André the Giant Net Worth
In 1993, French professional wrestler and actor André the Giant had a net worth of $5 million at his death. Inflation-adjusted, this equates to $10 million in current currency. His actual name was André René Roussimoff, and due to the physical condition of gigantism, he was over seven feet tall.
In addition to his theatrical moniker, André was sometimes called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” In 1966, he began his career as a wrestler in Europe. In the early 1970s, André went to North America and joined the WWF. Additionally, he wrestled for New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Roussimoff was a worldwide famous personality by the 1980s. In 1988, he defeated Hulk Hogan to win the WWF Championship, contributing to his notoriety. He mainly focused on All Japan Pro-Wrestling from when he left the WWF until he died in 1993.
Additionally, André appeared in various films, maybe most memorably “The Princess Bride” in 1987. He was inducted into the WWF Hall of Fame after his death. He is still regarded as a pop-cultural figure.
André the Giant’s Early Life
André René Roussimoff was born in Coulommiers, Seine-et-Marne, France on May 19, 1946. André, raised alongside four siblings by Bulgarian and Polish immigrants, weighed 13 pounds at birth and exhibited indications of gigantism almost immediately.
Later, he revealed that while his parents were of ordinary height, his grandpa was 7’8″ tall. By the time he was 12 years old, Roussimoff was 6 feet tall. Before graduating from high school and working on his father’s farm, he showed some mathematical aptitude as a youngster.
During the 1950s, he also got friends with Samuel Beckett. However, André found hard labor unsatisfying, and at 18, he packed his things and headed to Paris.
André the Giant Career
After landing in Paris, a local promoter instructed him on how to perform as a professional wrestler. In 1966, he met a Canadian champion who became his business manager and consultant.
Then, André extended to the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and Africa. In 1970, he debuted in Japan for International Wrestling Enterprise under the ring moniker “Monster Roussimoff.” Doctors had established that he suffered from acromegaly at this time.
His next visit was to Montreal, Canada, where he became an instant celebrity. Vince McMahon eventually became aware of him and suggested that André alter his persona.
McMahon advised Roussimoff to cease doing nimble maneuvers like dropkicks. This was done to convey that he was a sluggish, lumbering monster. Vince was the one who originally began branding Roussimoff as “André the Giant.”
André the Giant primarily competed in the WWF and became a global phenomenon from this point forward. After making his debut in 1973, he became the WWF champion and established rivalries with other renowned wrestlers.
Among them were Hulk Hogan, Jake Roberts, and several more. His performances became less frequent throughout the 1990s, and he concluded his career with World Championship Wrestling and All Japan Pro Wrestling.
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André the Giant Acting Roles
In addition to his spectacular wrestling career, André the Giant has starred in several films and television programs. After starring in many French films, he made his American acting debut on the television series “The Six Million Dollar Man” as a Sasquatch.
Throughout his career, he has been in several different television programs, including “The Greatest American Hero,” “B.J. and the Bear,” “The Fall Guy,” and “Zorro.”
In the twilight of his life and work, he became particularly involved with movies. In 1984, he was featured in “Conan the Destroyer” (uncredited). In the same year, he was also cast in “Micki & Maude.”
In 1987, he portrayed Fezzik in “The Princess Bride,” his favorite and maybe most recognized role. One year after his death in 1994, his final picture, “Trading Mom,” was released.
André the Giant Earnings
In 1974, it was revealed that Roussimoff was the highest-paid wrestler, earning approximately $400,000 per year during the early 1970s.
André the Giant Relationships
In the early 1970s, André fathered a child with Jean Christensen. The only child of André was a daughter named Robin. However, Robin reportedly only saw her father five times in her entire lifetime.
André the Giant Alcohol Skills
André the Giant is frequently referred to as “the greatest drunk on the planet.” His alcohol tolerance was so high that he routinely consumed more than 100 beers in a single sitting. Before a notable wrestling match, he reportedly finished 14 bottles of wine.
André the Giant Health Problems
André the Giant was affected by gigantism due to an excess growth hormone. It eventually led to acromegaly. These medical conditions likely caused Roussimoff significant difficulties, such as joint pain, high blood pressure, and vision issues.
Acromegaly is also associated with a significantly shortened lifespan, although medical treatment can mitigate this to some extent.
André the Giant Passing
In 1993, Roussimoff died of congestive heart failure at forty. His chauffeur discovered his body in a Paris hotel room, where he had broken the following morning.
Tragically, he was in Paris to attend the burial of his father. His final day was spent playing cards with some of his oldest friends. His whole inheritance was also bequeathed to his only child, Robin.