A Legacy Beyond the Ring

Andre the Giant, a legendary icon of professional wrestling, captivated fans worldwide with his larger-than-life persona. But beyond the fame and glory in the ring, Andre, born André Roussimoff, left behind a personal legacy: his daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff.

Robin's Early Life and Relationship with Andre

Born in 1979, Robin is the daughter of Andre and Jean Christensen, a former WWE employee. Their relationship was brief and complicated, leading to a protracted struggle for Jean to secure support from Andre after their encounter.

Robin barely remembers her father, having met him only a few times during her childhood. In a revealing interview on "A Current Affair," Jean shared her first impressions of Andre, emphasizing his towering height and their fleeting romantic connection.

A Challenging Father-Daughter Relationship

Initially skeptical about his fatherhood, Andre underwent a court-ordered paternity test in 1981. Following the confirmation, he was mandated to pay child support, but tensions with his management complicated his financial contributions.

Andre's busy wrestling schedule and a strained relationship with Jean made it difficult for him to bond with Robin. According to the book "The Eighth Wonder of the World," his attempts to call Robin often led to disputes with Jean, as Andre wished to connect solely with his daughter.

A Touching Connection

Despite the challenges, those close to Andre recall that he cared deeply for Robin. His wrestling partner, Haku, once witnessed Andre in tears after missing an opportunity to see his daughter.

The last conversation between Andre and Robin occurred in late 1992, mere weeks before his passing. During their phone call, Andre made an effort to engage with Robin by asking about her interests and holiday weather, reflecting a longing to reconnect.

A Complex Inheritance

In his final wishes, Andre arranged for his estate to be passed on to Robin. However, fueled by a fear of Jean mismanaging the funds, he set up a trust that restricted Robin's access until her 30th birthday in 2009.

Robin Today: Keeping the Legacy Alive

Now, Robin occasionally attends conventions where she showcases memorabilia and shares her scarce memories of her father. She participated in a 2018 HBO documentary about Andre’s life and even approved a Hollywood biopic, though it never materialized.

In 2020, Robin shared a cherished memory at a convention, recalling how much she loved "The Princess Bride." After its release in 1987, Andre visited her and quoted lines from the film while she sat on his lap, creating a moment she still treasures.