The towering legacy of wrestling superstar and actor Andre The Giant is being permanently commemorated with a new roadside historical marker in the small North Carolina town he once called home.
Ellerbe's Gentle Giant Honored
Officials in Ellerbe, North Carolina—a quiet community of approximately 1,000 residents—unveiled the marker on Thursday, paying tribute to the legendary figure who lived on a ranch just outside town. Andre The Giant, born Andre Rene Roussimoff, found a peaceful retreat in this rural area, which became his cherished adopted hometown.
A Colossal Presence in Wrestling and Film
During his celebrated career with the WWE in the 1970s and 1980s, Andre The Giant was officially billed as standing 7-foot-4 (2.24 meters) tall and weighing 520 pounds (236 kilograms). He was portrayed as an unbeatable villain, a persona that captivated audiences nationwide.
His iconic match against Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania III in 1987 marked a pivotal moment, propelling the once regional wrestling promotion into a national entertainment powerhouse. Later that same year, Roussimoff showcased his softer side on the big screen, playing the gentle-hearted giant Fezzik in the beloved film "The Princess Bride."
From France to North Carolina Roots
Although born in France, Andre The Giant developed a deep affection for the American South while wrestling across the region. He purchased a ranch in North Carolina, located about 60 miles (97 kilometers) east of Charlotte, where he raised cattle and embraced the local lifestyle.
He became an integral part of the Ellerbe community, even taping television and radio advertisements in 1990 to oppose a proposed low-level radioactive landfill near the area. A pair of his enormous size-26 cowboy boots remain preserved in a local museum, serving as a tangible reminder of his larger-than-life presence.
A Lasting Memorial
Andre Roussimoff passed away in 1993 at the age of 46 while visiting France for his father's funeral. After a service held there, his body was cremated, and his ashes were scattered across his beloved ranch, forever tying his memory to the North Carolina landscape.
The new historical marker, situated at the intersection of NC Highway 72 and Old NC Highway 220 in Richmond County, features a concise yet poignant inscription: "Andre The Giant. 1946-1993. Actor and professional wrestler. Was born Andre Roussimoff. Known for role in The Princess Bride in 1987. Lived nearby."
This permanent tribute ensures that future generations will remember the gentle giant who left an indelible mark on both the world of entertainment and the heart of a small North Carolina town.
