Who Was Jean Christensen? The Untold Story of Andre the Giant’s Wife

Jean Christensen is a name that often appears quietly in the story of wrestling legend Andre the Giant, yet her life was rich, complex, and inspiring in its own right. She was more than just the partner of one of wrestling’s most recognizable figures—she was a model, a public relations professional, and a devoted mother. Her story, though less publicized, reflects resilience, intelligence, and strength. Understanding who Jean Christensen was offers a deeper look into the world behind professional wrestling’s golden era and into the life of the woman who helped support one of its biggest stars.

Quick Bio Information

Full Name: Jean Christensen
Birth Date: August 15, 1949
Birthplace: Minnesota, United States
Nationality: American
Ethnicity: Danish-American
Height: 6 Feet 4 Inches
Profession: Model, WWE Public Relations Representative
Known For: Partner of Andre the Giant, Mother of Robin Christensen
Daughter: Robin Christensen-Roussimoff
Net Worth: Estimated Around $100,000
Death Year: 2008

Early Life And Danish Heritage

Jean Christensen was born on August 15, 1949, in Minnesota, where she spent her early years surrounded by family and strong Midwestern values. Her family was of Danish descent, and she grew up with cultural roots that emphasized knowledge, fairness, and community—qualities that stayed with her throughout her life. From an early age, Jean stood out not just for her physical appearance but for her confidence and curiosity. Her upbringing in Minnesota shaped her into a thoughtful and grounded person who valued hard work and integrity. These qualities later became essential in her professional journey and personal life.

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Standing Tall With Confidence

One of Jean Christensen’s most distinctive features was her height. Standing at six feet four inches tall, she was strikingly tall for a woman of her time. While her height might have made her feel different as a young girl, she learned to embrace it and turn it into a source of confidence. Her tall and graceful presence became an advantage in her modeling career and later in her professional work in wrestling. Her elegance, combined with a composed personality, made her stand out wherever she went. Jean’s ability to carry herself with poise was one of the many reasons she was respected in both the fashion and wrestling industries.

Modeling Career And Early Success

Jean’s professional life began in the early 1970s when she entered the modeling industry. The fashion scene during that era was evolving, and her distinctive look and confidence quickly attracted attention. Modeling gave her the opportunity to travel, meet people from diverse backgrounds, and develop strong communication skills. More importantly, it helped her learn how to manage public image and presentation—skills that later proved valuable in her career as a public relations representative. Through modeling, Jean learned how to navigate the pressures of public life while maintaining authenticity and grace.

Entering The Wrestling World

After finding success in modeling, Jean Christensen’s career took a surprising but significant turn when she entered the wrestling industry. During the 1970s, wrestling was gaining popularity in the United States, and Jean found herself working behind the scenes in public relations for WWE (then known as the World Wrestling Federation). Her job involved coordinating media coverage, managing promotional events, and helping wrestlers handle their public appearances. In a field largely dominated by men, Jean quickly earned respect for her professionalism, intelligence, and ability to manage demanding situations with ease. Her background in modeling gave her an advantage in understanding how to present and protect public figures, which made her a valuable part of the WWE team.

Meeting Andre The Giant

Jean Christensen’s life changed forever when she met Andre the Giant, whose real name was André René Roussimoff, in the early 1970s. At that time, Andre was already gaining attention as one of wrestling’s most extraordinary figures, known for his immense size—over seven feet tall—and his charismatic personality. Their first meeting happened during Jean’s work in wrestling PR. What began as a professional connection gradually grew into a close personal bond. Despite their busy careers and the public attention surrounding Andre, the two developed a deep affection and mutual respect. Their relationship was unique, filled with admiration and companionship, and it became one of the most talked-about partnerships in wrestling history.

Relationship, Challenges, And Family Life

Although Jean Christensen and Andre the Giant shared a long and meaningful relationship, they were never officially married in a legal sense. However, their connection was as strong as any marriage. Together, they had one daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, born in 1979. Their relationship faced challenges, including Andre’s frequent travel schedule, his health condition known as acromegaly, and the enormous public attention he received. At first, Andre did not publicly acknowledge Robin as his child, which led to a paternity case. Once confirmed, Andre provided financial support and remained involved to some degree. Jean, however, took on the primary responsibility of raising Robin, showing great strength and independence as a single mother. Despite the struggles, Jean continued to speak respectfully about Andre, emphasizing the positive parts of their time together.

