Jean Christensen was a model and wrestling public relations professional during the 1970s and 1980s. Most people remember her because of her relationship with André the Giant, one of wrestling’s biggest stars. However, Jean’s story is much more than just being connected to a famous wrestler.
Detailed Bio Table
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jean Christensen |
| Date of Birth | August 15, 1949 |
| Place of Birth | Minnesota, United States |
| Date of Death | 2008 (aged 74) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Danish descent |
| Height | Approximately 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 meters) |
| Profession | Model, WWE Public Relations Professional |
| Known For | Relationship with André the Giant |
| Children | Robin Christensen-Roussimoff (born 1979) |
| Partner | André the Giant (never legally married in the US) |
| Net Worth | Over $100,000 |
Early Life and Career
Jean was born in Minnesota to parents Nels Peter and Paula Gantriis. Her family came from Denmark, which gave her a special cultural background. In the early 1970s, Jean started working as a model. She was tall and had a strong presence, which helped her succeed in the modeling world.
Jean’s career took an exciting turn when she moved into the wrestling industry. She got a job in public relations for WWE (then called WWF). This was unusual because very few women worked in these positions during that time. As a public relations professional, Jean helped wrestlers with their public image, organized interviews, and made sure the media covered wrestling events in a positive way. She was one of the first women to do this kind of work in wrestling, which made her a pioneer in the industry.
Meeting André the Giant
Jean met André René Roussimoff, known as André the Giant, in the early 1970s while working in wrestling public relations. André was an incredible figure who stood over 7 feet tall and weighed more than 500 pounds because of a condition called acromegaly. Despite his huge size, people who knew André said he was gentle and kind.
Jean and André connected because they understood each other. Jean appreciated André’s kind nature behind his powerful appearance, while André valued Jean’s intelligence and independence. Their relationship grew slowly but became very strong.
Their Relationship and Family
Jean and André never legally married in the United States, though there are reports they had a common-law marriage in Canada. In 1979, Jean gave birth to their daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff. The beginning was difficult because André initially did not believe he could have children. A paternity test later confirmed that Robin was indeed his daughter.
After this confirmation, André provided financial support for Robin, starting at $750 per month and later increasing to $1,000 per month. However, André’s career kept him traveling constantly around the world. This made it very hard for him to spend time with Jean and Robin. As a result, Robin grew up mostly with her mother in Seattle, Washington.
Jean raised Robin mostly on her own. Robin has shared in interviews that she only met her father a few times during her childhood, with some meetings happening in court during child support discussions. Despite these challenges, Jean worked hard to give Robin a good life, balancing her career with being a mother.
Life After André
André the Giant died on January 27, 1993, in Paris, France. He was only 46 years old when he passed away from heart failure. After André died, Jean chose to step away from the public eye and focused on raising Robin and living a quieter life.
Jean worked as a seamstress and costume designer in her later years. She owned a costume shop called “Andre’s Bodacious Babe Costumes” in the Seattle area, which was named after André and herself. She created costumes for entertainers and continued to use her creative skills. Jean Christensen passed away in 2008 at the age of 74.
Robin’s Legacy
Robin Christensen-Roussimoff inherited most of her father’s wealth. She briefly tried professional wrestling herself but did not reach the same level of fame as her father. Robin has worked to keep her father’s memory alive. She was a consultant for the documentary “André the Giant,” which aired on HBO in 2018. Today, Robin’s net worth is between $5 million and $10 million.
Jean’s Impact
Jean Christensen may not be as famous as André the Giant, but her impact was real and important. She was a successful model who transitioned into a challenging career in wrestling public relations. As one of the few women working in wrestling PR during the 1970s, Jean opened doors for other women who wanted careers in the industry.
Jean also showed incredible strength as a mother. She raised Robin mostly alone while dealing with the challenges of her partner’s fame and constant travel. Her relationship with André the Giant was unique and special. Despite the difficulties they faced, there was real love and respect between them.
Conclusion
Jean Christensen’s life was about much more than being André the Giant’s partner. She was a model, a professional in the wrestling industry, and a dedicated mother. She faced challenges with grace and built a life based on her own talents and hard work. Her story reminds us that behind every famous person are others who support, love, and contribute to their success. Jean lived with quiet strength and left a legacy through her daughter and the wrestling community that remembers her contributions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Was Jean Christensen married to André the Giant?
Jean and André were never legally married in the United States. Some sources say they had a common-law marriage in Canada, but they never registered it officially in the US. They had a long-term relationship and shared a daughter together.
2. What did Jean Christensen do for a living?
Jean started her career as a model in the early 1970s. She then worked as a public relations professional for WWE (then WWF), helping manage wrestler publicity and media coverage. Later in life, she worked as a seamstress and costume designer.
3. How many children did Jean Christensen have?
Jean had one daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, who was born in 1979. Robin was André the Giant’s only child.
4. When did Jean Christensen pass away?
Jean Christensen died in 2008 when she was 74 years old. She lived in the Seattle area during her later years.
5. What is Jean Christensen’s legacy in wrestling?
Jean was one of the first women to work in wrestling public relations during the 1970s. She helped shape the public image of many wrestlers and contributed to wrestling’s growth during an important time. She also raised André the Giant’s daughter and helped preserve his legacy through her family.
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