Jean Christensen was a WWE publicist and former model who became known as Andre the Giant’s partner. Born August 15, 1949, in Minnesota, she stood 6 feet 4 inches tall and worked in WWE’s PR department during the 1970s. She raised their daughter Robin largely alone after their relationship ended in 1979, passing away in 2008.
Quick Facts About Jean Christensen
| Personal Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jean Christensen |
| Birth Date | August 15, 1949 |
| Birthplace | Minnesota, United States |
| Death | 2008 (aged 58-59 years) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White, Danish descent |
| Height | 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 196 lbs (89 kg) |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Early Career | Professional Model (1970s) |
| Main Career | WWE Public Relations Representative |
| Years in WWE | Early to mid-1970s |
| Partner | Andre the Giant (André René Roussimoff) |
| Relationship Period | 1972-1979 (approximately) |
| Marital Status | Never legally married |
| Daughter | Robin Christensen-Roussimoff (born 1979) |
| Known For | WWE publicist, Andre’s partner, raising Robin |
| Estimated Net Worth | $100,000 (at time of death, 2008) |
Who Was Jean Christensen?
She was the woman who stood behind one of wrestling’s biggest legends—but not in the way most people think. Jean wasn’t just “Andre the Giant’s girlfriend.” She built her own career in modeling and WWE public relations before their paths crossed. Her story involves professional success, complicated romance, single motherhood, and quiet strength.
You won’t find Jean in wrestling history books the way you find Andre. She worked behind the scenes, managing media relationships and wrestler appearances during WWE’s early growth years. Her contributions helped shape wrestling’s public image during a critical period, though she rarely received recognition for this work.
Growing Up Tall in Minnesota
Jean was born on August 15, 1949, in Minnesota to parents of Danish descent. Her family valued hard work, independence, and fairness—principles that would define her entire life. Growing up in the Midwest during the 1950s and 1960s gave her traditional values mixed with changing social expectations for women.
Her height set her apart from childhood. Reaching 6 feet 4 inches made her taller than most men, which created both opportunities and challenges. Society in the 1960s expected women to be petite and feminine. Jean’s height defied these expectations, requiring confidence and thick skin to navigate a world that constantly commented on her appearance.
She attended Catholic schools, where she learned discipline and developed strong moral foundations. Her education prepared her for professional life, though her height ultimately opened doors into modeling that her schooling couldn’t.
Breaking Into Modeling
During the early 1970s, Jean entered professional modeling. Her exceptional height—a liability in everyday life—became her biggest asset on runways and in photo shoots. The fashion industry was evolving, and tall models with striking presence were gaining popularity.
She worked steadily throughout the decade, appearing in campaigns and fashion shows. Her modeling career taught her confidence, poise, and how to handle public attention. She learned to work with photographers, stylists, and brands. These skills would prove valuable when she transitioned into public relations work.
Modeling also taught her resilience. The industry demands thick skin and constant adaptation to rejection, criticism, and changing trends. Jean developed professional toughness that helped her handle the later challenges of working in male-dominated wrestling industry.
Joining WWE’s Public Relations Team
In the early 1970s, Jean transitioned from modeling to working in WWE’s public relations department. The World Wrestling Federation (later WWE) was growing rapidly under Vince McMahon Sr.’s leadership, expanding beyond regional audiences to national prominence.
Her role involved managing wrestlers’ media appearances, coordinating interviews, handling press releases, and maintaining relationships with sports journalists. She scheduled photo shoots, arranged promotional events, and helped wrestlers project the right public image. This behind-the-scenes work was essential but rarely received recognition.
WWE during this period was rough, male-dominated territory. Female employees were uncommon, especially in non-secretarial roles. Jean earned respect through professionalism, competence, and refusing to be intimidated by larger-than-life personalities she worked with daily.
Meeting Andre the Giant
Jean met Andre around 1972-1974 while working for WWE. Andre had arrived in the United States in 1971 and was quickly becoming wrestling’s biggest attraction—literally and figuratively. Standing 7 feet 4 inches tall and weighing over 500 pounds, he was unlike anyone else in sports or entertainment.
