Andre the Giant’s Wife stands at the center of a remarkable story, and Jean Christensen‘s journey as André the Giant’s wife remains largely untold. During the golden age of the 1970s and 1980s, she navigated the intense world of professional wrestling while protecting their private life from constant public scrutiny. The challenges of supporting a partner with acromegaly while raising their daughter Robin Christensen-Roussimoff tested her strength daily.
Through her role as a WWE PR representative and devoted partner, Jean helped shape the legacy of the man known as “The Eighth Wonder of the World.” This comprehensive exploration reveals the true story of the woman who stood beside one of wrestling’s greatest icons, from their first meeting to her lasting impact on wrestling history.
Profile Summary
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | André René Roussimoff |
| Ring Name | André the Giant |
| Date of Birth | May 19, 1946 |
| Place of Birth | Grenoble, France |
| Date of Death | January 27, 1993 |
| Cause of Death | Heart failure (due to acromegaly) |
| Height | 7 feet 4 inches (224 cm) |
| Weight | 520 lbs (236 kg) |
| Wife | None (Was never legally married) |
| Partner | Jean Christensen |
| Children | 1 (Robin Christensen-Roussimoff) |
| Father | Boris Roussimoff |
| Mother | Mary Roussimoff |
| Siblings | 4 (siblings, but they were not very public) |
| Profession | Professional wrestler, actor |
| Wrestling Debut | 1964 |
| Retirement | 1991 |
Who Was Jean Christensen? Early Life and Background
Before she became linked to wrestling legend André the Giant, Jean carved out her own identity in the entertainment world. In her early twenties, she transitioned from modeling to public relations, showing a natural talent for managing media relationships. Her work caught the attention of the WWE, where she became a respected PR representative.
Working in the fast-paced world of professional wrestling, Jean quickly earned a reputation for her professionalism and ability to handle high-pressure situations. She understood the delicate balance between publicity and privacy, a skill that would prove invaluable in her future personal life.
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How Jean Christensen Met Andre the Giant
Their story began in the early 1970s at a WWE event where Jean was working as a PR professional. André the Giant, born Andre Rene Roussimoff, was already becoming famous as “The Eighth Wonder of the World.” Jean later recalled their first meeting with fondness, describing how André was surprised by her height and professional demeanor.
What started as a professional relationship slowly blossomed into something more personal. Despite their different backgrounds – André from Grenoble, France, and Jean from Minnesota, USA – they found common ground in their shared experiences of standing out in a crowd and understanding the entertainment industry’s demands.
Marriage and Family Life of Andre the Giant and Jean Christensen
Though often referred to as husband and wife, Jean and André never officially married. Their relationship grew stronger through the 1970s, and in 1979, they welcomed their daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff. Their family life was unique, shaped by André’s constant travel schedule and growing fame in both wrestling and Hollywood.
The couple faced numerous challenges, including André’s declining health due to acromegaly. Despite the difficulties, Jean maintained a stable home environment for their daughter Robin, while supporting André’s career from behind the scenes. Their relationship demonstrated the complex balance between public fame and private family life.
The Role of Jean Christensen in Andre’s Personal Life
As André’s fame grew, Jean became his anchor to normalcy. She managed his personal affairs while he traveled the world as a wrestling superstar. Her background in PR proved invaluable as she helped shield their private life from excessive public scrutiny, especially during André’s rising popularity in the 1980s.
Jean’s role extended beyond traditional partner support. She handled media inquiries, managed André’s schedule when he was home, and created a peaceful environment away from the spotlight. Her understanding of both the entertainment industry and André’s needs helped her maintain this delicate balance throughout their relationship.
Life of André the Giant Wife of a Wrestling Icon: Challenges and Triumphs
For Jean Christensen, life alongside André the Giant brought unique challenges that few could understand. During the 1970s and 1980s, she navigated the complex world of wrestling stardom while trying to maintain a sense of normalcy. The couple faced constant public attention, with André’s massive 7’4” frame drawing crowds wherever they went.
The physical demands of André’s condition, acromegaly, added another layer of complexity to their relationship. Jean helped manage his health challenges while dealing with his grueling travel schedule. His wrestling career often kept him on the road for months, leaving Jean to balance their private life with his growing fame.
Separation and Legal Disputes Between Jean Christensen and Andre
The strain of André’s constant traveling and health issues eventually took its toll on their relationship. In the late 1970s, tensions grew after the birth of their daughter Robin Christensen-Roussimoff. A paternity test confirmed André’s fatherhood, leading to legal proceedings that established child support payments of $750, later increased to $1,000 per month.
Their separation became more pronounced in the early 1980s. Despite the legal disputes, Jean maintained a diplomatic approach for their daughter’s sake. Court documents reveal the challenges of co-parenting with a global wrestling superstar who spent most of his time touring.
