Jean Christensen Biography: Andre the Giant’s Partner, Life & Legacy

Wrestling history is filled with larger-than-life characters, but few loom as large literally and figuratively as Andre the Giant. Known to the world as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” Andre Roussimoff was a global icon of the 20th century. 

But behind the curtain, away from the glare of the squared circle and the flashbulbs of the paparazzi, there was a quiet, complex personal life that few fans ever saw. At the center of that private world was Jean Christensen.

Jean was not just a footnote in wrestling history; she was a woman who navigated the unique challenges of loving a man the world treated as a spectacle. 

She was a professional in her own right, working in the rough-and-tumble world of wrestling public relations during an era when the industry was heavily male-dominated. More importantly, she was the mother of Andre’s only child, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff.

Quick Bio: Jean Christensen

To give you a snapshot of her life, here are the key facts about Jean Christensen.

Early Life: A Towering Presence from the Start

Jean Christensen was born on August 15, 1949, in Minnesota. While many details of her childhood remain private, a testament to her lifelong preference for discretion, we know that she came from a family of Danish descent. 

This heritage often emphasizes values of hard work, modesty, and strong family bonds, traits that would define Jean’s character throughout her tumultuous life.

From a young age, Jean stood out. Quite literally. She grew to a reported height of 6 feet 4 inches. In the 1950s and 60s, a woman of such stature often faced societal scrutiny, but Jean carried herself with a confidence that would eventually lead her to the spotlight. 

Rather than shrinking away, she embraced her height, a quality that would later make her a perfect match for one of the tallest men on earth.

A Career in Modeling

Before she entered the chaotic world of professional wrestling, Jean utilized her unique look to build a career in modeling. In the early 1970s, the fashion world was beginning to embrace more diverse looks, and Jean’s statuesque frame made her a striking presence.

She worked in various capacities, from fashion shoots to commercial modeling. This period of her life was crucial; it taught her how to handle herself in the public eye, how to manage her image, and how to navigate industries that focused heavily on physical appearance. 

These were skills that would prove invaluable when she transitioned into the world of sports entertainment.

Transition to Wrestling: Breaking the Mold

It is a common misconception that Jean Christensen was merely a “wrestling groupie” or a fan who got lucky. In reality, she was a working professional within the industry.

In the early 1970s, the wrestling business was a closed loop, often described as a “carnival” atmosphere protected by strong gatekeepers. It was overwhelmingly male. Yet, Jean transitioned from modeling into wrestling public relations (PR).

The Role of a PR Specialist in the 70s

Working in PR for the wrestling territories (and later the expanding WWF) was no small feat. The job involved:

• Managing Media Relations: ensuring wrestlers made their scheduled radio and newspaper interviews.
• Crisis Management: “Kayfabe” (the protection of the wrestling storylines) was strictly enforced. PR agents had to ensure the wrestlers maintained their characters in public.
• Event Coordination: Helping to promote local shows to ensure ticket sales.

Jean’s background in modeling gave her a deep understanding of presentation. She knew how to sell an image. Her professionalism and ability to stand toe-to-toe (almost) with the massive personalities of the locker room earned her respect behind the scenes.

The Relationship: The Giant and the Publicist

Jean met Andre the Giant around 1972 or 1973. At the time, Andre was already a global sensation, traveling virtually 300 days a year. Their meeting was professional at first, facilitated by her role in the business.

A Connection of Equals

What drew them together? Beyond the obvious physical compatibility, at 6 ‘4″, Jean was one of the few women who didn’t have to strain her neck to look Andre in the eye; there was a shared understanding of being “different.”

Andre often felt isolated by his size, treated like a circus attraction rather than a human being. Jean, with her own exceptional height, understood the feeling of being stared at. She offered him something rare: normalcy. 

They didn’t have a conventional marriage; in fact, they never legally married. However, their relationship was significant and spanned several years during the peak of his fame.

The Struggles of Life on the Road

Their relationship was far from a fairytale. Andre’s schedule was grueling. He was constantly on the move, flying from Japan to Europe to the US. Jean often stayed behind, managing her own life and career. 

The distance, combined with Andre’s deteriorating health (due to acromegaly) and his legendary drinking habits, put a massive strain on their bond.

