André the Giant is remembered not only for his towering frame and wrestling fame but also for the mystery that surrounded his private life. While millions of fans watched him dominate in the ring during the 1970s and 1980s, few knew about the woman he quietly shared his life with behind the scenes. Many wonder: Who was Andre the Giant wife? The answer isn’t as simple as it seems. Though he was never legally married, André had a long-term and deeply personal relationship with Jean Christensen, a woman who played a pivotal role in his life. This article explores their connection, Jean’s background, their daughter Robin, and how this unusual love story unfolded away from the spotlight.
Quick Bio Information
| Full Name | Jean Christensen |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 15, 1949 |
| Place of Birth | Minnesota, United States |
| Ethnicity | White (Danish-American) |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents | Nels Peter Christensen, Paula Gantriis |
| Height | 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) |
| Weight | 196 lbs (89 kg) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Profession | Model, WWE PR Representative |
| Relationship | Partner of Andre the Giant |
| Children | One daughter (Robin Christensen) |
| Date of Death | 2008 |
| Estimated Net Worth | $100,000 |
Who Was Jean Christensen
Jean Christensen was a model and public relations expert who became closely associated with the wrestling industry during the 1970s. Born in Minnesota in 1949, Jean came from a family with Danish roots and grew up away from the limelight. She started her career as a model but eventually transitioned into the business side of professional wrestling, working in WWE’s public relations department. It was through her work in the wrestling industry that her life would change forever—when she crossed paths with André René Roussimoff, better known to the world as André the Giant.
How Jean Christensen Met Andre the Giant
Their story began in the early 1970s, at a time when both were carving their own paths in the world of sports entertainment. Jean was already involved in PR work within WWE, while André was quickly rising to global stardom thanks to his unmatched size and presence in the ring. According to Jean herself, there was no instant romance when they first met. In a later interview, she recalled their first encounter as simple and unremarkable—but also meaningful in its honesty. What drew them together over time was mutual respect and an authentic human connection, a rarity in the wrestling business.
Were Andre the Giant and Jean Christensen Married
Despite many online sources and fans referring to Jean as Andre the Giant’s wife, the two were never officially married. However, their relationship was significant and lasted for many years. They shared a life together that included the birth of their daughter and several private moments shielded from the media frenzy surrounding André’s career. Their bond was real, even if it was never formalized by marriage. Jean remained a central figure in André’s personal world, especially as the mother of his only known child.
Their Private Relationship
Life with André was not easy. His global fame meant he was constantly traveling, performing, or filming. Jean and André maintained a deeply personal relationship that was often tested by distance and fame. According to various accounts, they did not live together full-time. Jean chose to settle in Seattle to raise their daughter, while André split his time between the United States and France. While their partnership didn’t fit the mold of a traditional marriage, it reflected the realities of a life shaped by constant movement and public scrutiny.
Their Daughter Robin Christensen
In 1979, Jean gave birth to their only child, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff. Born in Europe but raised in Seattle, Robin grew up primarily with her mother. Her connection to her father was limited due to André’s rigorous schedule. Robin has since spoken about the complicated nature of their relationship, describing it as distant but not completely absent. Jean raised Robin with strength and independence, while also ensuring that she understood the legacy her father carried.
Did Andre the Giant Acknowledge His Daughter
Initially, André the Giant did not accept Robin as his child. Jean later revealed that she was told André was sterile, which led to confusion and disbelief when she became pregnant. A court-ordered DNA test confirmed his paternity. Following the results, André began providing child support—starting at $750 per month and later increasing to $1,000. Although their relationship never developed into a typical father-daughter bond, Robin did meet André a few times backstage at wrestling events and in legal settings. Jean ensured her daughter knew who her father was, even if the connection wasn’t consistent.
Life After Wrestling
Jean Christensen left the wrestling world in the 1980s and lived a private life, dedicating herself to raising her daughter in Seattle. She never pursued the spotlight, choosing instead to focus on family and stability. Despite being connected to one of the most famous wrestlers in history, Jean remained humble and out of public view, only occasionally giving interviews or making appearances related to her daughter’s endeavors.
