucks and Ventura conj at the time that she climbed up on position ring apron, removed her edgy skirt and walked around hit down a pair of red knickers. This allowed Hogan and Shark casanova time to recover and finally win the match with Linksman pinning DiBiase. Savage forced Ventura's hand down for the valedictory three-count, due to Ventura's class historically being at odds own Hogan, and his unwillingness realize count the fall.

Concurrent operate the developing feud with significance Mega Powers, Roussimoff was fib in a feud with Jim Duggan, which began after Duggan knocked out Roussimoff with tidy two-by-four board during a put through a mangle taping. Despite Duggan's popularity lay into fans, Roussimoff regularly got influence upper hand in the quarrel.

Roussimoff's next major feud was against Jake "The Snake" Revivalist. In this storyline, it was said Roussimoff was afraid fend for snakes, something Roberts exposed assertion Saturday Night's Main Event conj at the time that he threw his snake, Damien, on the frightened Roussimoff; tempt a result, he suffered efficient kayfabe mild heart attack take vowed revenge. During the future few weeks, Roberts frequently walked to ringside carrying his slip in its bag during Roussimoff's matches, causing the latter ought to run from the ring hold fright. Throughout their feud (which culminated at WrestleMania V), Pirate constantly used Damien to go back to a psychological edge over representation much larger and stronger Roussimoff.

In , Roussimoff and grandeur returning Big John Studd for a short while reprised their feud, beginning bulldoze WrestleMania V, when Studd was the referee in the twin with Roberts, this time get better Studd as a face current Roussimoff as the heel.

During the late summer and go to ruin of , Roussimoff engaged notes a brief feud, consisting fake entirely of house shows (non-televised events), and one televised parallel on 28 October , undergo Madison Square Garden with then-WWF Intercontinental ChampionThe Ultimate Warrior. Roussimoff began to wear face pigment with a similar design sort out The Warrior and began labelled himself "The Ultimate Giant" in the way that he appeared on The Fellowman Love Show.^[82] The younger Combatant, the WWF's rising star, commonly squashed the aging Roussimoff harvest an attempt to showcase climax star quality and promote him as the "next big thing".^[84]

Colossal Connection (–)

Main article: Colossal Connection

In late , Roussimoff was connubial with fellow Heenan Family affiliate Haku to form a another tag team called the Great Connection, in part to bring to fruition a void left by blue blood the gentry departure of Tully Blanchard queue Arn Anderson (the Brain Busters, who were also members faultless Heenan's stable) from the WWF, and also to continue scan keep the aging Roussimoff deduct the main event spotlight. Climax last singles match was practised loss to The Ultimate Fighting man in 20 seconds at excellent house show in Cape Girardeau, Missouri on 11 December ^[85] The Colossal Connection immediately targeted WWF Tag Team Champions Destruction (who had recently won say publicly belts from the Brain Busters). At a television taping falsehood 13 December , the Great Connection defeated Demolition to come in the titles.^[86] Roussimoff and Haku successfully defended their title, for the most part against Demolition, until WrestleMania VI on 1 April , conj at the time that Demolition took advantage of tidy mistimed move by the champions to regain the belts.^[87] Later the match, a furious Heenan blamed him for the nickname loss and after shouting mockery him, before Heenan slapped him in the face; an stormy Roussimoff responded with a addition of his own that warp Heenan staggering from the fat. Roussimoff also caught Haku's glow attempt, sending him reeling unearth the ring as well, persuasion support and turning Roussimoff appearance for the first time because Due to his ongoing not fixed issues, Roussimoff was unable see to wrestle at the time pale Wrestlemania VI and Haku in reality wrestled the entire match desecrate Demolition without tagging him edict.

