Jean Christensen was an American model and WWE public relations professional best known for her long-term relationship with wrestling legend Andre the Giant. Born in 1949 in Minnesota, she began her career in modeling during the early 1970s before transitioning into the wrestling industry, where she worked behind the scenes managing media and public relations. Her professional life reflected confidence, dedication, and strong communication skills, which helped her succeed in a male-dominated field. Beyond her career, Jean was also known as the mother of Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, her daughter with Andre the Giant. Though she largely stayed out of the spotlight, Jean Christensen’s story combines professional achievement, personal strength, and a lasting connection to one of wrestling’s most iconic figures.
Quick Bio: Jean Christensen
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jean Christensen |
| Birth Date | August 15, 1949 |
| Birthplace | Minnesota, United States |
| Death | 2008 |
| Age at Death | 59 years |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White (Danish descent) |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Height | 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters) |
| Profession | Former Model, WWE Public Relations Representative |
| Famous For | Relationship with Andre the Giant and role in WWE PR |
| Partner | Andre the Giant (André René Roussimoff) |
| Marriage Status | Not legally married, but long-term relationship |
| Daughter | Robin Christensen-Roussimoff |
| Net Worth (at death) | Estimated at around $100,000 |
| Notable Traits | Confidence, professionalism, strong presence |
| Legacy | Pioneer for women in wrestling PR and devoted mother |
Early Life and Background
Jean Christensen was born on August 15, 1949, in Minnesota, United States, into a family of Danish descent. Her upbringing was shaped by strong cultural values rooted in discipline, leadership, and fairness—principles often associated with Danish heritage. Growing up in a modest Midwestern home, Jean learned the importance of hard work, respect, and independence. Her height, which eventually reached 6 feet 4 inches, made her stand out from a young age and helped build her confidence and unique sense of identity. During the 1960s and 1970s, America was going through social and cultural changes, with women stepping into new roles in fashion, media, and business. This environment encouraged Jean to pursue a career that allowed her to express herself and use her individuality as a strength. Her early life laid the foundation for a career defined by confidence, professionalism, and persistence.
Modeling Career Beginnings
In the early 1970s, Jean Christensen began her professional journey in the world of modeling, a field that valued her remarkable height and striking appearance. At a time when the modeling industry was evolving to embrace bold and confident women, Jean’s tall frame and elegant presence helped her stand out among her peers. She worked in fashion and commercial modeling, gaining experience in photo shoots, runway events, and public engagements. Her work as a model not only brought her recognition but also helped her develop valuable skills in communication, presentation, and media handling. These abilities later became crucial when she transitioned into the wrestling industry. Modeling also gave her the confidence and poise that became defining traits throughout her career, marking the beginning of a professional life that combined glamour with determination.
Entry into the Wrestling Industry
After establishing herself in modeling, Jean Christensen shifted her focus to the wrestling industry, where she found her true calling in public relations. She joined WWE during a period when wrestling was becoming a global entertainment phenomenon. As a PR representative, Jean managed media interactions, organized promotional events, and coordinated fan engagements for wrestlers. Her role required excellent communication and organizational skills, which she had already mastered through her modeling career. In a male-dominated industry, Jean stood out for her professionalism and ability to maintain strong relationships with athletes and media personnel. She became a respected figure behind the scenes, known for her dedication and work ethic. Her transition into WWE PR marked the start of her significant contribution to the sport’s growing public appeal during the 1970s and 1980s.
Meeting Andre the Giant
Jean Christensen met Andre the Giant, whose real name was André René Roussimoff, in the early 1970s while working in wrestling public relations. At that time, Andre was gaining international fame for his massive size—over 7 feet tall and weighing more than 500 pounds—and his incredible wrestling performances. Their first meeting was professional, but over time, mutual respect and admiration grew between them. Despite their physical differences, they shared a deep connection based on understanding and support. Jean admired Andre’s gentle nature behind his powerful image, while Andre appreciated Jean’s intelligence and independence. Their relationship developed gradually, forming one of wrestling’s most memorable love stories. Their partnership reflected both strength and tenderness, connecting two extraordinary individuals in an extraordinary world.
