André René Roussimoff Biography

Fast Facts

• Won a trophy for being "the only undefeated wrestler in wrestling history" because he was never pinned or forced to submit in a WWF ring until he challenged Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania III
• Was the first inductee into the WWF Hall of Fame in 1993
• His neighbor, playwright Samuel Beckett, used to drive him to school since he was unable to comfortably fit on a school bus
• Quote: "Maybe tonight will be my last match․ You never know what will happen in the ring․"
• Known both as an actor and a wrestler for his deep voice and impressive height, which was caused by a hormonal disorder called acromegaly in which the pituitary gland produces excess growth hormones
• Was an accomplished wrestler, but is best remembered by movie-goers as the giant Fezzik in "The Princess Bride․"
• His large size led to back problems that left him so weak that by the time he filmed "Princess Bride" his character's feats of strength had to be simulated through theatrical techniques
• Insisted on paying for meals at restaurants, even when he was the guest, and when Arnold Schwarzenegger tried to sneak off to pay the check, Andre and basketball player Wilt Chamberlain lifted him up and put him back in his chair
• Though doctors told him he could only hope to live to 40 due to his acromegaly, he lived until 46
• Was known to be able to drink over a hundred beers in matters of hours