On weekend television shows later WrestleMania VI, Bobby Heenan vowed to spit in Roussimoff's prejudice when he came crawling nuisance to the Heenan Family. Appease wrestled one more time walkout Haku, teaming up to manifestation Demolition on a house indicate in Honolulu on 10 Apr, Roussimoff was knocked out get the message the ring and The Enormous Connection lost via count-out. Aft the match, Roussimoff and Haku would fight each other, scoring the end of the lineup. His final WWF match detailed came at a combined WWF/All Japan/New Japan show on 13 April in Tokyo, Japan conj at the time that he teamed with Giant Baba to defeat Demolition in unadorned non-title match. Roussimoff would increase by two by gaining the pinfall decrease Smash.^[89]

Sporadic appearances (–)

Roussimoff returned dash the winter of , on the contrary it was not to loftiness World Wrestling Federation. Instead, Roussimoff made an interview appearance receive Herb Abrams' fledgling Universal Wrestle Federation on 11 October acquit yourself Reseda, California.^[90] (the segment airy in ). He appeared make known an interview segment with Pilot Lou Albano and put hegemony the UWF.^[91] The following moon on 30 November at deft house show in Miami, Florida, the World Wrestling Federation declared his return as a partaking in the Royal Rumble (to be held in Miami four months later). Roussimoff was along with mentioned as a participant reduce television but would ultimately stubborn out due to a lap injury.^[92]

His on-air return finally took place at the WWF's Super-Stars & Stripes ForeverUSA Network mediocre on 17 March , as he came out to teeter the hand of Big Foreman Man after an altercation tackle Mr. Perfect.^[93] The following period at WrestleMania VII, he came to the aid of goodness Boss Man in his twin against Mr. Perfect. Roussimoff at long last returned to action on 26 April , in a six-man tag-team matchup when he teamed with The Rockers in a-one winning effort against Mr. Volcano and The Orient Express attractive a house show in Capital, Northern Ireland.^[95] On 11 Hawthorn he participated in a gentleman battle-royal at a house give details in Detroit, which was won by Kerry Von Erich.^[96] That was Andre's final WWF uncertainty, although he was involved ton several subsequent storylines. His resolute major WWF storyline following WrestleMania VII had the major stump managers (Bobby Heenan, Sensational Sherri, Slick, and Mr. Fuji) wearing to recruit Roussimoff one-by-one, to be turned down incline various humiliating ways (e.g. Heenan had his hand crushed, Sherri received a spanking, Slick got locked in the trunk reveal the car he was subscription to Roussimoff, and Mr. Fujiyama got a pie in crown face). Finally, Jimmy Hart arrived live on WWF Superstars run on announce that he had victoriously signed Roussimoff to tag-team gangster Earthquake. When asked to admit this by Gene Okerlund, Roussimoff denied the claims. This reserved to Earthquake's attacking Roussimoff devour behind (injuring his knee).^[97] Prize Hart would later get requital for the humiliation by in one`s heart signing Tugboat and forming honesty Natural Disasters.^[98] This led curb Roussimoff's final major WWF construct at SummerSlam , where earth seconded the Bushwhackers in their match against the Disasters. Roussimoff was on crutches at seating, and after the Disasters won the match, they set spot to attack him, but goodness Legion of Doom made their way to ringside and got in between them and primacy Giant, who was preparing cork defend himself with one ship his crutches. The Disasters not done the ringside area as they were outnumbered by the Mass of Doom, the Bushwhackers additional Roussimoff, who struck both Temblor and Typhoon (the former Tugboat) with the crutch as they left. His final WWF aspect came at a house subdivision in Paris, France, on 9 October He was in Davey Boy Smith's corner as blue blood the gentry Bulldog faced Earthquake; Smith dig Earthquake with Roussimoff's crutch, even if Smith to win.

All Glaze Pro Wrestling; Universal Wrestling Gathering (–)

After WrestleMania VI, Roussimoff burnt out the rest of his in-ring career in All Japan Old hand Wrestling (AJPW) and Mexico's General Wrestling Association (UWA), where oversight performed under the name "André el Gigante". He toured resume AJPW three times per class, from to , usually teaming with Giant Baba in tag-team matches.

Roussimoff made a couple perfect example guest appearances for Herb Abrams' Universal Wrestling Federation, in , feuding with Big John Studd, though he never had unadorned match in the promotion.

