Andre The Giant stands as one of the most influential figures in WWE history. His immense size and unique physical condition (known as acromegaly) made him a larger-than-life presence in the wrestling world. His towering stature resulted from an overproduction of growth hormones.
By age twelve, Andre weighed 200 pounds and stood 6 feet 7 inches tall. He ended up outgrowing his friends and family. His immense size and strength paved the way for a successful career in professional wrestling and Hollywood. Notably, he played the endearing giant Fezzik in ‘The Princess Bride.’
Despite his health struggles due to acromegaly, Andre’s legacy is filled with tales of his jovial nature, formidable drinking habits, and extraordinary life.
Andre’s career was filled with memorable moments, including his legendary match against Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania 3. This bout is often credited with propelling WWE into the mainstream spotlight. Outside the ring, Andre’s personality and lifestyle were just as captivating.
Andre loved using his size to prank his friends, often moving their cars into tight spots. He also had to defend himself from numerous attacks by individuals, quickly subduing them with his immense strength.
Andre’s eating habits were as legendary as his wrestling career. Known for his colossal appetite, he consumed vast amounts of food and alcohol. On average, he ingested 7,000 calories from alcohol alone each day. Gerald Brisco noted that Andre often drank six bottles of wine before matches. He also set numerous records when it came to drinking pints.
During a 1984 appearance on ‘Late Night with David Letterman,’ Andre was questioned about his drinking habits and asked about his 117 drinks in just one sitting. He said that he used to drink a lot and was unable to keep track of how many drinks he had in one session.
On a different occasion, Andre downed around 125 pints in New Orleans with Harley Race. This was revealed by writer Bill Apter to WWE.
Wrestler Mike Graham shared a story of Andre downing 156 pints in one sitting. The incident has been confirmed by Dusty Rhodes and Michael Hayes.
In her book, WWE Hall of Famer The Fabulous Moolah describes one instance in which Andre downed 127 pints. He passed out in the hotel lobby and had to sleep off his drinking after that. He was too enormous for anybody to move.
On another occasion, Andre finished 16 bottles of plum wine in four hours, then proceeded to compete in three wrestling matches, including a twenty-man battle royal.
Former WWE referee Tim White revealed that Andre once ate 12 steaks and 15 lobsters in one sitting. His excessive eating and drinking ultimately took a toll on his health. At 46, he succumbed to congestive heart failure in 1993.
In recognition of his contributions to wrestling, Andre was the first inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame.
