Wrestler Andre the Giant of ‘Princess Bride’ fame gets NC historical marker
Wrestling star turned actor Andre the Giant is being honored with a North Carolina Highway Historical Marker near his former home in Richmond County, according to state officials.
Andre René Roussimoff, known to the world as Andre the Giant, is perhaps best remembered for his role as the mumbling character Fezzik in the 1987 Rob Reiner film, “The Princess Bride.”
The marker will be dedicated at 4:30 p.m. Thursday at the intersection of N.C. 73 and Old N.C. 220 in Ellerbe, the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources said in an April 20 news release.
“On Aug. 22, 1978, Roussimoff made a decision that surprised many fans but delighted local residents. He purchased nine acres of land near Ellerbe in Richmond County. Over the next decade he continued to expand his property until he owned a 194-acre ranch along Big Mountain Creek,” the department says.
“This land became his refuge. Although he was one of the most famous athletes in the world, in Ellerbe he could enjoy a slower pace of life, participate in the community, and even take part in local civic efforts. One of these efforts involved opposing a proposed radioactive waste site in Richmond County, where his voice carried significant influence.”
The marker will read: “ANDRE THE GIANT, 1946-1993. Actor and professional wrestler. Was born Andre Roussimoff. Known for role in The Princess Bride in 1987. Lived nearby.”
Roussimoff was born in France and died when he returned there in 1993 for his father’s funeral, Biography.com says. His ashes were returned to North Carolina and “were scattered at his ranch,” the site says.
The Rankin Museum of American Heritage in Ellerbee has a permanant exhibit dedicated to his life, with “fantastic and unique items” from his career – including size 26 lace-up wrestling boots.
“Roussimoff’s connection to North Carolina began through his wrestling schedule. By 1974, he was regularly traveling through the state, performing before enthusiastic crowds in Asheville, Charlotte, Greensboro, Rocky Mount, and smaller communities,” the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources said.
“During these years he came to appreciate the quiet landscapes and close-knit communities that reminded him of the countryside where he grew up.”
That led to his purchase of a farm 75 miles southeast of Charlotte.
Roussimoff grew up with a rare hormonal condition known as acromegaly, “that caused his body to continually grow,” biographers say.
This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 12:22 PM with the headline "Wrestler Andre the Giant of ‘Princess Bride’ fame gets NC historical marker."