André the Giant, the legendary professional wrestler and actor, left an indelible mark on both the wrestling industry and pop culture as a whole. In this captivating article, we delve into the life and career of André the Giant, uncovering 20 intriguing facts that shed light on his larger-than-life persona. From his extraordinary stature and unparalleled strength to his memorable moments in the wrestling ring and on the silver screen, join us as we explore the remarkable journey of André the Giant. Discover his early life in France, his meteoric rise to wrestling fame, and his iconic matches against some of the biggest names in the industry. Explore his endearing personality, his unique friendships, and the challenges he faced due to his condition, acromegaly. Brace yourself for a glimpse into the incredible life of André the Giant as we unravel these captivating facts about a true legend.
1-5 Fun Facts About Andre the Giant
1. By the age of 12, Andre the Giant had already reached a height of over 6 feet and weighed 200 pounds.
2. His size posed unique challenges, even as a child. He was too large to fit on the school bus, so Samuel Beckett, the author of “Waiting for Godot,” drove him to school sometimes.
3. After leaving home at the age of 14, Andre returned at 19, having experienced a significant growth spurt that left his own parents unable to recognize him due to his substantial size.
4. Andre The Giant had a mischievous sense of humor and would sometimes play practical jokes by picking up and moving small cars belonging to his friends.
5. Although he didn’t frequently order large meals unless he wanted to showcase his appetite, Andre had an extraordinary capacity for food. Legend has it that he could devour an astounding 12 steaks in a single sitting.
6-10 Interesting Facts About Andre the Giant
6. Andre the Giant’s fingers were so large that he had to use a pencil to dial a rotary phone. It’s a fascinating detail that showcases the extraordinary proportions of his hands.
7. During the filming of The Princess Bride, Andre The Giant’s hands were so enormous that he would cover Robin Wright’s head with one hand to keep her warm. His hand would completely cover the top of her head due to its size.
8. The size of Andre’s fingers was so immense that a silver dollar coin could pass through his rings.
9. Despite his desire to see a Broadway show, Andre The Giant never attended one out of consideration for blocking the view of others due to his immense size.
10. Regarded as the “Greatest Drunk of All Time,” Andre The Giant was known for his remarkable alcohol consumption, tallying up to 7,000 calories worth of booze each day.
11-15 Surprising Facts About Andre the Giant
11. Andre the Giant was known for his impressive drinking abilities. In one legendary incident, he reportedly consumed 127 beers in a hotel bar, passed out in the lobby, and his sheer size made it impossible for anyone to move him until he woke up.
12. In another epic drinking feat, Andre the Giant reportedly drank 119 beers in just 6 hours, averaging one beer every 3 minutes. After passing out, they couldn’t move him, so they placed a piano cover over him and let him sleep it off. Now that’s a party story!
13. Former Olympic medalist and professional wrestler Allen Coage, also known as Bad News Brown, once confronted Andre The Giant after hearing him make a racist remark. However, Andre chose not to engage in a confrontation and later apologized for his words.
14. Gorilla Monsoon was the only person known to have boxed against Andre The Giant.
15. In a display of his immense strength, Andre The Giant once lifted and threw heavyweight boxer Chuck Wepner, who served as the inspiration for the “Rocky” films, out of the wrestling ring.
16-20 Shocking Facts About Andre the Giant
16. While in Japan, Andre The Giant faced difficulties using toilets due to their small size in comparison to his stature. Consequently, he resorted to defecating in bathtubs or on newspapers during his visits.
17. Due to his extraordinary size, it was impossible for an anesthesiologist to measure a standard dosage for Andre The Giant. Instead, they had to rely on his exceptional alcohol tolerance as a measure for dosage during medical procedures.
18. Andre the Giant, known for his immense size and professional wrestling career, had a unique habit of insisting on paying for every restaurant bill. However, when Arnold Schwarzenegger attempted to discreetly settle the bill before Andre could, the giant wrestler, along with basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain, playfully lifted Arnold and placed him on top of his own car, showcasing their camaraderie and strength.
19. Tragically, Andre, The Giant passed away in his sleep while in Paris for his father’s funeral. His father had passed away just 12 days prior.
20 After Andre the Giant was cremated, his remains totaled a staggering 17 pounds (nearly 8 kg).
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