Their first interactions were professional. Jean handled some of Andre’s public appearances and media coordination. She appreciated that Andre towered over her even when she wore high heels—a rare experience for a 6’4″ woman. Most men were shorter than Jean, but Andre made her feel small.
Their professional relationship gradually became personal. They began spending time together outside work obligations. Andre appreciated Jean’s intelligence and independence. She understood the wrestling business and the pressures he faced as the industry’s biggest star. Their connection deepened into romance.
Understanding Andre the Giant
Andre René Roussimoff was born May 19, 1946, in Coulommiers, France. He suffered from acromegaly, a hormonal disorder causing excess growth hormone production. This condition made him extraordinarily large but also created serious health problems that would eventually kill him at age 46.
He came to America in his early twenties to pursue wrestling fame. His size made him a natural attraction—audiences paid to see “The Eighth Wonder of the World.” He became one of the highest-paid wrestlers of the 1970s, earning approximately $400,000 annually (equivalent to $2.4 million in 2024).
Despite his fame, Andre lived lonely existence. His size created constant challenges—he couldn’t fit in regular cars, airplane seats, or hotel beds. Simple activities like shopping or dining out attracted stares and crowds. His acromegaly caused chronic pain that worsened as he aged.
Their Complicated Relationship
Jean and Andre’s relationship was never simple. They maintained connection from the mid-1970s through the end of that decade, but they never married legally in the United States. Some sources claim they married in France or elsewhere, but no marriage certificate was ever registered in America.
Initially, Jean believed Andre might be sterile due to his medical condition. This assumption shaped their relationship decisions. They didn’t plan for children or discuss long-term family commitments. Their romance existed within the constraints of Andre’s demanding schedule and health limitations.
Andre traveled constantly for wrestling commitments. He performed in different cities almost daily, leaving little time for sustained relationship building. Jean maintained her own career while trying to navigate this nomadic existence. The relationship operated on stolen moments between his wrestling obligations.
The Surprise Pregnancy
In 1979, Jean discovered she was pregnant—a shock to both of them given their assumption about Andre’s fertility. She gave birth to their daughter while living in France, naming her Robin Christensen-Roussimoff. The baby was born on March 16, 1979, in Coulommiers, France (some sources cite Paris).
Andre’s initial reaction was complicated. The pregnancy surprised him, and he struggled with how fatherhood fit into his life. His wrestling schedule, health issues, and personal reservations about passing his medical condition to a child all created concerns.
Shortly after Robin’s birth, Jean and Andre’s relationship deteriorated significantly. The stress of new parenthood, Andre’s absence due to wrestling commitments, and unresolved issues between them created an irreparable rift. They separated, with Jean moving back to the United States.
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The Paternity Battle
Andre initially didn’t acknowledge Robin as his daughter. Jean had to pursue legal action to establish paternity and secure child support. This became a painful, public process that exposed private matters and created lasting bitterness between them.
A court-ordered paternity test confirmed Andre was Robin’s biological father. The legal proceedings forced Andre to provide financial support, though the amount and terms remain private. The court battle damaged any remaining goodwill between Jean and Andre, making future co-parenting difficult.
Jean and Robin appeared on the television show “A Current Affair” to discuss their situation and Andre’s absence from Robin’s life. In the interview, Jean expressed disappointment about Andre’s lack of involvement while also acknowledging the brief romantic relationship they shared.
Raising Robin Alone
After the separation, Jean moved to Seattle, Washington, where she raised Robin as a single mother. She provided stable home environment away from wrestling’s spotlight and Andre’s overwhelming fame. Her priority became giving Robin normal childhood despite her famous father.
Jean worked to support herself and Robin while managing the complications of their situation. Robin carried her father’s surname (Roussimoff) along with Jean’s (Christensen), linking her permanently to wrestling’s biggest legend. Jean had to help Robin understand who her father was while protecting her from excessive attention.
Money was consistently tight. While Andre provided court-ordered child support, Jean’s own career earnings as a former model and PR professional had to stretch to cover their needs. She managed finances carefully, ensuring Robin’s needs were met even when resources were limited.
The Strained Father-Daughter Dynamic
Robin only saw her father in person five times during her childhood. Their first meeting was for the paternity test—hardly an ideal beginning for parent-child relationship. The limited contact created distance that was never fully bridged before Andre’s death.