The Birth of Robin: A Complex Family Dynamic

In 1979, the dynamic of their relationship changed forever with the birth of their daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff.

This should have been a joyous occasion, but it was fraught with complication. Jean reportedly stated in a 1990 interview that she believed Andre was sterile due to his acromegaly, making the pregnancy a shock to both of them.

The Paternity Dispute

Initially, Andre did not acknowledge paternity. This led to a difficult period for Jean, who had to navigate the legal system to prove the lineage of her child. Eventually, a paternity test confirmed that Andre was indeed Robin’s father.

Following the confirmation, Andre settled into a role of financial provider, though not an emotionally present father. He paid child support initially around $750 a month, which later increased to $1,000.

Raising a Child Alone

Jean raised Robin primarily as a single mother. She was the one who attended school plays, managed doctor appointments, and provided stability.

• Protecting Robin: Jean was fiercely protective. She knew the media would want to exploit Andre’s daughter. She reportedly limited Robin’s exposure to the wrestling world to ensure she could form her own identity.
• The “Uncle” Myth: For a long time, Robin didn’t fully grasp the magnitude of who her father was. Jean allowed Robin to discover her father’s fame on her own terms, famously allowing her to realize Andre was her dad when seeing him on screen in The Princess Bride.

Later Life and Death

Following the end of her romantic involvement with Andre and his subsequent death in 1993, Jean retreated from the public eye. She did not seek to monetize her story through tell-all books or talk show circuits. She lived a quiet life, reportedly owning a gift shop in Glendale, California, and indulging in her passions for golf and art.

Jean Christensen passed away in 2008 after a battle with cancer. She died in Laguna Woods, California, surrounded by family. 

Her obituary in the Orange County Register noted her love for music and her accomplishments as an artist, painting a picture of a woman who was far more than just “Andre the Giant’s girlfriend.”

Legacy: The Quiet Pioneer

Jean Christensen’s legacy is often overshadowed by the shadow of the Giant, but it is substantial.

A Pioneer for Women

In the 1970s, women in wrestling were often relegated to valet roles or ring girls. Jean was a PR executive, handling the business side of a brutal industry.

The Gatekeeper

By raising Robin away from the chaotic lifestyle of the road, she likely saved her daughter from the pitfalls that befell many children of wrestlers.

Securing the Future

Her legal insistence on paternity ensured that Andre’s legacy and the rights to his name stayed within the family. Today, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff controls the licensing of her father’s likeness, a direct result of Jean’s fight for her daughter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Jean Christensen married to Andre the Giant?
No, they were never legally married. They were in a long-term relationship and had a child together, but they never tied the knot.

How tall was Jean Christensen?
Jean was reported to be 6 feet 4 inches tall (1.93 meters), which is exceptionally tall for a woman, making her one of the few people who didn’t look tiny next to Andre.

Did Jean Christensen leave a 2026 net worth update?
No. Jean passed away in 2008. Any website claiming to track her “2026 net worth” is likely confusing her estate or her daughter’s assets with her own.

What did Jean die of?
Jean Christensen passed away in 2008 after a battle with cancer.

Did Jean Christensen appear in the HBO Andre the Giant documentary?
Jean herself did not appear as she had already passed away, but she was discussed, and her daughter Robin appeared to speak on behalf of the family.

How many children did Jean have?
She had one daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff.

Did Jean Christensen really work for WWE?
Yes, during the 1970s (then WWWF/WWF era), she worked in public relations and media coordination.

Why did Jean and Andre break up?
The relationship strained due to Andre’s constant touring schedule, his health issues, and the lifestyle differences between life on the road and raising a child.

Did Jean inherit Andre the Giant’s money?
No. Andre left his estate primarily to his daughter, Robin, and the caretakers of his ranch in North Carolina.

Where is Jean Christensen buried?
Details regarding her burial are private, though she passed away in Laguna Woods, California.

Final Thoughts

Jean Christensen was a woman of dignity who lived an extraordinary life by association, yet managed to keep her feet firmly planted on the ground. She was a mother who fought for her child’s rights and a professional who navigated a man’s world with her head held high.

While the world remembers the Giant, it is time we also remember the woman who stood tall beside him. Her story is not just one of wrestling trivia, but of a mother’s love and a woman’s resilience.