Jean Christensen and Andre the Giant started a whirlwind romance sometime in 1972 or 73, yet, the pair were never married. Through this relationship, Christensen, a former model and WWF PR representative gave birth to their only child, Robin Christensen.
It would be recalled that the French man who was born Andre Rene Roussimoff rose to the top of his career touring the world as a wrestler before he finally settled for WWF back in the 80s. Also, he made screen appearances in movies and comics, and as with most celebrity spouses, the life of those around the 7ft 4 inches giant has made many curious to know more about his marriage, something the cameras did not often show.
Jean Christensen and Andre the Giant Never Filed for a Marriage License
Though it is generally believed that Jean Christensen and Andre the Giant were married, there is no evidence to support this. Considering Andre who was born Andre Roussimoff later became a name to reckon with in the wrestling industry, especially in the 80′, it would be assumed that the pair would file for a marriage license to indicate that they are a couple, yet, this is not the case.
Thusly, we may not be wrong to assume that the pair were never married. Regardless, there are indications that they were together for some years. Reportedly, Jean and the wrestler met sometime in 1972 or 1973 through their work in the wrestling industry. On her part, Jean is said to be a former model who later worked as a PR representative at the then WWF now known as WWE while Andre wrestled to the top.
When they first met, there was no spark between them but as a tall woman with a height of over 6ft 4 inches, it was a unique experience for her to have a man who was taller than she is. Unsurprisingly, they later became a romantic item.
Despite the high expectation that our favorite athletes also have great romantic stories off the camera, this was not the case between Jean and the French-born wrestler.
A Closer Look at the Background of Jean Christensen
She was born Jean Christensen Gantriis on August 15, 1949, to Nels Peter Gantriis and Paula Gantriis in Minnesota. Her surname Gantriis means knowledge, leadership, and fairness in Danish, and considering that her father was born in Denmark, we can conclude that she is of Danish origin.
Though she kept the identity of her siblings private, it is likely that she is not the only child of her parents.
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She Welcomed One Daughter with The Iconic Wrestler Cum Actor
Though Andre the Giant and Christensen had a strained relationship, the pair had one thing that linked them together, and that is their child, Robin Christensen Roussimoff. Jean gave birth to her and Andre’s only child on March 16, 1979.
Robin took after her parent’s height, however, even this was not enough to bring her close to her father. According to Robin, she never got to see her father due to his tight work schedule as the highest-paid wrestler in the world as well as an actor. Though she was not close with Andre, Robin, and Jean were quite inseparable. In fact, Jean tried her best to be there for her only child.
Regardless of the strained relationship between the two, Andre is said to have sent child support for his daughter’s upkeep. Moreso, after Andre died of congestive heart failure in 1993, he left his estate to his only daughter. Through the dying wish of the Frenchman, Jean’s daughter continues to benefit from the royalties gotten from her father’s movie appearances.
Where is Jean Christensen Now?
Considering that she managed to keep away from publicity after her relationship with the wrestler ended, many have been curious to know about her whereabouts. As it is, news of Jean’s death made waves on September 2, 2008. She died in Snohomish County, Washington at the age of 59 years old at the time.
Howbeit, her ex-lover suffered from heart failure which was complicated by acromegaly, a disorder that makes the body produce so much growth hormone, Jean’s health issues are not well known.