BACK MAINBeyond any doubt Andre the Giant is the most beloved Professional Wrestler of all time. His massive physical size was rivaled only by his heart and his love of sports entertainment.
Despite being constantly cast as a brutal vicious monster for most of his career, Andre was said to the kindest, most gentle man to ever live. His ceaseless work with several children's charities is evidence of this. And the respect and friendship he earned from his contemporaries also stands as testament to this.
Over his 20 plus year career, Andre wrestled the world over, and gathered a huge following of fans where ever he went. There aren't many older wrestling fans, who don't have a favorite memory or story about the Giant.
My fondest memory of Andre was his unmatched ability at playing the pure heel. Andre's character was truly dispicable with no redeeming qualities what so ever. But at the same time, it was kind of hard to buy completely into the angle, knowing what a good man he was. Suspension of disbelief is a wonderful thing. I also remember one story Hogan told about him. It seems Andre was on vacation visiting his home country of France. Andre was driving through Paris when a motorist rear-ended him at a stop sign. The usually calm Andre got out of his car and turned the other man's car over in a fit of rage. I have no idea if this is a true story, or just one of those myths that tend to gather around our heroes. Either way, I enjoy the story.
Andre left his farm in Grenoble France at a young age to pursue his dreams of wealth and fame. Already well over 6 feet tall at the age of 15, he quickly found work in Paris, most people mistaking him for a full grown man. He began attending the matches in the city and quickly caught the attention of the local promoter. It is hard for someone like Andre to blend into a crowd. Later that year, he began his career, and the rest is legend.
Through Proffesional Wrestling, Andre achieved fame and fortune beyond his wildest dreams. He came into our lives, and provided countless hours of entertainment, selflessly sacrificing his body and health in the process. Towards the end of his life, Andre was in constant pain and his health was rapidly failing. In January of 1993, Andre returned home to attend the funeral of his father. During the service, he suffered a massive heart attack and passed away the next day, January 29, 1993. I was just numb for days after hearing the news. But I am not writing this to talk about how he died, I am writing it as a celebration of a truly beautiful human being, and how he lived.
Andre knew he would not have a long life, so he lived every minute to the fullest. It is rumored he would consume 12 beers with his dinner, and be none the worse for wear. Every minute he spent in the ring in front of the fans he cherished, I could always tell he was having the time of his life in there. I think that is why I am still such a huge fan of his. Even his very last match for the WWF, the epic battle with Hogan at WMIII. He was in intense pain during the match, and almost backed out at the last minute, but he got in the ring and gave Wrestling history one of the best matches of all time.
Andre, we all miss you and love you very much. I hope where ever you are, you are looking over us and smiling knowing the impact you made on all of our lives. And you are not forgotten.
- The Laughingman - 6/17/00
