In the annals of Hollywood lore, few figures loom as large, both literally and figuratively, as André the Giant. His iconic presence, particularly as Fezzik in The Princess Bride, etched him into the collective imagination. Yet, the stories that truly captivate are those from Behind the Scenes: Stories from Andre the Giant's Movie Sets, revealing a man far more complex, vulnerable, and surprisingly human than his colossal public image might suggest. These are tales of pain and resilience, of booming laughter and quiet contemplation, offering a unique glimpse into the life of a legend navigating the everyday (and not-so-everyday) challenges of film production.
At a Glance: Andre the Giant On Set
- A Natural Performer: Despite English being his second language, Andre Roussimoff's wrestling background made him a surprisingly natural actor, requiring minimal physical direction.
- Battling Constant Pain: His immense size led to severe, chronic back pain, necessitating creative camera work and wire rigs for stunts.
- The Gentle Giant: Known for his kindness, he once kept Robin Wright warm with his hand and found solace in environments where he wasn't stared at.
- Legendary Appetites: Anecdotes abound regarding his prodigious drinking, with one infamous bar tab totaling $40,000 during The Princess Bride production.
- Humanizing Moments: From a 16-second fart that halted production to his candid thoughts on life, these stories reveal his warmth, humor, and underlying melancholy.
From Wrestling Ring to the Silver Screen: Andre's Unlikely Acting Career
Born André Roussimoff in Grenoble, France, the world knew him primarily as "Andre the Giant," a professional wrestler who captivated millions. But his imposing stature – standing 7 feet, 4 inches tall and weighing approximately 520 pounds – also made him a natural for the big screen. It wasn't just his size, however, that made him compelling; it was an innate charm and presence cultivated over years in the spotlight of professional wrestling. This background, surprisingly, translated well to acting, often requiring minimal physical direction from seasoned directors like Rob Reiner. He understood presence, timing, and how to command attention, elements crucial to any performance.
His most celebrated role, of course, was Fezzik in the beloved film The Princess Bride. Author William Goldman, who wrote the original novel and screenplay, famously penned the part with Roussimoff specifically in mind. This was a testament to Andre's unique appeal, even if he initially harbored reservations about taking the role. English, however, was Andre's second language, presenting a unique challenge for delivering dialogue. Reiner's ingenious solution involved recording Fezzik's lines on cassette tapes, which Roussimoff would listen to repeatedly. This auditory learning method not only helped him memorize his dialogue but significantly aided his pronunciation, ensuring that Fezzik's gentle giant persona came through clearly. For those curious to explore his wider cinematic footprint beyond this iconic role, a look at All Andre the Giant movies offers a comprehensive journey through his filmography.
Andre's journey through film, though relatively short, left an indelible mark. He passed away in 1993, but the stories from his movie sets continue to circulate, painting a vivid portrait of a man who, despite his incredible physical presence, was often fighting private battles, yet managed to bring so much joy and warmth to those around him.
The Weight of the World: Andre's Battle with Chronic Pain
Being a giant came with extraordinary challenges, and none was more persistent than André Roussimoff's constant back pain. His immense size, a marvel to the public, was a source of unrelenting discomfort, leading to back surgery in 1986. This chronic pain profoundly impacted his ability to perform physically demanding scenes on set, forcing filmmakers to employ creative solutions. It's a stark reminder of the unique challenges of being a giant in a world not built to accommodate such a scale.
During the filming of The Princess Bride, for example, André's pain was a constant consideration. The climactic fight scene between Fezzik and the Man in Black (played by Cary Elwes) could not be performed with Andre completing his stunts unassisted. Instead, the crew masterfully utilized camera tricks, clever editing, and hidden ramps to create the illusion of agile combat. When Fezzik had to catch Buttercup (Robin Wright) during her perilous fall from the castle tower, she wasn't actually falling into his arms. Instead, Wright was carefully lowered by a wire rig, ensuring Andre's back wasn't subjected to the immense strain of catching a person's full weight.
Cary Elwes, who spent significant time alongside Andre, often recalled how Roussimoff drank not for revelry alone, but frequently to dull the persistent ache that plagued him. These quiet moments on set, observing a beloved colleague grapple with such physical burdens, provided a deeper understanding of the man behind the myth. It was a testament to his professionalism and dedication that he continued to deliver memorable performances despite the incredible personal toll.
The Gentle Giant: Moments of Kindness and Quiet Reflection
Despite his formidable appearance, Andre Roussimoff was widely regarded as a gentle soul, and numerous anecdotes from his film sets underscore this nature. His kindness, often expressed in simple, thoughtful gestures, left a lasting impression on his co-stars.
One particularly touching story comes from the set of The Princess Bride. During cold filming days, Robin Wright (Buttercup) found herself struggling with the chill. Without a word, Andre would place one of his massive hands over her head, using his immense body heat to keep her warm. It was an act of spontaneous, paternalistic care that highlighted his tender side.
Christopher Guest, who portrayed the nefarious Count Tyrone Rugen, often recounted how he would playfully shake Andre's hand, only to watch his own hand disappear entirely within Andre's enormous grasp. These small, lighthearted interactions helped to normalize Andre's size, turning it from an intimidating factor into a source of gentle amusement.
Not everyone, however, reacted with such composure. Chris Sarandon (Prince Humperdinck) shared an amusing anecdote about his children's first encounter with Andre. Upon seeing the towering figure, they understandably screamed, a common reaction to someone so extraordinarily large. Yet, Andre, with his innate kindness, always managed to win people over.