Andre tried to connect with Robin over the phone. He’d call to ask about her hobbies, school, and life in Seattle. These conversations were attempts to be present despite his absence. However, the infrequency of contact and the awkwardness of long-distance parenting limited their effectiveness.
Andre wanted Robin to visit his ranch in North Carolina. He hoped she could see where he lived and spend time together on his property. However, Robin was too young to travel alone, and Jean refused to accompany her given their strained relationship. This standoff meant the ranch visits never happened.
Jean never prevented Robin from seeing Andre. Instead, she encouraged Robin to form her own opinions about her father without interference. Jean wanted Robin to understand Andre as a person, not just the larger-than-life wrestling persona. This approach showed maturity despite Jean’s own hurt feelings.
The Princess Bride Surprise
In 1987, Jean took eight-year-old Robin to see “The Princess Bride” without telling her that Andre played Fezzik. Robin loudly exclaimed “That’s my dad!” when she recognized him on screen, creating a memorable moment Jean surely anticipated but Robin experienced as surprise.
Andre was extremely proud of his role in the film. As Robin later explained, he got to be himself as Fezzik—a gentle giant with a good heart. The character matched who Andre truly was beneath the wrestling persona. Jean understood this pride, which may have been why she chose to share the film with Robin that way.
Life After Andre’s Death
Andre died on January 27, 1993, in Paris, France, where he’d traveled for his father’s funeral. He passed away in his hotel room from congestive heart failure related to his acromegaly. He was only 46 years old.
Jean and Robin missed the phone call informing them of his death, learning instead through a message on their answering machine. The impersonal notification added to the tragedy. Jean wept while Robin, then 14 years old, fled to her best friend’s house to process the complicated emotions.
Robin didn’t attend either of Andre’s two memorial services. Given their limited relationship and the emotional complexity of the situation, her absence was understandable. Jean likely supported whatever decision Robin made about how to grieve her father.
Andre left his entire estate to Robin as his sole heir. However, paranoid that Jean might control the money, he placed it in a trust that Robin couldn’t access until she turned 30 in 2009. This final arrangement showed Andre’s continued distrust of Jean even in death, though it also demonstrated his commitment to Robin’s financial future.
Jean’s Final Years
After Andre’s death, Jean continued raising Robin in Seattle. She maintained privacy about their lives, avoiding wrestling events and media attention. She wanted Robin to develop her own identity separate from being “Andre the Giant’s daughter.”
Jean supported Robin through teenage years and into young adulthood. She helped Robin process her feelings about her father and their limited relationship. She encouraged Robin to learn more about Andre when she was ready, connecting with his wrestling colleagues and “Princess Bride” co-stars.
Jean died in 2008 at age 58 or 59. The exact circumstances of her death remain private, respecting the same privacy she maintained throughout her life. She lived long enough to see Robin reach adulthood and begin exploring her father’s legacy more openly.
Her Estimated Net Worth
At the time of her death in 2008, Jean’s net worth was estimated around $100,000. This modest figure reflected her career as a model and WWE publicist combined with single-parent financial realities. She never capitalized on her connection to Andre for personal profit.
Her income came from her own work rather than leveraging Andre’s fame. After leaving WWE, she likely worked in other fields to support herself and Robin. Her financial situation was comfortable but not wealthy, demonstrating her independence and refusal to exploit her famous ex-partner.
Robin’s Life and Legacy
Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, now 45 years old (as of 2025), lives in Seattle. She briefly pursued professional wrestling and acting, appearing in the 2018 HBO documentary “Andre the Giant” and working as a consultant on projects about her father’s life.
Robin manages Andre’s image rights and regularly appears at comic conventions, wrestling podcasts, and public events honoring her father. Her estimated net worth is around $10 million, largely from inheriting Andre’s estate and ongoing WWE royalties when they use Andre’s name and likeness.
She’s developed positive view of her father despite their limited relationship. “He was truly the gentle giant,” she told Sports Illustrated. “I never felt any fear around him whatsoever. He really was such a cheerful person.” Her ability to forgive his absence shows the emotional maturity Jean helped instill.