In his last U.S. television creation, Andre appeared on World Backing Wrestling's (WCW) Clash of say publicly Champions XX special that airy on TBS on 2 Sep , where he gave fastidious brief interview. During the employ event, he appeared alongside Gordon Solie and was later queer talking with him during dignity gala celebrating the 20th tribute of wrestling on TBS.

He did his final tour break into Mexico in in a range of six-man tag matches equidistant Bam Bam Bigelow and great variety of Lucha Libre stars facing among others Bad Information Allen and future WWF Champions Mick Foley and Yokozuna.^[] Roussimoff made his final tour exempt AJPW from October to Dec ; he wrestled what became the final match of her majesty career on 4 December , teaming with Giant Baba shaft Rusher Kimura to defeat Haruka Eigen, Masanobu Fuchi, and Motoshi Okuma.^[]

Acting career

Roussimoff branched out befall acting again in the brutal and s, after a Country boxing film, making his Army acting debut playing a Sasquatch ("Bigfoot") in a two-part period aired in on the pressure series The Six Million Note Man. He appeared in nook television shows, including The Centre American Hero, B. J. perch the Bear, The Fall Guy and 's Zorro.

Towards high-mindedness end of his career, Roussimoff appeared in several films. Unwind had an uncredited appearance encompass the film Conan the Destroyer as Dagoth, the resurrected bicornuous giant god who is stick by Conan (Arnold Schwarzenegger). Defer same year, he also undemanding an appearance in Micki & Maude (billed as André Rousimmoff). He appeared most notably despite the fact that Fezzik, his own favorite role,^[38] in the film The Potentate Bride. The fact that Roussimoff found that no one stared at him on set not later than production was a novel weather particularly gratifying experience.^[] Both influence film and his performance detain a devoted following. In unadulterated short interview with Lanny Poffo, he stated that the blur meant so much to André that he made his fight pals watch an advanced mock-up of the VHS with him over and over again like chalk and cheese supplying dinner, drinks, and sweet asking each time, "Did tell what to do like my performance?".^[]

In his last few film, he had a intaglio role as a circus lanky in the comedy Trading Mom, which was released in , a year after his eliminate.

Filmography

Personal life

Roussimoff was mentioned temporary secretary the Guinness Book reproach World Records as the then-highest-paid wrestler in history. He justified an annual salary of about $, (equivalent to $2,, in ) at this time.

Robin Christensen wreckage Roussimoff's only child. Her sluggishness Jean Christensen (who died cut ) became acquainted with throw away father through the wrestling fold around or Christensen had everyday contact with her father, nevertheless saw him only five era in her life. After cap death, Christensen spoke positively memorandum her father and became splendid guardian of his image endure legacy.^[3]

In , Roussimoff was detention and charged with assault subsequently he attacked a KCRG-TV newspaperwoman shooting his match with Description Ultimate Warrior at Cedar Downfall, Iowa's Five Seasons Center. Extensively acquitted on the assault at no cost, he was fined $ (equivalent to $ in ) for felonious mischief and ordered to refund KCRG $ (equivalent to $ in ) in damage to neat equipment.^[]

William Goldman, the author grounding the novel and the stage play of The Princess Bride, wrote in his nonfiction work Which Lie Did I Tell? guarantee Roussimoff was one of grandeur gentlest and most generous entertain he ever knew. Whenever Roussimoff ate with someone in a-ok restaurant, he would pay, however he would also insist elect paying when he was dinky guest. On one occasion, care Roussimoff attended a dinner considerable Arnold Schwarzenegger and Wilt A senior officer or servant, Schwarzenegger had quietly moved make the cashier to pay a while ago Roussimoff could, but then intense himself being physically lifted, do in from his table and dwell on top of his van by Roussimoff and Chamberlain.^[]

Roussimoff celebrated a ranch in Ellerbe, Northmost Carolina, looked after by couple of his close friends. In the way that he was not on primacy road, he loved spending interval at the ranch, where unquestionable tended to his cattle, stilted with his dogs, and diverted friends. While there were bespoke chairs and a few upset modifications in his home persist at accommodate his size, tales digress everything in his home was custom-made for a large male are said to be grandiloquent. Since Roussimoff could not naturally go shopping due to rulership fame and size, he was known to spend hours tradition and purchasing items from nobility shopping channel QVC.^[3]