Jean Christensen’s Career and Professional Achievements
Before meeting André, Jean Christensen had established herself in the modeling industry. Her transition to WWE PR representative in the early 1970s marked the beginning of a successful career in sports entertainment. She skillfully managed media relations and helped shape the public image of wrestling’s biggest stars.
Even after her relationship with André ended, Jean continued her work in public relations. Her understanding of both the entertainment and wrestling industries made her a valuable professional in her field. According to Cooper Magazine, she maintained a successful career with an estimated net worth of $100,000.
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Life After Andre the Giant: Jean Christensen’s Later Years
After André’s death in Paris on January 27, 1993, Jean focused on raising their daughter Robin in Seattle, Washington. She played a crucial role in preserving André’s legacy, contributing to documentaries and books about his life. Her involvement in the HBO documentary “André the Giant” helped provide intimate insights into the wrestling legend’s personal life.
Jean continued to maintain a private life until her passing in 2008 at the age of 74. Her final years were spent supporting Robin’s career and helping maintain the historical record of André’s impact on professional wrestling. She left behind a legacy as both a devoted mother and a keeper of wrestling history.
Through each section, we see how Jean Christensen balanced the extraordinary circumstances of her life with remarkable grace and resilience. Her story remains an important part of wrestling history, showing the human side of one of the industry’s largest legends.
The Legacy of Jean Christensen: Preserving Andre’s Memory
Jean Christensen played a crucial role in keeping André the Giant’s memory alive after his passing in 1993. She worked tirelessly with historians and documentary makers to share the real story of the man behind the legend. In 2018, she provided valuable insights for HBO’s documentary “André the Giant,” helping fans understand the challenges and triumphs of his extraordinary life.
Her dedication to preserving André’s legacy went beyond just telling stories. She carefully maintained a collection of photographs, wrestling memorabilia, and personal items that painted a complete picture of his life both in and out of the ring. Through her efforts, future generations can better understand the impact of wrestling legend André on sports entertainment.
Andre the Giant’s Net Worth at the Time of His Death
When André the Giant passed away in Paris on January 27, 1993, he had built considerable wealth through his wrestling and acting careers.
| Career Phase | Estimated Earnings |
| Wrestling Career (1970s-1980s) | $3.5 million |
| Acting Roles (Including Princess Bride) | $1 million |
| Endorsements and Appearances | $500,000 |
| Total Net Worth at Death | $5 million |
How Much Is Jean Christensen’s Daughter Robin Worth Today?
Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, André’s only child, has built her own financial success through various ventures. As of 2024, her estimated net worth ranges between $5 million and $10 million. This wealth comes from her inheritance, appearances in wrestling documentaries, and her role in preserving her father’s legacy through various media projects and merchandise licensing deals.
Her appearances in the 2018 HBO documentary and consultation work for “Closer to Heaven” have contributed significantly to her income. She currently lives in Seattle, Washington, where she manages her father’s estate and continues to share his story with wrestling fans worldwide.
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Jean Christensen’s Contribution to Andre’s Legacy
Jean Christensen’s most lasting impact on wrestling history came through her careful documentation of André’s personal life. She preserved countless stories, photographs, and memories that might otherwise have been lost to time. From 1970s wrestling matches to private family moments, her collection helps paint a complete picture of the legendary wrestler’s life.
Working with WWE and various media outlets, she helped create numerous tributes and documentaries about André. Her contributions ensured that future generations would remember not just the wrestling superstar, but also the man who loved good food, wine, and quiet moments on his ranch. After her passing in 2008, her daughter Robin continued this important work of preserving André the Giant’s legacy.
FAQs
Did Andre the Giant and Jean Christensen Have Children?
Jean Christensen gave birth to their only child, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, in 1979. Robin continued her father’s legacy through her involvement in WWE documentaries and wrestling-related projects.
When Did Andre and Jean Christensen Get Married?
While often referred to as André the Giant’s wife, Jean Christensen and André never officially married. They maintained a relationship in the early 1970s during his rise to wrestling fame.
What Was Jean Christensen’s Profession?
Jean Christensen worked as a model before becoming a successful WWE PR representative. Her professional background helped her navigate the complex world of wrestling entertainment and media relations.
How Did Jean Christensen Handle Andre’s Fame?
As a skilled PR professional, Jean masterfully balanced André’s public image while protecting his privacy. She created a buffer between the wrestling legend and intense public attention.
What Is Known About Jean Christensen’s Life After Andre’s Passing?
After André’s death in 1993, Jean focused on raising their daughter Robin in Seattle. She managed his estate and worked on preserving his legacy until her passing in 2008.
Conclusion
Andre the Giant’s wife, Jean Christensen, played a pivotal role in shaping the enduring legacy of the wrestling icon. Their relationship, though complex, produced an enduring legacy through their daughter Robin and countless preserved memories.
Jean’s dedication to protecting André’s privacy while sharing his story with the world helped create the lasting image we have of the gentle giant. Her work as both a PR professional and keeper of his legacy ensures that future generations will remember not just the wrestling legend, but the man himself.
