Andre the Giant, born André René Roussimoff, didn’t always look like a wrestling icon. In his early years, he was just another regular kid — until puberty hit like a freight train. By age 12, he was growing so rapidly that school bus seats couldn’t contain him.
His parents, thinking practically, believed his size would come in handy for farm work. But by 17, Andre was already towering at 190 cm and weighing 130 kg — and instead of working the land, he stepped into the wrestling ring.
Adopting the name “The Giant,” Andre quickly became a global sensation. With his sheer size and strength, he bulldozed opponents and became a fan favorite. By 1974, he was crowned the world’s highest-paid wrestler and earned a spot in the Guinness World Records.
Despite his fame, life wasn’t easy. He needed custom-made clothing, suffered joint pain, and endured miserable flights due to his size — needing two seats and unable to fit into airplane bathrooms. Andre kept his personal life private. Though he never married, he had a daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff.
Robin only saw her father a handful of times before she turned 12, but he supported her financially. Now an adult, Robin bears a striking resemblance to her dad — tall, broad, and powerful-looking. At about 180 cm and over 100 kg, she’s proudly stepping into the world of wrestling herself, continuing the legacy of the man who was larger than life.
What do you think of this unforgettable family connection? Let us know in the comments!
