Who Was Andre the Giant’s Wife?
Jean Christensen was never legally married to Andre the Giant, but she was his long-term partner and the mother of his only child. Born in Minnesota in 1949, Jean was a former model and WWE public relations professional who stood 6 feet 4 inches tall. She met the wrestling legend in the early 1970s and shared a connection that resulted in their daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, born in 1979.
While many refer to her as “Andre the Giant’s wife,” the couple never officially registered their marriage in the United States. Their relationship was complicated by Andre’s demanding wrestling schedule and his initial reluctance to accept fatherhood.Quick Facts About Jean Christense
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jean Christensen |
| Date of Birth | August 15, 1949 |
| Place of Birth | Minnesota, United States |
| Height | 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) |
| Ethnicity | Danish descent |
| Profession | Model, WWE Public Relations Professional |
| Known For | Partner of Andre the Giant |
| Daughter | Robin Christensen-Roussimoff |
| Date of Death | 2008 (Age 74) |
| Net Worth | Over $100,000 |
Early Life and Background
Jean Christensen was born in Minnesota to parents Nels Peter and Paula Gantriis, growing up in a family of Danish descent. Her upbringing shaped her character with strength and resilience that would serve her throughout her life.
Standing at an impressive 6 feet 4 inches, Jean’s height was both a personal characteristic and a professional asset. She began her career as a model in the early 1970s, where her stature and confidence helped her stand out in the competitive industry. This modeling work gave her the grace and self-assurance that would later help her work in the demanding world of professional wrestling.
How Jean Met Andre the Giant
Jean’s life changed when she met Andre the Giant in the early 1970s while working in public relations for wrestling. Andre, whose real name was André René Roussimoff, was becoming famous for his extraordinary size—standing over seven feet tall and weighing more than 500 pounds.
Their first meeting didn’t spark instant romance. The connection grew gradually as they worked together in the wrestling world. Jean appreciated that Andre towered over her even when she wore high heels, which was unusual given her own remarkable height.
Though their first meeting didn’t immediately spark a romance, the connection between them grew stronger over time, creating a unique partnership between two extraordinary people.
Career as a WWE Public Relations Professional
Jean carved out her own professional identity in the wrestling industry. She transitioned from modeling to become a public relations professional for wrestling events, working with the WWE during its formative years.
Her work involved managing publicity for wrestling events and coordinating with wrestlers, promoters, and the media. This role required her to balance multiple responsibilities while maintaining professional relationships in a male-dominated industry. Jean’s contributions helped shape the public image of wrestling during its growth period in the 1970s.
According to news reports, Jean also worked as a seamstress in the wrestling business, making clothes for wrestlers including Andre, and was known for introducing colorful gear to the wrestling industry when most places made solid black gear.
Relationship with Andre the Giant
Jean and Andre never legally married in the United States, but their relationship was very much like a marriage in many ways. They started their relationship in 1974, and despite the complexities, they shared a deep bond.
The relationship faced significant challenges. Andre’s wrestling career demanded constant travel, keeping him on the road approximately 298 days a year. This grueling schedule left little time for family life and strained their connection.
Their family life was complicated, especially because Andre initially did not acknowledge Robin as his daughter. Andre had acromegaly, a hormonal disorder, and infertility is one symptom of this condition, which made Robin’s birth seem miraculous. Andre’s initial doubt about paternity led to a paternity test that confirmed he was Robin’s biological father.
Despite these challenges, Jean and Andre maintained their relationship for several years before eventually separating shortly after Robin’s birth.
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Life as a Mother to Robin
Jean had a daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, born in 1979. After the separation from Andre, Jean took on the primary responsibility of raising Robin.
Jean chose to live in Seattle, Washington, away from the wrestling spotlight. She focused on providing Robin with a stable upbringing, which was challenging given Andre’s fame and their complex relationship. Andre provided financial support for Robin’s upbringing, starting at $750 per month and later increasing to $1,000.
Robin saw her father only a handful of times during her childhood, mostly at wrestling arenas or in court settings. Jean worked to maintain some connection between father and daughter despite the distance and complications.
Jean Christensen’s Net Worth and Financial Life
According to reports, Jean Christensen’s net worth exceeded $100,000, earned primarily through her modeling career and work as a WWE PR professional.
While her net worth was modest compared to Andre’s estimated $5 million fortune, Jean built her financial independence through her own work. She received child support from Andre for Robin’s upbringing, but she maintained her professional identity separate from his fame.