Who is Andre the Giant?
Andre the Giant, born André René Roussimoff on May 19, 1946, in Grenoble, France, was a world-famous professional wrestler and actor known for his enormous size and strength. Standing over 7 feet tall and weighing more than 500 pounds, he suffered from acromegaly, a condition that caused excessive growth. Andre became a global wrestling icon in the 1970s and 1980s, performing for the WWF (now WWE) and gaining fans worldwide for his power and personality. He also appeared in movies, most notably as Fezzik in The Princess Bride (1987). Andre passed away on January 27, 1993, in Paris, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the most beloved figures in wrestling history.
Relationship and Family Life
Relationship and Companionship
Jean Christensen and Andre the Giant shared a strong bond that was widely known in the wrestling community, although they were never legally married in the United States. Their relationship was built on friendship, respect, and mutual support during a time when Andre’s career demanded constant travel and public appearances. Despite living largely out of the spotlight, Jean remained a steady presence in Andre’s life, balancing the demands of his fame with the privacy they both valued.
Daughter – Robin Christensen-Roussimoff
In 1979, Jean gave birth to their daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff. Initially, Andre did not acknowledge paternity, leading to legal proceedings that confirmed him as Robin’s biological father. Afterward, he began providing financial support—first $750 per month, later increased to $1,000. Jean raised Robin with love, stability, and a strong sense of independence. Robin later followed a path connected to her parents’ legacy, appearing in documentaries and projects about her father’s life.
Family Challenges
Life with Andre was not without difficulties. His health condition, acromegaly—a disorder that causes abnormal growth—made everyday life challenging. His constant travel and public commitments created emotional distance, eventually leading to their separation. Jean faced these hardships with quiet resilience, focusing on raising Robin and maintaining stability. Her ability to stay strong despite personal and financial struggles became one of the defining aspects of her character.
Career as WWE Public Relations Professional
Jean Christensen’s career as a WWE public relations representative was both groundbreaking and influential. She played an essential role in managing wrestler publicity, coordinating interviews, and ensuring positive media coverage for WWE events. Her background in modeling gave her a deep understanding of presentation and public image, skills that proved invaluable in promoting wrestling’s growing entertainment appeal. Jean’s professionalism and insight helped bridge the gap between wrestlers and their fans during a time when WWE was rapidly expanding globally. She worked tirelessly to uphold the sport’s reputation while supporting individual wrestlers, including Andre the Giant, with their media interactions. As one of the few women in wrestling PR during that era, she paved the way for others to enter similar roles in the future.
Life After Andre’s Death
When Andre the Giant passed away in 1993, Jean Christensen chose to step away from the public spotlight. She devoted her time to raising her daughter and living a quieter, more private life. Though no longer involved in wrestling or public relations, she remained respected within the wrestling community for her professionalism and strength. Jean focused on preserving her family’s privacy and teaching Robin the same values of resilience and dignity that defined her own life. Even away from fame, she maintained her grace and independence, reflecting her lifelong commitment to family and personal integrity.
Robin Christensen-Roussimoff Today
Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, born in 1979, has carried forward her parents’ legacy in her own way. Although she briefly explored wrestling, her main contributions have been through her involvement in projects honoring her father’s memory. Robin appeared in documentaries such as Andre the Giant: Closer to Heaven and HBO’s Andre the Giant, sharing personal insights about her family’s story. Today, she manages her father’s image rights and occasionally attends wrestling conventions and fan events. Robin’s estimated net worth ranges between $5 million and $10 million, reflecting her inheritance and professional work. Through Robin, Jean Christensen’s influence and dedication continue to live on.
Personality, Strength, and Privacy
Jean Christensen was known for her strength, grace, and ability to handle life’s challenges with quiet dignity. She never sought fame for herself, preferring to work behind the scenes and maintain privacy for her family. Despite facing public curiosity, legal struggles, and personal hardships, Jean remained composed and focused on what truly mattered—raising her daughter and maintaining self-respect. Her story is a powerful example of how resilience and inner strength can define a person’s legacy more than fame ever could.
