Jean Christensen is a name intertwined with one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling, Andre the Giant. While she is most known for being the wife of the larger-than-life wrestler, her life and legacy go beyond her marriage to Andre. This article explores key aspects of Jean Christensen’s life, her career as a model, her family, and her lasting influence on those around her.
Jean Christensen: A Brief Overview
Jean Christensen’s life, though often overshadowed by her relationship with Andre the Giant, was remarkable in its own right. Born in the United States, Jean was a successful model during her younger years. However, it wasn’t her modeling career that thrust her into the public eye—it was her relationship with Andre the Giant, one of the most famous wrestlers in the world. The couple met during the early stages of Andre’s career, and their relationship became a significant part of both their lives.
Though Jean led a relatively private life, her connection to Andre the Giant brought her into the spotlight, and she remains a figure of intrigue to fans and biographers alike. Let’s dive deeper into some aspects of her life.
Jean Christensen’s Height and Career as a Model
Jean Christensen’s career as a model helped her gain recognition before her association with Andre. While her height and exact measurements remain largely unpublicized, it’s widely believed that her stature played a role in her success as a model. Being tall, slim, and elegant are characteristics typically prized in the modeling industry, and Jean’s career likely benefitted from her natural grace and beauty.
Her modeling career, though not as widely publicized as her personal life, gave her the opportunity to travel and work with notable brands. During the height of her modeling career, Jean established herself in the fashion world, which would later make her a figure of note when she began dating Andre the Giant.
The Love Story of Jean Christensen and Andre the Giant
Perhaps the most well-known aspect of Jean Christensen’s life was her relationship with professional wrestling legend Andre the Giant. The two met in the 1970s when Jean was working in the public relations department for wrestling events. Their meeting wasn’t just by chance—it was Jean’s PR work that first brought her into contact with Andre. Despite the immense difference in their sizes—Andre stood at a towering 7 feet 4 inches and weighed over 500 pounds—the pair developed a strong and lasting bond.
The couple had a daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, born in 1979. Robin has since become an important figure in preserving the legacy of her father, Andre the Giant, while also maintaining a private life of her own. Jean and Andre’s relationship was filled with both love and challenges, but it ultimately shaped the way Andre approached life, especially as he neared the end of his wrestling career.
Jean Christensen’s Relationship with Andre the Giant
Jean’s relationship with Andre the Giant was one that the public closely followed. Andre’s fame as a wrestler, combined with his reputation as a gentle giant, made their relationship the subject of intrigue. While their relationship was often kept private, the couple remained together until Andre’s passing in 1993.
One of the major challenges the couple faced was Andre’s frequent travel schedule due to his wrestling career. Jean, who was raising their daughter, Robin, often had to manage their family life while Andre was on the road. Despite these difficulties, their love and connection remained strong until Andre’s untimely death.
The Legacy of Jean Christensen After Andre’s Death
After Andre the Giant passed away in 1993, Jean Christensen chose to live a quieter life. She largely stayed out of the public spotlight, focusing on raising their daughter and maintaining the legacy of Andre. While she was never a public figure in the same way Andre was, Jean played a significant role in preserving his memory and ensuring that Robin remained connected to her father’s legacy.
Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, who inherited her father’s estate and likeness rights, continues to appear in public on behalf of her father’s legacy. While Jean herself remained largely private after Andre’s death, her impact on both Andre’s life and the lives of those who knew her cannot be overstated.
Jean Christensen’s Obituary and Final Years
Jean Christensen passed away in 2008, though details surrounding her death remain relatively private. Her obituary highlighted her contributions as a mother, her work in the fashion industry, and her dedication to her family. While she did not seek fame during her lifetime, her connection to Andre the Giant has ensured that her name remains known to wrestling fans and historians.
Though Jean’s life was far from conventional, her legacy continues through her daughter and the fans who remember her role in the life of Andre the Giant. Robin has spoken in interviews about her mother’s strength and resilience, qualities that allowed her to support Andre throughout his career and cope with the challenges of his unique life.
Jean Christensen: The Woman Behind the Giant
While Andre the Giant’s fame was undeniable, Jean Christensen’s story is one of quiet strength and grace. Her modeling career, though overshadowed by her personal life, was a notable part of her early life. Her role as a mother and partner to Andre the Giant was central to her life, and she remains an important figure in the legacy of one of wrestling’s greatest legends.
Her impact may not have been widely publicized, but those who knew Jean Christensen or admired her from afar recognized her importance in the life of Andre the Giant. Today, her legacy lives on in the stories told by her daughter and in the memory of fans who remember her as more than just Andre’s wife—but as a strong woman in her own right.
Conclusion
Jean Christensen’s life was one that bridged both the public and private realms. While she is best known as the wife of Andre the Giant, her life story extends far beyond that relationship. From her career as a model to her role as a mother, Jean Christensen’s legacy is one of quiet resilience and love.
