Jean Christensen is a name quietly respected in the wrestling world, known mostly for her relationship with the legendary Andre the Giant, but her own story is rich with personal strength and professional achievement. Born in Minnesota in 1949, Jean grew up in a family of Danish descent, which influenced her character deeply. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall, she began her career as a model in the early 1970s, a path that gave her confidence and grace. Her modeling success led her to the wrestling industry, where she found her true calling as a public relations professional. Jean’s life is marked by resilience and dedication, balancing a demanding career with the complexities of her personal life, especially her connection to Andre the Giant and their daughter, Robin.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jean Christensen |
| Birth Date | August 15, 1949 |
| Birthplace | Minnesota, United States |
| Profession | Former Model, WWE PR Representative |
| Relationship | Late Andre the Giant (Husband) |
| Marriage Location | United States (Not officially registered) |
| Daughter | Robin Christensen (Professional Wrestler) |
| Notable Features | Former model, recognized WWE PR representative |
| Impact | Substantial fan following in the wrestling community |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Religion | Christendom |
| Net Worth | Estimated to exceed $100,000 |
Early Life and Background
Jean Christensen was born on August 15, 1949, in Minnesota, United States. She grew up in a family with Danish roots, which gave her a strong cultural foundation and values like knowledge, leadership, and fairness that stayed with her throughout her life. Standing tall at 6 feet 4 inches, Jean’s height set her apart from an early age and helped shape her confidence. She began a career in modeling in the early 1970s, where her striking appearance and professionalism caught attention. This early success in modeling eventually opened doors for her in a very different world—the wrestling industry—where she would play an important behind-the-scenes role.
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Height and Physical Appearance
Jean was notably tall, standing at six feet four inches, which helped her stand out in the modeling world and later in the wrestling industry. Her height made an interesting contrast when paired with Andre the Giant, who was famously 7 feet 4 inches tall.
Modeling Career Beginnings
Before she entered the wrestling world, Jean pursued a career as a model during the early 1970s, a time when the fashion industry was evolving and growing rapidly. Her striking presence, due in part to her exceptional height, made her an unforgettable figure in modeling circles. The modeling profession helped her develop important skills such as confidence, professionalism, and poise, which later proved valuable when she transitioned into wrestling public relations. This part of her life set the stage for her future endeavors by helping her gain experience in managing public appearances and media, skills critical in wrestling.
Entering Wrestling and Meeting Andre
Jean’s life took a significant turn when she first met Andre the Giant in the early 1970s while working in public relations for wrestling. Andre, whose real name was André René Roussimoff, was becoming famous for his extraordinary size—standing over seven feet tall and weighing more than 500 pounds—and his wrestling skills. Though their first meeting didn’t immediately spark a romance, the connection between them grew stronger over time. Their relationship blossomed amid the high-energy, demanding wrestling world, creating a unique partnership between two extraordinary people.
Relationship and Family Life
Though Jean and Andre never legally married in the United States, their relationship was very much like a marriage in many ways. They had a daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, born in 1979. Their family life was complicated, especially because Andre initially did not acknowledge Robin as his daughter. This led to legal proceedings and a paternity test that confirmed Andre was Robin’s biological father. Afterward, Andre provided financial support for Robin’s upbringing, starting with $750 per month and later increasing to $1,000. Despite these challenges, Jean remained a devoted mother, raising Robin with love and care while managing the complexities of their unusual family situation.
Daughter: Robin Christensen-Roussimoff
Jean and Andre had one daughter together, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, born in 1979. Robin later followed a path related to wrestling, briefly pursuing a wrestling career and participating in documentaries about her father’s life. Her relationship with her parents shaped much of her life and career.
Challenges and Separation
Life with Andre was full of challenges, largely due to the physical and professional demands of his wrestling career. Andre’s health issues, including acromegaly—a condition that causes excessive growth—added stress to their relationship, as did his constant travel and public attention. These pressures contributed to their eventual separation. Jean faced the difficult task of balancing her personal struggles with her professional commitments. Throughout these times, she maintained a strong front, continuing to work in wrestling public relations while ensuring Robin was raised in a stable environment.
