A Humble Beginning in Bulgaria
Boris Roussimouff was born on March 15, 1907, in the small Bulgarian village of Ribaritsa. Little is known about his early life in his home country, but it is believed that he grew up in a rural setting, facing the hardships of poverty and limited opportunities that were common in the region at the time.
Despite these challenges, Boris developed a strong work ethic and a determination to build a better life for himself and his future family. This drive would eventually lead him to leave his homeland and seek new opportunities in Western Europe.
Building a New Life in France
At some point in his young adulthood, Boris made the life-changing decision to immigrate to France. He settled in the French countryside, where he found work as a manual laborer. It was in France that he met his future wife, Mariann, a woman of Polish descent.
Boris and Mariann were married in 1938 and started a family together. They built a simple but happy life in their adopted country, with Boris working hard to provide for his growing family. Their family would eventually grow to include five children.
The Father of a Wrestling Legend
Boris Roussimouff’s most famous role was that of a father to his son, André René Roussimoff, who would later become the world-renowned professional wrestler, André the Giant. André was born on May 19, 1946, and it was clear from an early age that he had inherited his father’s impressive stature.
By the time he was a teenager, André’s size was already extraordinary, a result of a medical condition known as acromegaly, which causes the body to produce excess growth hormone. Boris was a supportive father who encouraged his son to embrace his unique physical attributes.
A Life of Hard Work and Dedication
Boris was known for his incredible work ethic and his dedication to his family. He spent his life working in physically demanding jobs, including construction and farming, using his natural strength to his advantage. He was a respected member of his community, known for his reliability and positive attitude.
He instilled these values of hard work and determination in his children, including André. Boris’s example had a profound impact on his son, who, despite his international fame, was known for his humble and generous nature.
The Patriarch of the Roussimouff Family
Boris and Mariann raised a close-knit and loving family. They had five children in total, and André was the middle child. The Roussimouff family was known for their strong family bonds and their support for one another.
One of Boris’s other sons, Jacques, also followed in his brother’s footsteps and pursued a career in professional wrestling, performing under the name “The Butcher.” While he never achieved the same level of fame as André, Jacques had a respectable career in his own right.
A Lasting Legacy
Boris Roussimouff passed away on January 15, 1993, at the age of 85. His death was a significant loss for his family, and it had a profound impact on his son, André. Tragically, André, who had traveled to France for his father’s funeral, passed away in his sleep just twelve days later.
Although Boris Roussimouff may not be a household name like his famous son, his legacy lives on through the impact he had on his family and the values he instilled in his children. He was the man behind the giant, a hardworking and loving father who played a crucial role in shaping the life of a true legend.
