By Alexandra Harper 
In the 1970s and 1980s, Jean Christensen worked in public relations as a model and wrestler. Her association with André the Giant, one of the biggest names in wrestling, is what most people remember about her. But Jean’s narrative goes well beyond simply having a relationship with a well-known wrestler.
Early Years and Profession
Jean’s parents, Nels Peter and Paula Gantriis, were born in Minnesota. She had a unique cultural background because her family was from Denmark. Jean began her career as a model in the early 1970s. She was successful in the modeling industry because of her height and commanding appearance.
When Jean entered the wrestling business, her career took an interesting turn. She was hired by WWE (then known as WWF) to work in public relations. There weren’t many women in these roles at the time, so this was rare. As a public relations specialist, Jean arranged interviews, assisted wrestlers with their public image, and ensured that wrestling events were positively portrayed by the media. She was a pioneer in the profession because she was among the first women to perform this type of work in wrestling.
Getting to know André the Giant
While working in wrestling public relations in the early 1970s, Jean got to know André René Roussimoff, also known as André the Giant. Due to a condition known as acromegaly, André was a remarkable figure who weighed more than 500 pounds and stood over 7 feet tall. People who knew André say he was polite and compassionate despite his enormous size.
Their mutual understanding allowed Jean and André to connect. André recognized Jean’s independence and brilliance, while Jean appreciated André’s kindness beneath his strong exterior. Their bond developed gradually but eventually became incredibly solid.
Their Family and Relationship
Although there are rumors that Jean and André had a common-law marriage in Canada, they were never legally wed in the US. Their daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, was born to Jean in 1979. André didn’t think he could have children at first, so the beginning was challenging. Later, a paternity test verified that Robin was, in fact, his daughter.
Following this confirmation, André started giving Robin $750 a month and eventually increased it to $1,000. But André’s work required him to traverse the world on a regular basis. He found it extremely difficult to spend time with Jean and Robin as a result. Consequently, Robin spent the majority of her childhood in Seattle, Washington, with her mother.
Robin was primarily raised by Jean alone. In interviews, Robin has revealed that she only had a few encounters with her father as a youngster, some of which took place in court during child support proceedings. Despite these obstacles, Jean put a lot of effort into providing a nice life for Robin while juggling her employment and motherhood.
“Life After!”
On January 27, 1993, André the Giant passed away in Paris, France. He died of heart failure at the age of just 46. Following André’s passing, Jean made the decision to withdraw from the spotlight in order to raise Robin and lead a more private life.
In her adult years, Jean worked as a costume designer and seamstress. In the Seattle region, she ran a costume store called “Andre’s Bodacious Babe Costumes,” which was named for both André and herself. She kept using her artistic abilities and made outfits for performers. At the age of 74, Jean Christensen passed away in 2008.
The Legacy of Robin
The majority of her father’s wealth was inherited by Robin Christensen-Roussimoff. Although she made a brief attempt at professional wrestling, she was not as successful as her father. Robin has made an effort to preserve her father’s legacy. She served as a consultant for the 2018 HBO documentary “André the Giant.” Robin’s current net worth ranges from $5 million to $10 million.
Jean’s Influence
Even though Jean Christensen isn’t as well-known as André the Giant, her influence was significant. After becoming a successful model, she entered the difficult field of public relations for wrestling. As one of the few women employed in wrestling public relations in the 1970s, Jean made it easier for other women to pursue jobs in the field.
As a mother, Jean also displayed extraordinary fortitude. She overcame the difficulties of her partner’s celebrity and frequent travels while raising Robin primarily by herself. She had a distinctive and distinct bond with André the Giant. There was genuine love and respect between them despite the challenges they encountered.
In conclusion
Being André the Giant’s partner was just one aspect of Jean Christensen’s life. She was a devoted mother, a model, and a professional wrestler. She overcame obstacles with poise and made a life on her own abilities and diligence. Her narrative serves as a reminder that there are people that love, support, and contribute to the success of every renowned person. Through her daughter and the wrestling community that honors her accomplishments, Jean established a legacy of quiet strength.
Common Questions
1. Was André the Giant Jean Christensen’s spouse?
In the US, Jean and André were never legally wed. According to some accounts, they were married under common law in Canada but never formally registered it in the United States. They shared a daughter and were in a long-term relationship.
2. What was the occupation of Jean Christensen?
In the early 1970s, Jean began her modeling career. After that, she assisted in managing wrestler PR and media coverage as a public relations specialist for WWE (then known as WWF). She worked as a costume designer and seamstress later in life.
3. What was the number of Jean Christensen’s children?
Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, Jean’s only child, was born in 1979. The sole child of André the Giant was Robin.
4. When was Jean Christensen’s death?
At the age of 74, Jean Christensen passed away in 2008. In her later years, she resided in the Seattle region.
5. What is the wrestling legacy of Jean Christensen?
In the 1970s, Jean was among the first female wrestling public relations professionals. She contributed to the development of wrestling during a crucial period and helped mold the public perception of numerous wrestlers. In addition, she reared André the Giant’s daughter and, via her family, contributed to the preservation of his legend.