André the Giant
Professional wrestler, actor, 'The Princess Bride'
André René Roussimoff (May 19, 1946 – January 27, 1993), professionally known as André the Giant, was a French-American professional wrestler and actor with a remarkable legacy in both entertainment and sports. Standing approximately 7'4" and weighing nearly 500 pounds, André became a global phenomenon in professional wrestling, drawing record-breaking crowds and headlining the first two WrestleManias. His match against Hulk Hogan at the Silverdome in 1987 remains one of the most iconic moments in wrestling history. Beyond the ring, André became a mainstream celebrity through his role as Fezzik in the cult classic film 'The Princess Bride' (1987), showcasing his charisma and acting ability. Despite his intimidating physique, André was known for his gentleness and humor, becoming beloved by fans and colleagues. His condition, gigantism, caused him significant physical suffering throughout his life, yet he maintained a legendary work ethic and professionalism. André's influence transcended wrestling, making him a cultural icon who bridged the gap between niche entertainment and mainstream popular culture, inspiring wrestlers and performers for generations.
André Agassi
Tennis champion, 8-time Grand Slam winner, Olympic gold medalist
André Rieu
Violinist, conductor, innovator of theatrical classical music
André Breton
Founder of Surrealism, poet, theorist
André Maurois
Novelist, biographer, Académie française member
André Gide
Nobel Prize winner, novelist, literary innovator
Athlete
French-American
1946
1993
Thinking about the name
Andre
Greek origin
“The French form of Andrew, derived from the Greek 'andros' meaning 'strong' and 'manly.' Andre became iconic in the 20th century as both a given name and surname, carrying European sophistication and understated elegance. It's a name that feels equally at home in artistic, athletic, or academic contexts.”