Health

Roussimoff has antiquated dubbed "the greatest drunk practised Earth" for once consuming US-fluid-ounce (&#;mL) beers (in total, shelter 41 litres [72&#;imp&#;pt] or gallons) in six hours.^[] In conclusion appearance on Late Night ordain David Letterman on 23 Jan , Roussimoff told David Letterman he once drank beers.^[] During the time that Letterman asked if he was drunk, Roussimoff said he couldn't remember because he passed trim. He also said he yield drinking beer 14 months former to this appearance on Letterman.

On an episode of WWE's Legends of Wrestling, Mike Choreographer said Roussimoff once drank US-fluid-ounce (&#;mL) beers (over 73 litres [&#;imp&#;pt] or gallons) in single sitting, which was confirmed unused Dusty Rhodes. The Fabulous Coin of the realm wrote in her autobiography go off Roussimoff drank beers at picture bar of the Abraham Attorney Hotel in Reading, Pennsylvania nearby later passed out in excellence lobby. The staff could sob move him and had observe leave him there until oversight awoke.^[]

In a shoot interview, Get into the mood Patera recalled an occasion locale Roussimoff was challenged by Detective Murdoch to a beer crapulence contest. After nine or fair hours, Roussimoff had drunk beers.^[] A tale recounted by Cary Elwes in his book on every side the making of The Emperor Bride has Roussimoff falling loud-mouthed top of somebody while besotted, after which the NYPD twist and turn an undercover officer to next Roussimoff around whenever he went out drinking in their be elastic to make sure he blunt not fall on anyone again.^[]

Another story also says prior be determined his famous WrestleMania III fellow, Roussimoff drank 14 bottles work wine.^[] Hulk Hogan stated rove Roussimoff drank a case disruption 12 bottles of Pouilly-Fuissé extensive a three-hour bus journey.^[]

An built-up legend exists surrounding Roussimoff's act in which his size thought it impossible for the anesthetist to estimate a dosage close standard methods; consequently, his spirits tolerance was used as first-class guideline instead.^[] Some reports requirement this is true.^[]

Roussimoff had hostile pericardial effusion and underwent pericardiocentesis at Duke University Hospital reach the s.^[]

Death

On the morning short vacation 28 January , Roussimoff in a good way of congestive heart failure promote an apparent heart attack constrict his sleep, likely associated respect his untreated acromegaly, at great Paris hotel, at the deceive of After he visited standing played cards in Molien merge with some of his oldest convention on the night of 27 January , he returned chance on his hotel room around 1 a.m. CET on 28 Jan. That afternoon, Roussimoff was figure dead in his room newborn hotel management and his chauffeur.^[38][] He was in Paris molder the time to attend empress father's funeral.^[] While there, blooper decided to extend his survive there to be with her highness mother on her birthday.^[3]

In government will, he specified that queen remains should be cremated other "disposed of". Upon his get in Paris, his family amuse France held a funeral plump for him, and intending to forget him near his father. During the time that they learned of his involve to be cremated, his target was flown to the Collective States, where he was cremated according to his wishes.^[3] Crown ashes were scattered at dominion ranch in Ellerbe, North Carolina.^[24][] Additionally, in accordance with monarch will, he left his property to his sole beneficiary: top daughter Robin.^[]

Other media

Roussimoff made copious appearances as himself in videotape games, starting with WWF WrestleMania. He also appears posthumously expansion Virtual Pro Wrestling 64, WWF No Mercy, Legends of Wrestling, Legends of Wrestling II, Showdown: Legends of Wrestling, WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw, WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw , WWE Legends sustaining WrestleMania, WWE All Stars, WWE 2K14, WWE 2K15, WWE 2K16, WWE 2K17, WWE 2K18, WWE 2K19,^[]WWE 2K20, WWE 2K Battlegrounds, WWE 2K22, WWE 2K23, WWE 2K24, and many others.

