Literally a larger than life figure, André the Giant’s net worth, peculiar facial features, and gargantuan bulk made him a unique superstar in the late 70s and 80s. Pro wrestling which thrives on stage-managed stories has been dubbed a drama series for men. Though the sport has its share of giants, the legendary wrestler stood taller in the eyes of most fans. He was arguably the world’s biggest wrestling star during his prime. Beyond his prowess in the ring, André also extended his fame to the Hollywood circle.
Born and named André René Roussimoff, in Grenoble, on May 19, 1946, and bred in Molien, the professional wrestler showed signs of gigantism very early in his life. He was a massive 7 feet 4 inches tall and weighed in at a remarkable 520 pounds. Andre’s gigantic build was the result of acromegaly, a condition that produces excess growth hormone. Regardless, the wrestler lived well and large mostly on his own terms.
Roussimoff was academically sound but later quit school after the eighth grade to work on his family’s farm. He moved to Paris at the age of 17 in the quest for a more challenging life. It was thereafter that André began a career that established him as one of the world’s most recognizable wrestlers.
André the Giant’s net worth was accumulated from his pro wrestling career which made him travel around quite a lot. Roussimoff won several matches and some of his most famous and long-standing feuds were with Killer Khan (Mongolian Giant), Big John Studd, The Mega Powers, Jim Duggan, Jake “The Snake” Roberts, and of course Hulk Hogan.
While he remained the only undefeated wrestler in wrestling history for the most part of his career, it was Andre’s rivalry with Hulk that birthed the famous ‘body-slam match’ where Hulk body-slammed André and pinned him down. Roussimoff fought for WWF for a few years and later spent the last few years of his life fighting in Japan.
André the Giant’s net worth was also amassed from acting. With roles well suited for his tall frame, the wrestler appeared in a few notable films such as The Fall Guy, The Greatest American Hero, and Zorro. But André is perhaps best recognized from his role as giant Fezzik in The Princess Bride.
A Look At André The Giant’s Net Worth
The French professional wrestler and actor was well-paid for his work. André the Giant was one of the highest-paid wrestlers in history and was also famed for his large heart. Like his prowess in the ring, Roussimoff also endeared himself to friends and fans with his generosity.
For instance, when dining or wining with friends, Andre always insisted on paying the bills. André the Giant had a net worth pegged at $10 million at the time of his death in 1993. In his last will, the wrestler shared his estate among three people – his only child Robin, as well as his North Carolina ranch caretaker and wife.
How Did He Die?
There have been different theories about the professional wrestler’s personal life and health. However, it is clear that Andre the Giant’s acromegaly condition and his many years of wrestling took a toll on his health.
Most of his life was focused on wrestling and after several bouts in the ring, André started facing health problems and underwent spinal surgery in late 1986. He took a few months break from his career and spent his later years in considerable pain from spine and leg conditions.
Andre’s physical deterioration was also linked to his voluminous drinking habits. Perhaps one of the greatest drunks of all time, Roussimoff reportedly consumed as much as 7,000 calories of alcohol per day. Moreover, he once made a record for drinking 119 beers in just 6 hours which made him pass out in a hotel lobby.
However, on January 27, 1993, while visiting Paris for his father’s funeral, André the Giant passed away in his hotel room. Even after his cremation, the wrestler’s remains weighed nearly 8 kg. After Andre’s passing, WWE decided to keep his legacy alive by creating and inducting Roussimoff into their Hall of Fame in 1993. The honour made André WrestleMania’s first inductee.
The pro-wrestler may have lived only 47 years but André the Giant believed he had a good fortune. In his words, having drunk more fine wine and beer, eaten more good food, had more friends and explored more of the world than most men ever will, Roussimoff was very grateful for his life.
