Early Life and Education of André the Giant: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of André the Giant. A timeline of key moments.

André the Giant, born André René Roussimoff, was a French professional wrestler and actor renowned for his immense size, a consequence of gigantism. Billed as "the Eighth Wonder of the World," he became a global wrestling icon, captivating audiences with his formidable presence and in-ring prowess. Beyond wrestling, he appeared in films and television, further solidifying his status as a pop-culture figure. His unique physique and captivating personality made him one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in the history of professional wrestling.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1908: Birth of Boris Roussimoff

In 1908, Boris Roussimoff, the father of André the Giant, was born.

1910: Birth of Mariann Roussimoff Stoeff

In 1910, Mariann Roussimoff Stoeff, the mother of André the Giant, was born.

May 1946: André René Roussimoff's Birth

On 19 May 1946, André René Roussimoff was born in Coulommiers, Seine-et-Marne, France, to Boris Roussimoff and Mariann Roussimoff Stoeff. At birth, he weighed 13 lb (6 kg).

1966: Training in Professional Wrestling

At the age of 18, in 1966, André the Giant moved to Paris and was taught professional wrestling by Robert Lageat. He trained at night and worked as a mover during the day.

1973: Vincent J. McMahon Becomes Agent

In 1973, Vincent J. McMahon became André the Giant's agent and suggested changes to enhance his starpower, including portraying him as an immovable monster and setting up a travel-intensive schedule. McMahon discouraged André from performing agile maneuvers.

1982: WWF Sold to Vince McMahon

In 1982, Vincent J. McMahon sold the World Wide Wrestling Federation to his son, Vince McMahon.

January 1984: Appearance on Late Night with David Letterman

In January 23, 1984, André the Giant appeared on "Late Night with David Letterman", where he claimed to have once drank 117 beers and stated that he had quit drinking beer 14 months prior.

1986: Feud with Studd and King Kong Bundy and formation of The Machines

In 1986, André the Giant continued his feud with Studd and King Kong Bundy after WrestleMania 2. He requested a leave of absence due to health issues from acromegaly and a tour of Japan. A storyline was created where Bobby Heenan challenged André and a partner to face Studd and Bundy. When André didn't appear, he was suspended by WWF president Jack Tunney. Upon his return in the summer of 1986, André wrestled under a mask as "Giant Machine" in The Machines stable, with the gimmick copied from "Super Strong Machine". Heenan, Studd, and Bundy complained, and Tunney stated that if it was proven André was the Giant Machine, he would be fired. Eventually, the Giant Machine disappeared, and André was reinstated. Heenan approved of the reinstatement, foreshadowing André's heel turn.

February 1987: Heel turn begins on Piper's Pit

In early February 1987, André the Giant began his heel turn by agreeing to be the counter to Hulk Hogan. On Piper's Pit in February 1987, Hogan received a trophy for being WWF World Heavyweight Champion for three years, and André congratulated him. The following week on Piper's Pit, André received a smaller trophy for being undefeated. Annoyed, André walked out during Hogan's speech, and a confrontation was scheduled. On February 7, 1987, André appeared with Bobby Heenan on Piper's Pit.

1987: André the Giant's Heel Turn

In 1987, André the Giant turned heel to counter Hulk Hogan. The shift began with trophy presentations on Piper's Pit and culminated in André aligning with Bobby Heenan.

1987: 1987 Surgery Dosage

There is an urban legend surrounding André the Giant's 1987 surgery in which his size made it impossible for the anesthesiologist to estimate a dosage via standard methods; consequently, his alcohol tolerance was used as a guideline instead.

April 1990: Colossal Connection loses WWF Tag Team Championship; André turns face

On April 1, 1990, at WrestleMania VI, The Colossal Connection lost the WWF Tag Team Championship to Demolition. After the match, Bobby Heenan blamed André for the loss and slapped him. André retaliated by slapping Heenan and sending Haku reeling, turning face for the first time since 1987. Due to health issues, Haku wrestled the entire match.

January 1993: Death of André the Giant

On the morning of January 28, 1993, André the Giant died of congestive heart failure and an apparent heart attack in his sleep at a Paris hotel, likely associated with his untreated acromegaly, at the age of 46. He had visited friends in Molien the night before after attending his father's funeral and extending his stay to be with his mother.