Career in Wrestling Public Relations
Jean’s role as a public relations representative for WWE was a vital part of her professional life. Transitioning from the fashion world to the high-pressure environment of wrestling PR was no small feat, but Jean excelled. She was responsible for managing media relations, public appearances, and communications for wrestlers, including Andre. Her background in modeling gave her a unique edge in handling the intense public scrutiny that comes with professional wrestling. Her work helped shape the public image of the sport during a critical period, making her an important figure behind the scenes.
Life After Andre’s Death
After Andre the Giant passed away in 1993, Jean stepped back from the public eye and focused on raising their daughter Robin. She chose to live a quieter life, away from the glare of the wrestling world, prioritizing family and privacy. Jean’s later years reflected her strength and independence, qualities that had defined her throughout her life. Though she remained largely out of public view, her impact and legacy within wrestling circles continued to be felt, particularly through the ongoing involvement of her daughter in the industry.
Robin Christensen-Roussimoff and Legacy
Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, Jean and Andre’s daughter, has carried forward her parents’ legacy in her own way. Born in 1979, Robin briefly pursued a career in professional wrestling, although she did not reach the iconic status of her father. She later worked as a consultant for the documentary “Andre the Giant: Closer to Heaven,” released in 2018, and appeared in the TV documentary “Andre the Giant,” sharing insights about her father’s life. Robin’s net worth today is estimated to be between five and ten million dollars, reflecting both her inheritance and personal achievements. Through Robin, Jean’s legacy in wrestling and family continues to thrive.
Personal Strength and Privacy
Jean Christensen’s life was marked by her ability to handle personal difficulties with remarkable grace and discretion. The legal battles over her daughter’s paternity and the financial challenges that followed could have become public scandals, but Jean managed these issues privately and firmly. She shielded Robin from media scrutiny and maintained dignity through every hardship. This personal strength allowed her to navigate a complicated family situation while sustaining her professional role in a demanding industry. Jean’s story is one of resilience, showing how she balanced family, work, and public pressure quietly but powerfully.
Jean Christensen’s Lasting Impact
At the time of her death in 2008, Jean’s estimated net worth was around $100,000, a modest figure compared to the grandeur of the wrestling world she inhabited. However, her true legacy cannot be measured by money alone. She played a critical role in wrestling’s development as a public spectacle and was a key figure behind one of the sport’s most legendary families. Jean’s contributions to wrestling public relations, her pioneering role as a woman in the industry, and her dedication as a mother all stand as a testament to her importance. Her story is a reminder that many vital roles in wrestling happen away from the spotlight, shaping the sport’s history quietly but significantly.
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Conclusion
Jean Christensen’s life story is one of quiet courage and lasting influence. She was much more than Andre the Giant’s partner—she was a successful model, a pioneering wrestling public relations professional, and a devoted mother. Through all the challenges and changes, Jean maintained grace and strength, supporting her family and contributing to an industry she helped shape. Her legacy continues today through her daughter and the wrestling community that remembers her work. Jean’s journey reminds us that behind every legend are people whose love and hard work quietly build the foundation for greatness.
FAQs About Jean Christensen
1. Who was Jean Christensen?
Jean Christensen was a former model and WWE public relations professional best known for her relationship with wrestling legend Andre the Giant.
2. How did Jean Christensen meet Andre the Giant?
Jean met Andre the Giant in the early 1970s while working in wrestling public relations, and their relationship grew over time.
3. Were Jean Christensen and Andre the Giant officially married?
No, Jean and Andre were never officially married, but they shared a long-term relationship and had a daughter together.
4. Did Jean Christensen have children with Andre the Giant?
Yes, they had one daughter named Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, born in 1979.
5. What was Jean Christensen’s role in WWE?
Jean worked as a public relations representative for WWE, helping manage media and fan relations for wrestlers.
6. What challenges did Jean face in her personal life?
Jean faced challenges such as legal battles over her daughter’s paternity and managing the pressures of Andre’s demanding career.
7. How is Jean Christensen remembered today?
Jean is remembered for her strong role behind the scenes in wrestling, her contributions to WWE PR, and as the mother who raised Andre’s daughter with resilience.