Jean Christensen’s Death
Jean Christensen passed away in 2008 at the age of 74. Her death was not widely publicized, in keeping with her preference for privacy. She left behind a daughter who would go on to represent the family’s legacy in public events and media related to André the Giant. Jean’s life may not have made headlines, but her quiet strength and dedication had a lasting impact.
Andre the Giant’s Final Days
André the Giant died on January 26, 1993, at the age of 46 while in Paris for his father’s funeral. He died in his sleep from congestive heart failure—a condition likely linked to acromegaly, the hormonal disorder that caused his extraordinary growth. His passing marked the end of a wrestling era but also left behind emotional complexities within his family, especially for Jean and Robin.
What Happened to Robin Christensen
Robin Christensen-Roussimoff grew up to become a proud keeper of her father’s legacy. Though she never followed a wrestling career full-time, she has appeared in interviews, documentaries, and conventions honoring André. Most notably, she was involved as a consultant in the HBO documentary Andre the Giant released in 2018. Robin currently lives in Seattle and has built a life of her own, one that honors both her parents without living in their shadows.
Jean Christensen’s Net Worth
At the time of her passing, Jean Christensen’s net worth was estimated at around $100,000. She earned most of her income from her early modeling work and her role in the wrestling industry’s PR sector. She lived modestly, focused on raising her daughter and avoiding the trappings of fame.
Andre the Giant’s Net Worth and Legacy
When André the Giant died in 1993, his net worth was estimated to be around $5 million, a considerable sum at the time. He earned this through wrestling contracts, movie roles like The Princess Bride, and global appearances. His estate eventually passed to Robin, who inherited the bulk of his fortune. Today, she continues to benefit from royalties and appearances tied to her father’s enduring popularity.
Where Is Robin Christensen Today
As of 2025, Robin lives a quiet life in Seattle. She continues to work on preserving her father’s name through events, public speaking, and authorized merchandise. While she has not sought out major fame, Robin’s presence is a meaningful reminder of the human side of André’s legacy. She has also taken on legal responsibilities to ensure that her father’s image is not misused by unauthorized sources.
Final Thoughts On Andre The Giant’s Private Life
The story of Jean Christensen and André the Giant is not a traditional Hollywood romance. It’s a tale of two people brought together by chance in the larger-than-life world of professional wrestling. Though never officially married, Jean was a vital figure in André’s life and the mother of his only known child. Their relationship had its complexities, shaped by distance, fame, and personal struggles, but it also carried genuine affection. Jean’s quiet strength and Robin’s resilience offer a different view of André the Giant—a man known to the world for his size, but remembered by his family for his humanity.
FAQs About Andre The Giant Wife
Was Andre The Giant Ever Married
No, André the Giant was never legally married. However, he had a long-term relationship with Jean Christensen, often referred to as his wife.
Who Was Jean Christensen
Jean Christensen was a former model and WWE PR representative who had a daughter with André the Giant. She lived a private life and passed away in 2008.
Did Andre The Giant Have Any Children
Yes, André had one daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, born in 1979. She currently resides in Seattle and is the heir to his legacy.
Did Andre Acknowledge His Daughter
Initially, André did not acknowledge Robin as his daughter. A DNA test confirmed paternity, and he began paying child support, though their relationship remained distant.
What Was Jean Christensen’s Profession
Jean worked as a model before transitioning into public relations within WWE. She met André during her time in the wrestling industry.
How Did Andre The Giant Die
André died in 1993 from heart failure in Paris while attending his father’s funeral. He was 46 years old at the time of his death.
What Is Robin Christensen’s Net Worth
Robin’s net worth is estimated between $5 million and $10 million, primarily due to inheritance and her role in preserving André’s image rights.
Did Jean Christensen And Andre Live Together
No, Jean and André did not live together full-time. Jean chose to raise Robin in Seattle, while André traveled frequently for work.
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