Net Worth and Professional Legacy
At the time of her death in 2008, Jean Christensen’s estimated net worth was around $100,000. Her income primarily came from her modeling career, WWE public relations work, and financial arrangements connected to Andre’s support for Robin. While her wealth was modest, her true legacy lies in her professional achievements and contributions to wrestling’s evolution. As one of the early women in WWE PR, she helped shape the industry’s public image during a key period of growth. Her work, though often uncredited, played a vital role in professional wrestling’s success and popularity.
Death and Remembrance
Jean Christensen passed away in 2008 at the age of 59. Her death marked the loss of a woman who contributed quietly yet meaningfully to both wrestling and her family’s legacy. While not a public figure in her later years, her influence endured through those who knew her and through her daughter, Robin. Fans of Andre the Giant and wrestling history continue to remember Jean with respect, recognizing her as an integral part of one of wrestling’s most remarkable stories.
Legacy in Wrestling and Popular Culture
Jean Christensen’s legacy extends beyond her relationship with Andre the Giant. She stands as one of the few women in the early history of wrestling PR who helped shape how the sport was presented to the world. Her professionalism, empathy, and skill in managing high-profile personalities made her a quiet pioneer. In popular culture, her story highlights the unseen contributions that support the legends we celebrate. Jean’s life reminds fans and historians alike that behind every superstar is someone who provides balance, strength, and grace — qualities that continue to define her legacy in the wrestling world.
Final Thoughts
Jean Christensen’s life was a blend of elegance, resilience, and dedication. From her early days as a model to her behind-the-scenes role in WWE, she proved that true influence often happens quietly. Her relationship with Andre the Giant, her role as a devoted mother, and her professionalism in a demanding industry all contribute to a legacy of quiet strength and enduring impact. Jean’s story continues to inspire those who value grace, perseverance, and the power of working behind the scenes to create lasting change.
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was Jean Christensen?
Jean Christensen was an American model and WWE public relations professional born in 1949 in Minnesota. She became widely known for her relationship with wrestling legend Andre the Giant. Besides her personal connection, she made valuable contributions to the wrestling industry through her PR work.
2. What was Jean Christensen’s profession?
Jean started her career as a fashion model in the early 1970s before joining the wrestling world as a PR representative. She managed media relations and organized events for WWE during its early years. Her strong communication and organizational skills helped shape the sport’s growing popularity.
3. How did Jean Christensen meet Andre the Giant?
Jean met Andre in the early 1970s while working in public relations for wrestling events. Their professional connection soon turned into a close friendship and later a romantic relationship. The two shared a deep bond despite the challenges of Andre’s fame and constant travel.
4. Were Jean Christensen and Andre the Giant officially married?
No, Jean and Andre were never legally married, although they shared a long-term relationship that was similar to marriage. They lived together for years and had a daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff. Their partnership was well-known within the wrestling community.
5. Did Jean Christensen and Andre the Giant have children?
Yes, Jean and Andre had one daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, born in 1979. Robin later became involved in wrestling-related projects and documentaries about her father’s life. She continues to preserve both her parents’ legacy today.
6. What was Jean Christensen’s role in WWE?
Jean worked as a public relations representative for WWE, handling media, publicity, and event coordination. Her work involved managing public appearances for wrestlers, including Andre the Giant. She played an important role in promoting wrestling during a key growth period for the company.
7. How did Jean Christensen handle her personal challenges?
Jean faced several challenges, including public attention and legal issues related to her daughter’s paternity. Despite these struggles, she remained private and resilient. Her ability to protect her family’s dignity made her respected within and outside the wrestling world.
8. When did Jean Christensen pass away, and what is her legacy?
Jean Christensen passed away in 2008, leaving behind a quiet yet powerful legacy. She is remembered as a pioneering woman in wrestling PR and as the devoted mother of Andre the Giant’s only child. Her life continues to inspire respect for her strength, professionalism, and grace.