Jean Christensen As A Mother

For Jean, motherhood was her proudest role. She raised Robin Christensen with love, patience, and strong values. Jean wanted Robin to have a normal childhood away from the glare of the media and wrestling fame. Even when faced with challenges related to Andre’s fame and the legal complexities of their relationship, Jean remained calm and resilient. She protected her daughter’s privacy and made sure she grew up with dignity and awareness of her father’s legacy. Her approach to parenting reflected the same professionalism and balance she had shown throughout her career. Today, Robin often speaks about her mother’s dedication and quiet strength, acknowledging the important role Jean played in her life.

Life After Andre’s Death

When Andre the Giant passed away in 1993, it was a difficult period for both Jean and Robin. Andre’s death marked the end of an era in wrestling and brought personal loss for Jean, who had shared so much of her life with him. After his passing, Jean chose to step away from the public spotlight. She focused entirely on her daughter and her private life, preferring peace over publicity. Though she maintained a low profile, she remained well-respected within wrestling circles for her earlier contributions. Jean continued to live quietly until her passing in 2008, remembered by those who knew her as a kind, thoughtful, and strong woman.

Robin Christensen-Roussimoff And The Family Legacy

Jean’s daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, carries forward the legacy of both her parents. Born in 1979, Robin briefly explored wrestling but later found her place behind the scenes, contributing to documentaries and projects about her father’s life. She worked as a consultant for the 2018 HBO documentary Andre the Giant and for Andre the Giant: Closer to Heaven. These projects allowed her to share personal insights about her parents and keep their memory alive for new generations of fans. Robin’s estimated net worth today is several million dollars, reflecting both her inheritance and her continued involvement in wrestling-related media. Through Robin, Jean’s legacy as a devoted mother and strong individual continues to shine.

Legacy And Impact In Wrestling

While Jean Christensen’s name might not be as famous as Andre’s, her contributions to the wrestling world are undeniable. As one of the few women in wrestling public relations during the 1970s and 1980s, she played an important role in shaping how the sport connected with fans and the media. Her ability to manage personalities, coordinate events, and maintain professionalism under pressure made her an unsung hero in the industry. Beyond her professional work, her story represents the strength of women who stand behind great figures, balancing personal and professional responsibilities with grace. Jean’s life reminds us that every legend has someone behind the scenes who helps support their success, and she was one of those people for Andre the Giant.

Remembering Jean Christensen

Jean Christensen passed away in 2008, leaving behind a story filled with quiet courage and determination. Though her net worth was modest, estimated at around $100,000, her true wealth was in the life she built, the values she upheld, and the daughter she raised. She is remembered as a woman of character who lived life with dignity and never sought fame for herself. Fans of Andre the Giant often discover her story later and are touched by the loyalty and love she showed both to him and to their daughter. Jean’s life stands as a reminder that true strength often exists away from the spotlight, in the choices and sacrifices made for family and purpose.

Final Thoughts

Jean Christensen’s story is one of quiet strength, resilience, and love. She was a tall, confident woman who broke into industries where women were rare, from modeling to wrestling public relations. Her life alongside Andre the Giant showed compassion and understanding, even amid challenges and distance. Most of all, her devotion as a mother and her professionalism as a career woman reflect an inspiring balance of heart and strength. Today, she is remembered not just as Andre the Giant’s partner but as a woman who made her own mark through hard work, integrity, and grace. Jean Christensen’s life continues to inspire those who look beyond fame to find meaning in dedication, courage, and love.

FAQs About Jean Christensen

Who Was Jean Christensen?
Jean Christensen was an American model and WWE public relations representative best known as the longtime partner of wrestling legend Andre the Giant and the mother of their daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff.

Was Jean Christensen Married To Andre The Giant?
No, Jean and Andre were never legally married, but they shared a committed relationship and had a daughter together.

When Was Jean Christensen Born?
She was born on August 15, 1949, in Minnesota, United States.

Did Jean Christensen Work In Wrestling?
Yes, she worked in WWE public relations during the 1970s, handling media relations and promotional events for wrestlers, including Andre the Giant.

Did Jean Christensen Have Children?
Yes, she had one daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, who later became involved in wrestling-related media projects about her father.

When Did Jean Christensen Die?
Jean Christensen passed away in 2008, years after Andre’s death in 1993.

How Is Jean Christensen Remembered Today?
Jean is remembered as a strong and graceful woman who contributed to the wrestling industry, supported Andre the Giant during his rise to fame, and raised their daughter with dignity and love.