Jean Christensen lived a life that many people find interesting, not just because of her connection to the famous wrestler Andre the Giant, but because of her own story of strength and independence. She was a woman who built her own career, raised a daughter mostly on her own, and managed to keep her private life away from public attention during a time when everything about Andre was making headlines.
Biography of Jean Christensen
| Full Name | Jean Christensen (born Jean Christensen Gantriis) |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 15, 1949 |
| Place of Birth | Minnesota, United States |
| Background | Danish descent |
| Height | 6 feet 4 inches |
| Profession | Model, WWE Public Relations Professional |
| Known For | Partner of Andre the Giant |
| Children | Robin Christensen-Roussimoff (born 1979) |
| Date of Death | 2008 (aged 74) |
Early Life and Background
Jean Christensen was born on August 15, 1949, in Minnesota. Her family came from Denmark, and she grew up with Danish roots that shaped her character. Her original last name was Gantriis, which has a special meaning in Danish culture. It represents knowledge, leadership, and fairness – qualities that would later define her own life.
Not much is known about Jean’s childhood and family life because she preferred to keep those details private. What we do know is that she grew up in America and eventually moved toward a career that would change her life completely.
Career as a Model and Wrestling Professional
In the early 1970s, Jean started working as a model. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches tall, she was much taller than most women of her time. While this height might have been unusual, it actually helped her stand out in the modeling world. She had confidence and grace that came naturally to her.
Her modeling career eventually led her to the wrestling industry. Jean began working in public relations for wrestling organizations, including WWE. Her job involved managing media relations, organizing public appearances, and helping wrestlers connect with their fans. This was not an easy job, especially in an industry dominated by men, but Jean handled it with skill and professionalism.
It was through this work in wrestling that Jean’s life would take an unexpected turn when she met Andre the Giant.
Meeting Andre the Giant
Jean met Andre the Giant, whose real name was André René Roussimoff, around 1972 or 1973. At that time, Andre was becoming famous worldwide for his incredible size. He stood over 7 feet tall and weighed more than 500 pounds. His size was caused by a condition called gigantism, which resulted from too much growth hormone in his body.
Their first meeting was professional. Jean was working in wrestling public relations, and Andre was one of the biggest stars in the business. Over time, their professional relationship grew into something more personal. Despite their physical differences and the challenges of Andre’s demanding career, they developed a deep connection based on respect and understanding.
Jean saw beyond Andre’s giant appearance and recognized his gentle nature. Andre, on the other hand, appreciated Jean’s intelligence and independence. Their relationship was not typical, but it was genuine.
The Question of Marriage
Whether Jean and Andre were officially married remains unclear even today. Some reports suggest they had a wedding ceremony in Canada but never registered their marriage license in the United States. Other sources say they were never legally married at all but shared a long-term relationship that was very similar to marriage.
One interview from 2008 quoted Jean saying they married in Canada but did not file the paperwork in America. Their daughter, Robin, has referred to it as a common-law marriage. Whatever the legal status was, it is clear that Jean and Andre shared a significant bond and built a life together for several years.
Becoming a Mother
In 1979, Jean gave birth to their daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff. The pregnancy came as a surprise because Andre believed he could not have children. When Jean told him she was pregnant, he initially did not think the child was his.
To settle the question, they had a paternity test done. The results confirmed that Andre was indeed Robin’s biological father. After this confirmation, Andre began providing financial support for his daughter. He first paid $750 per month, which later increased to $1,000 per month.
However, the relationship between Jean and Andre became difficult after Robin’s birth. Andre’s wrestling career kept him traveling constantly around the world. He had little time to spend with his family. Jean made the decision to raise Robin in Seattle, Washington, away from the spotlight and chaos of the wrestling world.
Raising Robin Alone
Jean took on the role of being Robin’s primary parent. This was not easy, especially since Andre was rarely around. Robin has shared in interviews that she only saw her father in person about five times during her entire childhood. Most of their contact happened in courtrooms or at wrestling events.
Despite these challenges, Jean gave Robin a stable and loving home. She made sure her daughter grew up with strong values and independence. Jean taught Robin to be self-reliant and to build her own identity, rather than living only in her father’s shadow.
Robin has spoken warmly about her mother’s efforts and the strength Jean showed in raising her. While Robin’s childhood was not traditional, Jean did everything she could to provide a good life for her daughter.
Life After Separation
Jean and Andre eventually separated, though they never formally divorced if they were indeed married. The distance between them grew as Andre’s career continued to demand all of his time and energy. Jean chose to live a quiet life in Seattle with Robin, far from the wrestling world.
Andre the Giant passed away on January 27, 1993, in Paris, France. He died from heart failure at the age of 46. His condition, gigantism, had caused serious health problems throughout his life. When he died, Andre’s estate was worth about $5 million, most of which went to Robin.
After Andre’s death, Jean continued to stay out of the public eye. She focused on her own life and watching her daughter grow. Jean preferred privacy and did not seek attention or fame from her connection to one of wrestling’s biggest legends.
Jean’s Legacy
Jean Christensen passed away in 2008 at the age of 74. While she never sought the spotlight, her impact on the wrestling world and on her daughter’s life was significant.
Her work in wrestling public relations during the 1970s helped shape how wrestlers connected with the public. She brought creativity and professionalism to a business that was still developing its relationship with media and fans.
More importantly, Jean’s legacy lives on through her daughter Robin. Robin has worked as a consultant on projects about her father, including the HBO documentary “Andre the Giant” released in 2018. Robin has also been involved in wrestling-related activities and continues to honor both of her parents’ memories.
Jean’s story reminds us that behind every famous person is often someone equally strong who chooses to stay in the background. She was a mother who did her best under difficult circumstances, a professional who built her own career, and a woman who maintained her dignity and privacy throughout her life.
Conclusion
Jean Christensen may not be as famous as Andre the Giant, but her story is one of quiet strength and determination. She navigated life as the partner of a global celebrity while building her own career and raising a daughter mostly on her own. Jean showed that it is possible to be connected to fame without being consumed by it.
Her life teaches us about independence, resilience, and the importance of putting family first. Though she passed away in 2008, Jean Christensen’s legacy continues through her daughter and the memories of those who knew her best.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Was Jean Christensen married to Andre the Giant?
The marriage status remains unclear. Some sources say they married in Canada but never registered it in the United States. Others say they had a long-term relationship but were never legally married. Their daughter called it a common-law marriage.
2. How did Jean Christensen meet Andre the Giant?
Jean met Andre in the early 1970s while she was working in public relations for the wrestling industry. Their relationship started professionally and later became romantic.
3. Did Jean Christensen and Andre the Giant have children?
Yes, they had one daughter named Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, who was born in 1979. Robin is Andre’s only child.
4. What was Jean Christensen’s profession?
Jean worked as a model in the early 1970s and later moved into public relations for the wrestling industry, including working with WWE.
5. When did Jean Christensen pass away?
Jean Christensen died in 2008 at the age of 74. She lived a private life after Andre’s death in 1993 and stayed away from public attention.
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