Jean Christensen, When people talk about wrestling legends, Andre the Giant’s name always comes up. But there was a woman who played an important part in his life. Her name was Jean Christensen. While she stayed away from the spotlight, her story is worth knowing.
Detailed Bio Table
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jean Christensen |
| Born | August 15, 1949 |
| Birthplace | Minnesota, USA |
| Height | 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) |
| Job | Model, Wrestling PR Professional |
| Known For | Partner of Andre the Giant |
| Daughter | Robin Christensen-Roussimoff |
| Died | September 2, 2008 (age 59) |
Early Life
Jean Christensen was born on August 15, 1949, in Minnesota. She came from a family with Danish roots. Jean had something special about her, she was very tall. She stood at 6 feet 4 inches, which made her different from most women at that time.
Not much is known about her childhood because Jean liked to keep her life private. However, her height and confidence helped shape her future career.
Career as a Model
In the early 1970s, Jean started working as a model. Her tall height was perfect for this job. At that time, the modeling world was becoming more open to different types of beauty.
Modeling taught Jean important skills. She learned how to work with cameras and how to speak with people in the entertainment business. These skills would help her later in life.
Working in Wrestling
Jean’s life changed when she started working in the wrestling industry. She took a job in public relations for wrestling promotions during the 1970s when wrestling was becoming very popular.
In her job, Jean Christensen helped wrestlers with their public image. She organized interviews and made sure wrestling events got good attention from newspapers and TV. It was not easy being a woman in this field at that time, but Jean proved she could do the job well.
Meeting Andre the Giant
Jean Christensen met Andre the Giant (real name André René Roussimoff) in the early 1970s through her work. Andre was becoming famous for his huge size. He stood over 7 feet tall and weighed more than 500 pounds because of a condition called acromegaly.
At first, their meeting was just for work. But over time, they got to know each other better. Both Jean and Andre knew what it felt like to be different because of their height. This created a special connection between them.
Andre was known for being gentle and kind despite his scary appearance. Jean saw the real person behind the wrestling character. Their friendship slowly grew into love.
Their Relationship
Jean and Andre had a relationship that lasted several years. Many people wonder if they were married. The truth is unclear. Some sources say they had a private ceremony, but there is no official marriage paper recorded in the United States.
What we know is that they were together and shared a deep connection. Their relationship was not easy because Andre traveled all the time for wrestling matches. He was on the road almost 300 days every year. In 1979, they had a daughter named Robin Christensen-Roussimoff.
Becoming a Mother
When Jean Christensen found out she was pregnant, it was surprising news. Andre had believed he could not have children because of his medical condition. But Robin proved him wrong.
After Robin was born, things became difficult. At first, Andre did not accept that Robin was his daughter. This led to legal problems. Eventually, a DNA test proved Andre was Robin’s father. The court also ordered Andre to pay child support.
Jean raised Robin mostly on her own in Seattle, Washington. Andre’s busy schedule meant he was rarely around. Robin has said she only met her father about five times during her childhood.
Life as a Single Mother
After separating from Andre, Jean Christensen focused on raising Robin. She wanted to give her daughter a normal life, away from the fame that came with being Andre’s child.
Jean Christensen worked to support herself and Robin. She continued in the fashion industry. She opened a costume shop called “Andre’s Bodacious Babe Costumes” in Washington state. She made costumes for entertainers and even worked with some famous names.
Jean Christensen went back to school and earned degrees in fashion design and marketing. This education helped her create a successful business.
Teaching Robin About Her Father
Even though Andre was not around much, Jean made sure Robin knew about her father. She shared stories about Andre’s life, his health problems, and his success in wrestling and movies.
Jean Christensen never spoke badly about Andre to Robin, despite their difficult relationship. She understood that Robin deserved to know her father.
When Andre died in 1993 from heart failure, Robin was only 14 years old. Jean helped her daughter deal with this loss. Andre had left his estate to Robin in his will, which showed he cared about her.
Andre the Giant’s Legacy
Andre the Giant became one of the most famous wrestlers in history. He fought against legendary wrestlers like Hulk Hogan and became known worldwide. He also acted in movies, with his most famous role being Fezzik in “The Princess Bride” (1987).
Andre’s size made him special, but it also caused many problems. He had constant pain and could not fit in normal cars or airplane seats. Despite these challenges, he brought joy to millions of fans.
Later Years
After Andre died in 1993, Jean chose to live quietly. She stayed out of the public eye and focused on her business and family. She did not give interviews or talk to the media about her relationship with Andre. This choice to stay private shows Jean’s character. She did not try to use her connection to Andre for fame or money. She simply wanted to live her life on her own terms. People who knew her said she was talented, independent, and strong. She had built a life that did not depend on anyone else.
Jean’s Death
Jean Christensen passed away on September 2, 2008, in Lynnwood, Washington. She was 59 years old. Her death marked the end of a quiet but important life.
Robin’s Tribute
After both her parents died, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff worked to keep their memory alive. She appeared in the 2018 HBO documentary “Andre the Giant,” where she shared stories about her father. Robin has spoken openly about the complicated relationship she had with both parents. Today, she works to preserve her father’s legacy while honoring her mother’s strength.
Conclusion
Jean Christensen lived a life that was both ordinary and special. She was a mother, a businesswoman, and a professional who worked in a male-dominated industry. She loved a man who was one of the most famous people in the world, but she never used that connection for her own fame.
Though she is gone now, Jean’s legacy continues through her daughter Robin. The quiet woman from Minnesota who once worked in wrestling and loved a giant left her own mark on the world, not through fame, but through character, strength, and love.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Was Jean Christensen married to Andre the Giant?
- It is not clear if they were officially married. Some say they had a private ceremony, but there is no official marriage record. They were together for several years and had a daughter.
2. How did Jean meet Andre the Giant?
- Jean met Andre in the early 1970s while working in public relations for the wrestling industry. Their work relationship slowly became romantic.
3. Did they have children together?
- Yes, they had one daughter named Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, born in 1979. She is Andre’s only child.
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