Andre the Giant is being recognized with a special honor in his adopted hometown in North Carolina.
AP News reported that Andre the Giant (Andre Roussimoff) is being recognized with a roadside marker acknowledging his residency. The WWE Hall of Famer lived in Ellerbe, North Carolina, a town of about 1,000 people, on a ranch just outside of town.
“Andre The Giant. 1946-1993. Actor and professional wrestler. Was born Andre Roussimoff. Known for role in The Princess Bride in 1987. Lived nearby,” the marker, located at NC Highway 73 and Old NC Highway 220 in Richmond County, reads.
City officials plan to unveil the marker on Thursday.
Andre the Giant’s connection to Ellerbe goes back to his early wrestling days
Andre’s connection to North Carolina began through his professional wrestling schedule. After years of traveling through the state, Andre purchased nine acres of land near Ellerbe in 1978. Once completed, Andre owned a 194-acre ranch along Big Mountain Creek, according to North Carolina’s Department of Natural & Cultural Resources.
“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,” NC DNCR wrote.
“The people of Ellerbe came to know Roussimoff as a gentle, thoughtful man who valued privacy and friendship. The Rankin Museum later established a permanent exhibit dedicated to his life and career. The exhibit includes books, magazines, his oversized recliner, clothing, and even a skull from one of his prized longhorn cattle.”
Andre the Giant died in 1993 at age 46. Andre died in France while attending his father’s funeral. His ashes were brought home and spread at his ranch.
WWE recognized Andre at WrestleMania by inducting his WrestleMania III match with Hulk Hogan into the Hall of Fame as this year’s Immortal Moment winner.
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