Who Was Jean Christensen? Life of Andre the Giant’s Partner

Jean Christensen is a name that continues to spark curiosity, especially among fans of wrestling legend Andre the Giant. While Andre’s larger-than-life presence made him an international star, Jean lived a much quieter existence. She was more than just the partner of one of wrestling’s greatest icons—she was a mother, a professional in her own right, and a woman who valued privacy even when the spotlight was impossible to avoid. This article explores her life in detail, shedding light on her background, her career, her relationship with Andre the Giant, and her legacy.

Quick Bio Information

Name: Jean Christensen
Born: United States (Exact Date Unknown)
Profession: Public Relations in Wrestling
Famous For: Wife of Andre the Giant
Marriage: Married to Andre the Giant (Date Not Publicly Known)
Children: One Daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff (Born 1979)
Height: Average Height (Exact Unknown)
Life After Andre: Lived Privately After 1993
Death: Early 2000s (Exact Year Unclear)
Legacy: Remembered as Andre the Giant’s Wife and Mother of His Child

Who Was Jean Christensen?

Jean Christensen is best known as the longtime partner and wife of Andre the Giant, whose real name was André René Roussimoff. She became known to the public primarily through her relationship with the legendary wrestler, but her story reaches beyond being simply “Andre’s wife.” She had her own career within the wrestling world, working behind the scenes in public relations. Jean also played one of the most important roles in Andre’s life—she was the mother of his only daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff. Even though she never sought fame, her life has remained part of wrestling history because of her close connection to Andre.

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Early Life and Background

Jean Christensen was born in the United States, though her exact date of birth remains unknown. She grew up in a modest American household and lived a relatively normal life before her path crossed with the world of professional wrestling. Details about her parents, siblings, and education have remained private, reflecting her preference to stay out of the public eye. While Andre’s story was celebrated on global stages, Jean’s own background was rooted in simplicity. This difference between their worlds makes her story all the more fascinating, as she would later balance a private upbringing with a life tied to an international celebrity.

Jean Christensen’s Career in Wrestling

Before meeting Andre the Giant, Jean Christensen had already established herself in the wrestling industry, though not as a performer. She worked in public relations, managing wrestler appearances and media coverage. Her position required excellent communication skills, organization, and the ability to work with big personalities. Through her role, she met several well-known figures in wrestling, and her professionalism earned her respect. It was through this career path that she eventually met Andre. While she never chased the spotlight, her involvement behind the scenes made her an important contributor to the sport’s entertainment side.

Meeting Andre the Giant

The paths of Jean Christensen and Andre the Giant crossed in the early 1970s, a time when Andre’s career was rapidly gaining momentum. Known for his staggering size of 7 feet 4 inches and his gentle nature, Andre was already becoming a global attraction. Jean, who worked in wrestling PR, first met him professionally. Over time, their professional relationship turned into a deep personal connection. Unlike many who were captivated by Andre’s fame, Jean saw beyond the public image and recognized his kind, private side. Their love story was not just about attraction but about understanding and companionship, something Andre often lacked due to the challenges of his condition and career.

Marriage and Life with Andre the Giant

Jean Christensen eventually married Andre the Giant, although the exact date of their wedding has never been widely documented. Their relationship was built on mutual respect and love, and Jean provided Andre with stability outside the wrestling ring. While Andre was often surrounded by fans, promoters, and constant media attention, Jean helped create a sense of normalcy in their private life. Together, they worked to balance Andre’s demanding schedule and the challenges of living in the spotlight. Jean’s role as his partner went far beyond appearances—she was his emotional support system and someone he could trust unconditionally.

Jean Christensen as a Mother

In 1979, Jean Christensen gave birth to her daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, Andre’s only child. Robin’s childhood was shaped by the fame of her father, but Jean worked hard to shield her from overwhelming public attention. She focused on providing Robin with a stable home and upbringing. As a mother, Jean carried the responsibility of raising her daughter largely on her own, as Andre’s career kept him traveling around the world. Still, her dedication ensured that Robin grew up with guidance, care, and a strong connection to her family roots. Today, Robin remains the living link between Andre the Giant and Jean Christensen’s legacy.

Challenges in Their Relationship

The relationship between Jean Christensen and Andre the Giant was not without struggles. Andre’s unique medical condition, acromegaly, created severe health issues and constant physical pain. His demanding career required constant travel, keeping him away from home for long stretches of time. The couple also faced public curiosity about their striking difference in size—Jean was of average height, which contrasted sharply with Andre’s towering frame. Despite these obstacles, Jean remained committed to their relationship, offering the love and support that Andre needed. Their ability to endure challenges together reflected the strength of their bond.

Life After Andre the Giant’s Passing

Andre the Giant passed away in January 1993 in France, leaving behind a legacy as one of wrestling’s most iconic figures. After his death, Jean Christensen chose to step back from public life. She avoided media attention and focused on living privately with her daughter. While Andre’s fame continued to grow even after his passing, Jean deliberately remained in the background. Her quiet retreat reflected her lifelong preference for privacy, reminding the world that not everyone connected to celebrity life desires the spotlight.

Jean Christensen’s Death and Legacy

Jean Christensen passed away in the early 2000s, though the exact year of her death has not been confirmed publicly. Her passing marked the end of her quiet but significant story. She is remembered as Andre’s partner, the mother of Robin, and as a woman who supported a global icon while staying true to her own private nature. While Andre’s legacy lives on through his unmatched career, Jean’s legacy lives through the quieter impact she made—her dedication as a wife, mother, and professional in wrestling.

Andre the Giant’s Legacy and Jean’s Role

Andre the Giant remains one of the most celebrated names in wrestling history, admired for his charisma, unmatched size, and unforgettable presence both in the ring and in films like The Princess Bride. Behind his success was Jean Christensen, who played a vital part in keeping him grounded. She gave him companionship when he often felt isolated, and she provided him with a family. Her role may not have been visible in headlines, but without her, Andre’s journey might have been far lonelier. Jean’s presence reminds us that even the biggest legends need someone to stand beside them.

Conclusion: Why Jean Christensen’s Story Matters

Jean Christensen lived a life that was deeply intertwined with one of wrestling’s greatest legends, yet she always valued her own privacy. She was a professional in wrestling, a devoted mother, and a partner who supported Andre through both triumphs and struggles. While her story is not filled with the same fame and spectacle as Andre’s, it is no less meaningful. Her quiet strength and dedication make her an important part of wrestling history and of Andre the Giant’s personal journey. Jean Christensen’s life is a reminder that even those who live away from the spotlight can leave behind a lasting legacy.

FAQs About Jean Christensen

Who Was Jean Christensen?
Jean Christensen was the wife of Andre the Giant and the mother of his only child, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff. She also worked in public relations in the wrestling industry.

How Did Jean Christensen Meet Andre the Giant?
Jean met Andre in the early 1970s while working in wrestling PR. Their professional introduction eventually developed into a romantic relationship.

Did Jean Christensen and Andre Have Children?
Yes, they had one daughter together, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, born in 1979.

What Was Jean Christensen’s Role in Wrestling?
She worked in public relations, helping to manage media and appearances for wrestlers, which connected her with Andre.

When Did Jean Christensen Die?
She passed away in the early 2000s, though the exact year remains uncertain.

Was Jean Christensen as Tall as Andre the Giant?
No, Jean was of average height, which contrasted with Andre’s extraordinary height of 7 feet 4 inches.

What Is Jean Christensen’s Legacy Today?
Her legacy lies in her role as Andre’s supportive partner, the mother of his daughter, and as someone who contributed quietly to wrestling history.