After Andre’s death in 1993, Robin inherited a significant portion of his estate. Andre left two-thirds of his estate to his ranch caretaker and wife, with the remaining third going to Robin. Jean continued managing her own finances independently while supporting Robin’s inheritance and future.
Later Years and Life After Andre
After Andre the Giant passed away in 1993, Jean stepped back from the public eye and focused on raising their daughter Robin. She chose privacy over publicity, living quietly in Seattle and avoiding the wrestling world’s spotlight.
Jean’s later years reflected her independence and strength. She maintained her dignity while dealing with the loss of Andre and the challenges of single motherhood. Though she remained largely out of public view, her impact and legacy within wrestling circles continued to be felt, particularly through the ongoing involvement of her daughter in the industry.
Jean continued supporting Robin’s connection to her father’s legacy, including Robin’s work as a consultant on the 2018 documentary “Andre the Giant.”
Jean Christensen’s Death
Jean Christensen passed away in 2008 at the age of 74. She died 15 years after Andre, having outlived him by more than a decade. Her death left Robin as the sole living heir to the Roussimoff legacy.
Details about Jean’s final years and the circumstances of her death remain private, reflecting the quiet life she chose after stepping away from the wrestling world.
Robin Christensen-Roussimoff: Carrying the Legacy
Robin Christensen-Roussimoff is now 45 years old as of 2025 and lives in Seattle, Washington. She has worked to preserve her father’s legacy while forging her own path.
Robin briefly pursued a career in professional wrestling, although she did not reach the iconic status of her father. She later worked as a consultant for the documentary “Andre the Giant: Closer to Heaven” and appeared in the 2018 TV documentary “Andre the Giant”.
Robin’s net worth is estimated at around $10 million, which includes her inheritance from Andre and royalties from WWE’s continued use of her father’s name and likeness.
Lesser-Known Facts About Jean Christensen
Height Made Her Stand Out: At 6 feet 4 inches, Jean was one of the tallest women in modeling during the 1970s, which helped her career but also made finding romantic partners challenging before meeting Andre.
Professional in Her Own Right: Jean built her career independently of Andre’s fame, establishing herself in wrestling PR before their relationship became serious.
Creative Contributions: Jean worked as a seamstress making wrestling costumes and was credited with introducing more colorful designs to the industry, breaking away from the traditional solid black gear.
Protective Mother: Jean prioritized Robin’s privacy and normal upbringing, choosing to live in Seattle away from the wrestling world’s chaos.
Danish Heritage: Jean’s Danish roots influenced her character and values, contributing to her strength and resilience throughout life’s challenges.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Was Jean Christensen legally married to Andre the Giant?
No, Jean Christensen and Andre the Giant were never legally married in the United States. According to reports, they married in Canada but never registered their marriage license in the U.S. They shared a long-term relationship and had a daughter together, but they were not officially husband and wife under U.S. law.
How did Jean Christensen meet Andre the Giant?
Jean met Andre the Giant in the early 1970s while working in wrestling public relations. Their professional connection gradually grew into a romantic relationship. Jean worked for WWE handling publicity for wrestling events, which brought them together.
What happened to Jean Christensen after Andre died?
After Andre’s death in 1993, Jean stepped back from the public eye and focused on raising their daughter Robin, choosing to live a quieter life away from the glare of the wrestling world. She lived in Seattle until her death in 2008 at age 74.
How much was Jean Christensen worth?
Jean Christensen’s net worth exceeded $100,000, which she earned through her modeling career and work as a WWE PR professional. While modest compared to Andre’s millions, she built her financial independence through her own professional work.
Did Jean Christensen have any other children besides Robin?
No, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff was Jean’s only child. Robin was also Andre the Giant’s only child, making her the sole heir to both parents’ legacies and Andre’s estate after both parents passed away.
Final Thoughts
Jean Christensen’s story is about much more than being Andre the Giant’s partner. She was a successful model, a pioneering wrestling PR professional, and a devoted mother who raised Robin largely on her own.
Jean’s life story is one of quiet courage and lasting influence, maintaining grace and strength through all the challenges and changes. She supported her family while contributing to an industry she helped shape during its formative years.
Her legacy continues through Robin, who works to preserve Andre the Giant’s memory while honoring the mother who raised her. Jean’s journey reminds us that behind every legend are people whose love and dedication quietly build the foundation for greatness. She lived life on her own terms, building a career, raising a daughter, and maintaining her dignity through all of life’s complications.
