Jean was known as the wife of the famous wrestler, later an actor, André the Giant. Despite the many difficulties that have shrouded their love, it brings an intimate detail to the great man’s life.
André is famous worldwide for his wrestling and acting career, but Jean is also an inspiring story, although it is not as popular. Who was Jean Christensen? Who did she meet that made her famous, and how? Let’s look at her life and role in the giant’s tale.
Her Early Life Details
Jean Christensen was born on August 15, 1949, in Minnesota, USA, but is of Danish descent. Her last name, Gantriis, has significance in Danish, meaning knowledge, leadership, and fairness.
She was raised in America, but little information about her childhood and family is known. Jean did not share much information about her childhood, but she was not just a partner of André.
During the 1970s, Georgia modeled and pursued public relations job opportunities within the wrestling business. She was over 6 feet 4 inches tall, giving her a different perspective on life in modeling and wrestling.
Her First Meetup With Andre the Giant
Their initial encounter was not an example of love, where two people meet and fall head over heels in love. Those who knew this pair initially did not report any signs of attraction that would lead to a romantic relationship.
However, they developed connections that bloomed over time due to Jean’s height and André being 7-foot-4 inches tall.
It was in the 1970s that they started meeting one another, presumably due to Jean’s involvement with public relations in the wrestling business. In Andre, Jean found a friend who knew what it felt like to be different and a freak in a world of normals.
The viewers never saw the beginning of their relationship, but they did see that the pair continued to strengthen their connection despite busy work lives and André’s rising popularity.
Their Plans for Being Married
This question has intrigued fans for years. While reports suggest they were deeply committed to one another, there is no official record of a marriage license.
Some speculate that they might have had a private ceremony, while others believe they chose not to formalize their relationship legally.
This ambiguity has added a layer of mystery to their story. They may not have been married, but they were in a relationship and had a daughter named Robin Christensen-Roussimoff.
Her Role in André’s Life
Jean played an essential role in André’s personal life. She gave him friendship when he barely had company due to his size.
Since she is a professional model who worked with wrestling PR, she was aware of the difficulties André encountered in wrestling and other aspects of life.
While Andre received love everywhere, Jean introduced reality and rationality. Sometimes, they argued, but deep in their hearts, they always appreciated each other for being who they were.
The Birth of Robin Christensen-Roussimoff
Jean and André became even closer when their daughter Robin Christensen-Roussimoff arrived into the world. Nevertheless, specific difficulties arose in their relationship, especially when Andre denied having Robin as his son.
This resulted in a legal war that ended with a DNA test proving that André was Robin’s father.
However, the father was detached from his daughter, and their interaction was limited. Robin later said, “She saw her father just five times in her lifetime, which means even more about their family conflicts.”
She Shaped Robin’s Views About Andre
Jean Christensen made it easy for her daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, to embrace his father’s memory and achievements. Andre was busy at work most of the time and rarely provided for Robin’s emotional needs. Jean made sure Robin had a clue of her dad’s existence.
Jean would share stories about Andre’s life, his fight with gigantism, and his love for making people happy. These stories helped Robin get a more realistic outlook on her father. Apart from the mythos, he had to witness his father as a person.
Robin has repeatedly emphasized that she had taken her mother’s attitude toward life as a model. True to character portrayal, Jean played an unmistakable role in helping Robin overcome the challenges that come with being the child of a wrestling champion.
Her Life as a Mother
Jean Christensen gave Robin strength while overcoming challenges without consistent reinforcement from André. Although Robin had no normal childhood and was raised by an unmarried mother, Jean ensured the child learned to be self-reliant.
Robin, who has openly discussed her parents, accepts her mother’s efforts to raise her. About her private life, so many details remained secret. Her mother’s role and connection to André remain integral to her legacy.
Her Life After Andre’s Death
Andre the Giant died in 1993 due to congestive heart failure, and at that time was 46 years old. At the time, he was wealthier, with an estimated net worth of $5 million.
Jean, who separated from Andre many years before his death, also retired from the public space and continued to live a private life.
Jean Christensen died in 2008. Despite its simplicity, the girl’s obituary mentioned her work as a mother and her relationship with one of the legends of wrestling
Her Legacy
Despite all the stereotypical roles that Jean was associated with, she was a capable person in her own right concerning André.
As a model and professional in the wrestling business, she never failed to challenge stereotypical gender expectations and provide memorable impressions to those acquainted with her.
Their Daughter’s Legacy
Robin Christensen-Roussimoff follows in both footsteps. Towering like her mother and father, Robin has become the guardian of keeping André’s memory alive.
She has also been known to attend wrestling conventions and other events, where she shares her father’s life and wrestling career.
Robin’s family attachment to her parents, mainly her mother, has influenced her to be an independent woman.
This aspect of Jean can also be seen when Robin fights to preserve and develop her father’s business while carving out her identity.
So, based on the conditions and relation to Andre, one can state that joys and suffering were the primary outlines of Jean’s existence. However, as a survivor, she is a true example of courage and determination to live for the legend’s legacy.
Jean Christensen advised her daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, to learn more about his father and the incredible legacy he left behind.
Although Andre was not available for Robin because of his work, Jean maintained the presence of a father figure in Robin’s life.
FAQs About Jean Christensen’s Life
How Tall Was Jean Christensen?
Jean Christensen was over 6 feet 4 inches tall for a woman, which may have helped her become a model and for her acquaintance with André the Giant.
What Was Jean Christensen’s Career Before Meeting André?
During the 1970s, Jean served as a model and in the public relations department of wrestling. She probably gained all the experience and confidence in these fields, which could have prepared her to share her life with André.
Who Is Jean Christensen’s Daughter?
Robin Christensen-Roussimoff is the only child of Jean and André the Giant. Robin describes her father as a stranger she loves but is never close to, even if they are related.
Was Jean Christensen a Wrestler?
Although Jean never Wrestled, she was a professional in public relations and worked in the wrestling business. This professional connection introduced her to the life of André.
What Is Jean Christensen’s Legacy?
Jean Christensen left a versatile legacy. They refer to her as a mother, wife, and career woman with extraordinary life experience from being the wife of one of the legends of wrestling. Her story continues to fuel interest and intrigue among learners.