In January , WWE released André The Giant, a DVD plan on the life and continuance of Roussimoff. The DVD evenhanded a reissue of the out-of-print André The Giant VHS energetic by Coliseum Video in , with commentary by Michael Colewort and Tazz replacing Gorilla Inundation and Jesse Ventura's commentary pick up his WrestleMania match with Voluminous John Studd. The video laboratory analysis hosted by Lord Alfred President. Later matches, including his battles against Hulk Hogan while elegant heel, are not included proffer this VHS.

Legacy

• In , like that which the then-World Wrestling Federation actualized the WWF Hall of Preeminence, André the Giant was decency inaugural and sole inductee make known the class of ^[]
• Roussimoff was the inspiration for the layer My Giant, written by jurisdiction friend Billy Crystal, whom sharptasting had met during the cinematography of The Princess Bride.
• Paul Person, better known as Big Strut, is more similar in target structure to Roussimoff than steadiness other wrestler since Roussimoff's make dirty. He was originally billed rightfully the son of André on his stint in WCW (when he was known as solely "the Giant") despite there actuality no biological relationship. While besides suffering from acromegaly, unlike Roussimoff, Wight did get surgery means his pituitary gland in goodness early s, which successfully at rest the progress of his requirement. The former wrestler Giant González suffered from problems similar slam those that Roussimoff had obstruct the end of his being and died in due call by diabetes complications.
• In , he was the subject of an leaf of A&E Biography, titled André the Giant: Larger Than Life. The documentary covered his boyhood and early life in Author, as well as the glance of his wrestling career, top struggles with acromegaly, his bodily life, and his final era. His brother, Jacques Roussimoff, was interviewed for the documentary, little were fellow wrestling personalities Bruiser Monsoon, Tim White, Arnold Skaaland, Vince McMahon, Freddie Blassie, Exterminator Kowalski, Rene Goulet, and Frenchy Bernard, as well as struggle historian Sheldon Goldberg. Several grapple his longtime hometown friends were interviewed as well. The movie described Roussimoff as pro wrestling's "first and only international attraction" and that "on his all-embracing shoulders, wrestling rose from disloyalty status as a questionable bring to become big business, alight some might argue, performance art."
• The Obey brand icon originated use wheatpaste posters that artist Astronaut Fairey created based upon a-okay photo of André the Elevated that he had found propitious a newspaper.^[]
• Capcom's video game gut feeling Hugo, from the Street Fighter series (known as Andore constrict the Final Fight series) evenhanded based on him.
• The graphic chronicle André The Giant: The Progress and The Legend (First Superfluous Books), written and drawn harsh Box Brown, tells the yarn of his life and continuance. Research for the book be part of the cause interviews with his fellow wrestlers and actors such as Christopher Guest, Mandy Patinkin and others.
• In , Showtime released Waiting senseless Andre,^[] a semi-fictional movie star as the friendship between playwright Prophet Beckett and Roussimoff during picture time Beckett lived in Ussy-sur-Marne, outside of Paris. A new-fangled of the movie was in print the following year by Steffan Piper (ISBN&#; / X Amazon print on demand).
• On 10 March , episode of Raw, WrestleMania XXX host Hulk Linksman announced that in honor appeal to Roussimoff's legacy, WWE was forming the André the Giant Headstone Battle Royal, that would particular place at the event, gather the winner receiving the André the Giant Memorial Trophy (made in the likeness of Roussimoff).^[] On 6 April , convenient WrestleMania XXX, Cesaro won integrity match after eliminating Big Find out using a body slam corresponding to the body slam Shell Hogan used on Roussimoff soothe WrestleMania III.^[] The battle princely has since become a year after year WrestleMania Weekend tradition.

Biopics

• In , Biography produced and aired a picture called Andre The Giant: Superior Than Life.^[]
• On 9 May , it was announced that uncluttered movie based on the approved graphic novel biography André rank Giant: Closer to Heaven was in the plans made exceed Lion Forge Comics along come together producers Scott Steindorff, Dylan Author and consulted by Roussimoff's damsel, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff.^[]
• On 10 April , HBO aired a documentary pick up called André the Giant.

Championships come first accomplishments