Perhaps the most poignant insights into Andre's inner world came from his conversations with fellow cast members. Billy Crystal, who played the unforgettable Miracle Max, recalled Andre telling him how much he loved his North Carolina farm. The reason? The animals "didn't look twice at him." This simple statement revealed a profound yearning for normalcy, for a place where his size didn't draw constant attention. He found a similar solace on the film set, explaining to Crystal that he enjoyed it because "nobody stared at him; he was just another castmember." This sentiment, echoed by Elwes' recollection of Andre saying, "We big people don't live long," offers a bittersweet glimpse into the isolation and prescience that often accompanied his unique existence. These personal reflections are crucial to understanding Andre the Giant's full story, revealing the man behind the legend.
One fascinating anecdote that precedes his film career but speaks to his unusual life involved the renowned Irish playwright Samuel Beckett. Elwes shared a story that Beckett, a Nobel laureate, once drove a young Roussimoff to school. This unlikely pairing of an intellectual titan and a future physical giant highlights the extraordinary circles Andre moved in from a young age, showcasing the breadth of experiences that shaped his unique perspective.
The Larger-Than-Life Persona: Humor, Habits, and Hospitality
Andre the Giant's presence on set wasn't just about his size; it was about his personality, which was as outsized as his frame. His legendary appetites, his booming humor, and his unexpected quirks created an atmosphere of constant, delightful surprise.
One of the most famous and utterly human anecdotes involves a moment on The Princess Bride set that brought production to a standstill. Andre, in a moment of pure, uninhibited bodily expression, let out a truly epic 16-second fart. The sheer duration and volume of the gas were so monumental that director Rob Reiner, ever the professional, could only ask, "Are you OK, André?" To which Andre, with perfect deadpan delivery, replied, "I am now, boss." It was a moment of levity and sheer Andre-ness that instantly became part of the film's folklore.
Beyond the set, his legendary status continued. There's the unforgettable story of Andre passing out in a hotel bar. Given his approximate weight of 520 pounds, moving him was simply not an option for the hotel staff. Their solution? They ingeniously placed a velvet rope around his prone form, transforming him into an impromptu, slumbering exhibit for curious onlookers. It was a testament to his sheer immovable mass and the respect (and perhaps awe) he commanded.
His capacity for drink was equally legendary. While filming The Princess Bride in London, his bar bill at the Hyatt famously totaled a staggering $40,000. This wasn't just a single night's spree; it reflected a sustained, monumental consumption. Estimates from those who knew him well suggested his average daily intake could be a case of beer, three bottles of wine, and a couple of brandies. His preferred concoction, known as "The American," was a formidable mix of 40 ounces of various liquors served in a pitcher. A 2018 documentary even noted an instance where he reportedly drank 119 beers in a single sitting. These stories, while astonishing, were part of the fabric of his storied wrestling career and personal life, underscoring a man who lived life on his own, often extreme, terms.
Not all his off-screen adventures were without incident. He was once allegedly tailed by an undercover police officer in Manhattan after accidentally injuring someone when falling over. While unintentional, such incidents were a stark reminder of the inherent power and potential for disruption that his immense frame carried, even in routine situations.
Filming Challenges and Ingenuity: Crafting Fezzik's World
Creating the world of The Princess Bride, and specifically integrating a figure of Andre's scale, required not just directorial vision but also significant logistical ingenuity from the entire production team. While we marvel at the iconic filming locations of The Princess Bride, it's easy to overlook the hidden work that went into making every shot seamless.
The art department, for instance, had to meticulously design sets and props that could both accommodate Andre and maintain the fantastical scale of the story. Doors, staircases, and even furniture had to be subtly oversized or strategically placed to ensure he didn't appear disproportionate to his surroundings within the frame. This wasn't about making him look smaller; it was about making the world around him feel appropriately grand to house such a magnificent character.
Rob Reiner's approach to directing Andre was particularly noteworthy. Recognizing Andre's natural stage presence from wrestling and his unique verbal challenges, Reiner focused on capturing his authentic reactions and expressions. He prioritized Andre's comfort and the authenticity of his performance over strict blocking, knowing that Andre's sheer charisma would carry the scenes. This collaborative, empathetic directing style allowed Andre to shine, turning potential obstacles into unique strengths of the film.
The combination of Andre's inherent talent, Reiner's sensitive direction, and the crew's technical prowess ultimately created one of cinema's most beloved gentle giants. These behind-the-scenes stories are a testament not only to Andre's resilience and character but also to the magic of filmmaking itself, proving that with creativity and compassion, any challenge can be overcome.
More Than a Role: Andre's Enduring Legacy
The stories from Andre the Giant's movie sets, particularly from The Princess Bride, are more than just amusing anecdotes. They are vital pieces of a puzzle that paint a complete picture of a man who was, in every sense of the word, larger than life. They reveal his incredible physical burdens, his moments of profound vulnerability, his infectious humor, and his deep yearning for simple acceptance.
Andre Roussimoff's contribution to cinema goes far beyond his physical stature. He brought a unique blend of power and tenderness to his roles, embodying characters that resonated deeply with audiences. He proved that true presence on screen isn't just about size, but about heart, emotion, and an unforgettable spirit.
These behind-the-scenes tales invite us to look closer, to appreciate the human complexities that lie beneath the surface of every cinematic legend. They remind us that the magic we see on screen often comes hand-in-hand with immense personal effort, ingenuity, and a shared humanity. The next time you watch The Princess Bride, or any of Andre's films, remember these stories. You'll likely find yourself not just enjoying the performance, but gaining a deeper appreciation for the remarkable man who brought these characters to life.