French professional wrestler and actor (1946–1993) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
André René Roussimoff (May 19, 1946 – January 27, 1993) better known by his ring name, André the Giant, was a French professional wrestler and actor. He was best known for wrestling with World Wrestling Federation (WWF). He also wrestled for New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW).
André the Giant | |
---|---|
![]() Andre the Giant in the late 1980s | |
Born | Grenoble, France | May 19, 1946
Died | January 27, 1993 46) Paris, France | (aged
Professional wrestling career | |
Ring name(s) | André Roussimoff André the Giant Géant Ferré Giant Machine Jean Ferré Monster Eiffel Tower Monster Roussimoff |
Billed height | 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) |
Billed weight | 500 lb (230 kg) |
Billed from | Grenoble in the French Alps |
Trained by | Frank Valois Édouard Carpentier |
Debut | 25 January 1966[1] |
Retired | 4 December 1992[2] |
His size was caused by gigantism, that was caused by excess growth hormone and would later result in acromegaly. His size led to him being called "The Eighth Wonder of the World".[3] During his professional wrestling career, he was a one time WWF champion and a one time WWF World Tag Team champion with Haku. In the WWF, he was managed by Bobby "The Brain" Heenan and had a well-known feud with Hulk Hogan. He beat Hogan on The Main Event in 1988 to win his first and only WWF Championship.[4] In 1993, He became the first superstar to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.[3]
His best known acting role was as Fezzik in the 1987 movie The Princess Bride.
On January 27, 1993, he died of congestive heart failure while he was sleeping in his Paris hotel room.[5] He was in Paris to go to his father's funeral.[6]
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