The Eight Wonder Of The World

HBO, WWE and Bill Simmons Media Group has released a trailer for the upcoming Andre The Giant documentary.

The documentary examines the life and career of arguably one of the most known and beloved legends in WWE history. It also explores Andre’s upbringing in France, his illustrious career in the then WWF and his few but memorable roles in tv and film.

Andre The Giant premieres on HBO on April tenth.

The Emmy-Award winning director and producer Jason Hehir is behind this ambitious documentary which combines never-before-seen footage and interviews for an in-depth  and intimate portrait of one of wrestling’s most beloved figures.

Interviews include WWE Superstars, sports and entertainment executives, athletes, media, family and friends of the Giant.

Small Beginnings

Born in 1946 in Grenoble, France, André René Roussimoff exhibited signs of gigantism early in his teen years, growing to more than seven feet while still only 14 years old.

Andre began his training at age 17 and quickly became known in various wrestling promotions around the world. In 1970, Andre made his Japanese debut,billed as “Monster Roussimoff”.

During his time in Japan, doctors first informed Andre that he suffered from acromegaly. It was also during his stint in Japan´s  International Wrestling Enterprise that he came on the radar of Vince McMahon Sr., father of Vince McMahon and founder of what is now known as World Wrestling Entertainment.

Andre. Lady killer

WWF and the BIG time.

On 26 March 1973, Andre joined the organization where McMahon Sr. famously billed him as Andre The Giant. Andre’s unique voice and athletic prowess, combined with his more than 500-pound, seven-foot, four-inch frame, made him an instant success, and a main attraction wherever he wrestled. He would continue to work for the McMahon´s until he left the WWF in 1991. During his fabled career he was involved in many high profile feuds with fellow legends of wrestling such as Big John Studd, King Kong Bundy, Jake The Snake Roberts , Randy Macho Man Savage and of course Hulk Hogan who faced off against the heel giant in the main event of Wrestlemania 3 in front of a record crowd of 93 thousand people in the Pontiac Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan.

Andre vs Hogan WM3

TV and Film

Andre´s massive popularity in wrestling made it easy for him to branch out into acting.

He made a 1967 French boxing film, and made his USA acting debut playing a Sasquatch (“Bigfoot”) in a two-part episode aired in 1976 on the television series The Six Million Dollar Man. He also appeared in several other television shows, including The Greatest American Hero, B. J. and the Bear, The Fall Guy and 1990’s Zorro.

Towards the end of his career, André starred in several films including an uncredited role in the 1984 film Conan the Destroyer as Dagoth, a resurrected horned giant god who is killed by Conan (Arnold Schwarzenegger).

In the same year he also made an appearance in Micki & Maude (billed as André Rousimmoff). He starred as Fezzik, his own favorite role, in the 1987 film The Princess Bride. During the filming he and co-star Billy Crystal became close friends, and remained so until Andre’s death.

Andre The Giant as Fezzik

Death and Legacy

On Jan. 27, 1993, Andre sadly succumbed to the illness which made him the giant he was. He died of congestive heart failure. After his death Andre The Giant became the first ever entry into the WWF Hall of Fame.

He is still to this day remembered as one of the – if not THE – greatest of all time.

Personally I can´t wait to see this documentary. Andre was a personal favorite of mine , and to this day I still enjoy watching those old WWF pay per views featuring Andre The Giant.

-Razz

 

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