Standing at 7'4'", the WWF's André the Giant was one of the wrestling organization's biggest stars, a testament to not only his striking appearance but also his considerable talent in the ring.
From his early years in France to his shocking drinking feats — including his iconic 116-beer run, here are 10 candid photos remembering the one and only André the Giant.
1
André the Giant
Actor, wrestler, and unofficial ‘Eighth Wonder of the World,’ André the giant’s legacy is as massive as his 7’4”, 520-pound frame.
2
The Little Giant
Born in France in May 1946, André the Giant was always a big dude, weighing 13 pounds at birth and always standing "a good head taller than other kids", per his 2020 biography. By 12 years old, André was 6’3”.
3
Wrestling Origins
At age 18, André the Giant moved to Paris, where he started working towards becoming a professional wrestler in the mid-'60s. A mover during the day, he trained during the evenings and began performing under the name “Jean Ferre.”
4
International Success
After winning the FFCP World Heavyweight Championship in 1968, he began wrestling around the world, competing in the United Kingdom, Japan, and Canada.
5
Making a Name
By 1973, André the Giant was being represented by Vince McMahon Sr., who helped him craft his image by selecting moves that spoke to his size and giving him his now-iconic moniker.
6
Fan Favorite
André the Giant debuted that same year, landing among the then-WWF’s most beloved wrestlers. He later found himself in a now-iconic feud with Hulk Hogan throughout the ‘80s. Their in-ring beef came to a head in 1988 when the French wrestler beat his rival in the WWF Championship.
7
Record Breaker
People loved André the Giant so much that he made an appearance in the 1974 Guinness Book of World Records for being the highest-paid wrestler in history with his $400,000 salary. That sum would equate to roughly $2.5 million in 2023.
8
Life Beyond the Ring
While André the Giant garnered fame for his wrestling and his acting career, most notably starring in ‘The Princess Bride’ in 1987, his size continued to shock people around the world. Case in point? The now-iconic photo of the athlete clutching a can of beer, one dwarfed by his massive hand.
9
Cheers!
That was far from André the Giant’s only alcohol-fueled feat. Prior to competing in WrestleMania III, he allegedly chugged 14 bottles of wine and once famously drank 116 beers in a beer-drinking contest.
10
Legacy
Though André the Giant may have died at age 46 in 1993, he’ll always be the WWE’s biggest star.
