While he was a subject of stares and ridicule all his life, Andre was a superstar for his WWE fans and enthralled audiences for years. Andre The Giant documentary film on HBO that will air in April 2018 examines the life and career of one of the most beloved legends in WWE history.
Andre the Giant Cast
HBO Sports, WWE , and Bill Simmons Studios come together to give this WWE Star a tribute and bring his fans an inside look in the life of André René Roussimoff.
Andre the Giant (2018)
Developed By: Bill Simmons
Directed By: Jason Hehir
Network: HBO
Air Date: April 10 2018, 10 PM ET/PT
Andre the Giant Story
André René Roussimoff was born in 1946 in Molien, France. Early in his teenage years, he exhibited signs of gigantism, rapidly growing to more than seven feet, though he was not diagnosed with acromegaly until later in life. He began his training in Paris at 17 and eventually became known in wrestling circuits around the world, including Europe, Australia and Africa. In 1970, Roussimoff made his Japanese debut, which put him on the radar of Vince McMahon Sr., founder of what is now known as World Wrestling Entertainment.
In 1973, Andre joined the organization, where McMahon Sr. famously billed him as Andre the Giant. Andre’s unique voice and athletic prowess, coupled with his more than 500-pound, seven-foot, four-inch frame, made him an unforgettable attraction.
During his ascent to the top of the ranks, Andre engaged in memorable matches with Killer Khan, Big John Studd and King Kong Bundy, compiling what was billed as an undefeated streak that lasted the better part of a decade. In 1987, Andre hit the pinnacle of his career during his rivalry with Hulk Hogan, one of the biggest stars in WWE and pop culture history. As a new villain, Andre squared off with Hogan at “WrestleMania® III” at the Silverdome in Michigan, and in one of the most memorable moments of all time in pro wrestling, Hogan body-slammed Andre to retain the championship in front of a thunderous crowd.
While wrestling’s fan base continued to grow, Roussimoff’s health began to decline. Despite his health issues, the “Eighth Wonder of the World” remained at the forefront during the company’s golden era. Following “WrestleMania III,” Andre took on other WWE legends such as Jake “The Snake” Roberts™, “Macho Man” Randy Savage™ and The Ultimate Warrior®, participating in numerous marquee events until 1991. Andre became the first inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1993.
Roussimoff’s larger-than-life personality also allowed him to pursue a career in acting. He appeared in TV sitcoms and films during the ’70s and ’80s, often playing himself or some variation of a human giant, and is best remembered for his role as Fezzik in Rob Reiner’s classic movie “The Princess Bride.”
Outside the ring, Andre Roussimoff was a gentle giant, but the subject of stares and ridicule for his size throughout his life. On Jan. 27, 1993, he succumbed to his gigantism and died of congestive heart failure. And while WWE has had a memorable cast of stars during the two decades since his passing, Andre the Giant is still remembered as one of the greatest.
Andre the Giant Trailer
Watch this trailer of Andre the Giant and get ready to know all about your favorite wrestler.
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