Jean’s Lasting Impact
Jean’s legacy extends beyond her connection to Andre. She worked in WWE during formative years, contributing to how the organization handled public relations during its expansion. Her professionalism helped establish standards for media management in wrestling.
As a single mother, she raised Robin to be confident, independent, and forgiving. Despite financial struggles and the complications of Robin’s famous father, Jean provided stable foundation. Robin’s success and healthy perspective on her father reflect Jean’s parenting.
Jean showed that you don’t need to exploit famous connections for personal gain. She could have written books, given interviews, or leveraged Andre’s name for profit. Instead, she chose privacy and dignity, focusing on giving Robin the best life possible.
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Understanding Her Choices
Jean’s decisions throughout her life showed consistent values. She chose meaningful work over easy money. She chose Robin’s wellbeing over capitalizing on Andre’s fame. She chose privacy over public attention. These choices defined her character more than any single relationship or career achievement.
Her refusal to prevent Robin from seeing Andre despite their strained relationship showed maturity. Many divorced parents use children as weapons or manipulation tools. Jean wanted Robin to form her own relationship with her father, even though Jean’s own feelings toward Andre were complicated.
What We Can Learn From Jean?
Jean’s story teaches several valuable lessons. First, you can build significant career in male-dominated industries through competence and professionalism. She earned respect in WWE despite the challenges female employees faced in the 1970s.
Second, single parenthood requires immense strength, especially when raising the child of a famous person. Jean gave Robin stability while helping her understand her unique heritage. She balanced honesty about Andre with protecting Robin from excessive attention.
Third, privacy is a valid choice even when fame offers financial opportunities. Jean could have profited from her connection to Andre but chose dignity instead. This decision protected her mental health and Robin’s childhood.
Fourth, complicated relationships don’t require public drama. Despite legal battles and hurt feelings, Jean handled her situation privately. She didn’t trash Andre in media or use Robin to hurt him. Her restraint demonstrated class that many people in similar situations lack.
Her Place in Wrestling History
Wrestling history books focus on performers—the names fans cheered and booed. Jean worked behind the scenes, making those performers successful through smart public relations. Her contributions helped WWE grow during critical early years.
She represents countless women who worked in wrestling’s support roles without recognition. Publicists, coordinators, office staff, and others made the industry function. Their stories rarely get told, but their work was essential.
Jean’s relationship with Andre also humanizes one of wrestling’s most legendary figures. Andre’s size made him seem superhuman, but his relationship with Jean and Robin showed his humanity, flaws, and struggles. Through Jean’s story, we understand Andre as a complex person rather than just a spectacle.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was Jean Christensen and how did she know Andre the Giant?
Jean Christensen was a WWE publicist and former model who worked in the wrestling organization’s PR department during the early 1970s. She met Andre the Giant (André René Roussimoff) around 1972-1974 while managing media appearances and promotional activities for wrestlers. Their professional relationship developed into a romantic partnership that lasted through most of the 1970s.
2. Was Jean Christensen married to Andre the Giant?
No, Jean and Andre were never legally married in the United States. While some sources claim they may have married in France or elsewhere, no official marriage certificate was ever registered. They maintained a romantic relationship from the mid-1970s until 1979, when their daughter Robin was born. They separated shortly after Robin’s birth.
3. How many children did Jean Christensen have with Andre?
Jean and Andre had one daughter together—Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, born March 16, 1979, in France. Andre initially didn’t acknowledge Robin as his daughter, leading to a paternity test that confirmed his fatherhood. Robin is now 45 years old (as of 2025) and manages her father’s image rights while living in Seattle, Washington.
4. What was Jean Christensen’s height and physical appearance?
Jean stood 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) tall and weighed approximately 196 pounds (89 kg). Her exceptional height helped her succeed as a model in the 1970s and made her one of the few women who wasn’t dwarfed by Andre the Giant, who stood 7 feet 4 inches. She had Danish heritage, with brown hair and dark brown eyes.
5. When did Jean Christensen pass away and what was her net worth?
Jean Christensen died in 2008 at age 58 or 59. Her estimated net worth at the time of her death was approximately $100,000, earned through her modeling career, WWE public relations work, and other employment after leaving the wrestling industry. She raised daughter Robin as a single mother in Seattle after separating from Andre in 1979.
