7 Inconceivable Secrets About André The Giant’s Role In The Princess Bride
Few cinematic characters are as beloved as Fezzik, the gentle giant from the 1987 classic, The Princess Bride. Portrayed by the legendary professional wrestler and actor André the Giant, the role became the defining cinematic moment for André René Roussimoff, a man whose physical stature was only surpassed by his reputation for kindness. Decades after the film's release, and as of this writing in late 2025, the stories from the set continue to circulate, revealing a profound respect and affection the entire cast held for their colossal co-star, especially as he battled severe health issues while creating one of the most memorable performances in fantasy film history.
The film, directed by Rob Reiner and based on the novel by William Goldman, is a masterpiece of fencing, fighting, true love, and miracles. However, the true miracle of the production was accommodating the 7-foot-4, 500-plus-pound star who was quietly enduring immense physical pain, making the on-screen chemistry between Fezzik, Inigo Montoya, and Westley all the more poignant and miraculous.
André the Giant: A Complete Biography and Profile
André René Roussimoff was a man of mythical proportions, both literally and figuratively. His life was a constant navigation of a world not built for him, leading to a career that made him one of the most recognizable figures globally.
- Full Name: André René Roussimoff
- Born: May 19, 1946, in Coulommiers, France
- Died: January 27, 1993 (aged 46) in Paris, France
- Height: 7 ft 4 in (224 cm)
- Weight: Varied, often billed around 520 lbs (236 kg)
- Condition: Acromegaly, a hormonal disorder that results in excessive growth and often leads to severe joint and back pain.
- Wrestling Career Highlights: Known as "The Eighth Wonder of the World." He was a one-time WWF World Heavyweight Champion and a one-time WWF Tag Team Champion. He was the first inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1993.
- Notable Film Role: Fezzik in The Princess Bride (1987).
- Early Life Fact: Due to his size, he was unable to ride the school bus and was often driven to school by Nobel Prize winner Samuel Beckett, a family friend.
1. The Secret Health Battle That Required Filming Miracles
By the time production for The Princess Bride began, André the Giant’s health was in severe decline due to his acromegaly. The condition had caused his bones to grow excessively, resulting in chronic and debilitating back pain. He had also recently undergone back surgery.
Director Rob Reiner and screenwriter William Goldman were determined to have André play Fezzik, a role Goldman had written specifically for him. However, his physical limitations meant the production had to implement creative, on-set "miracles" to accommodate him. The most famous example is the scene where Fezzik carries a "mostly dead" Westley (Cary Elwes) on his back. Due to the pain, André could not bear the weight of a grown man. The solution? A stunt double was used for the wide shots where he is seen carrying Westley. For close-up shots, Elwes was suspended on wires to ensure his weight did not rest on André’s back.
Even simple movements were painful. When he had to fall during the battle with Westley, he landed on a specially constructed, slightly elevated ramp disguised as the ground to cushion the impact. This dedication to his craft, despite the constant agony, cemented his reputation as a professional and a gentle soul.
2. Robin Wright Was Suspended on Wires to Be Held by Fezzik
One of the most revealing details about André’s physical state comes from his co-star, Robin Wright (Buttercup). In a scene where Fezzik holds Buttercup, the production crew again had to intervene. Wright was suspended on wires, or strings, during the filming of the scene to ensure that her weight, though minimal compared to the giant, did not put any strain on André’s compromised spine.
Wright, who was a young actress at the time, also shared a heartwarming anecdote about André's protective nature. While filming outside in the cold, wet English weather, she was shivering uncontrollably. André simply walked over to her, cupped his gigantic hand around her head, and used his body heat to warm her up, an act Wright described as him "palming my head like a basketball." This anecdote perfectly captures the dichotomy of his fearsome size and his tender heart.
3. The $40,000 Bar Tab That Became Legend
André the Giant’s legendary capacity for food and drink is almost as famous as his wrestling career. While staying at the Hyatt in London during the filming of The Princess Bride, his thirst became the stuff of Hollywood legend. By the time the production wrapped, André's bar bill for the duration of the shoot reportedly totaled a staggering $40,000.
The cast and crew often recounted stories of André’s generosity. He would frequently pay for large, expensive meals for the entire cast, and his drinking habits—which included consuming over 100 beers in one sitting—were a source of awe, not judgment, among his co-stars. Cary Elwes (Westley) recalled that André was known for his incredible strength and kindness, often acting as a protector for the other cast members, using his size to shield them from unwanted attention in public.
4. The Rhyming Scene Was a Challenge for the Gentle Giant
Fezzik’s most memorable moments often involve his simple, poetic rhymes, especially during the famous exchange with Vizzini (Wallace Shawn) and Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin):
- Inigo: "Fezzik, are there rocks ahead?"
- Fezzik: "If there are, we all be dead."
While the lines are iconic, the scene was one of the most challenging for André. He had a thick French accent and often struggled with the English dialogue, especially the rhythmic demands of the rhyming sequence. Wallace Shawn, who played the constantly exasperated Vizzini, admitted that he was often frustrated by André's slow delivery, but he later realized it was due to André’s intense focus and effort to get the lines right, not a lack of intelligence. The resulting performance, however, is pitch-perfect, adding to Fezzik’s endearing, simple nature.
5. William Goldman Wrote the Role Exclusively for Him
The role of Fezzik was not just a lucky casting choice; it was an act of destiny. Screenwriter William Goldman had André the Giant in mind from the moment he wrote the book and the screenplay. He famously stated that he would not allow the film to be made unless André played the part.
Goldman's insistence on casting a "real" giant, rather than using special effects or camera tricks to make an actor appear gigantic, was key to the film's success. This choice ensured that the interactions between Fezzik and the rest of the cast—especially the diminutive Vizzini—felt authentic and added a genuine, human element to the fantasy setting. The final casting was a tribute to Goldman's vision and André's unique presence.
6. The Full Cast Loved and Protected André
The camaraderie on the set of The Princess Bride is legendary, and a large part of that was due to André. The cast, which included Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Christopher Guest (Count Rugen), and Billy Crystal (Miracle Max), formed a protective circle around him.
Cary Elwes, who wrote the behind-the-scenes book As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride, frequently calls André the "sweetest and most generous man he’s ever met." The cast members knew he was in pain and went out of their way to make him comfortable, ensuring he was treated with respect and kindness, reflecting the gentle nature of the giant they were portraying on screen.
7. Fezzik’s Most Enduring and Quotable Lines
Fezzik is responsible for some of the most memorable and quotable lines in the film, which have become staples of pop culture and LSI keywords for the film's legacy. These simple, often profound lines perfectly capture the character’s heart and loyalty:
- "You've been mostly dead all day."
- "I'm on the Brute Squad." (To which Miracle Max replies, "You *are* the Brute Squad!")
- "As you wish." (A line he uses to Westley, mirroring Westley’s famous line to Buttercup, signifying their deep bond.)
- "I hope we win."
André the Giant’s performance as Fezzik is a testament to his enduring spirit. Despite the immense pain he was in, he delivered a performance that was full of warmth, humor, and a touching vulnerability. His legacy is not just that of a wrestling icon, but as the gentle giant who taught us all the meaning of friendship and loyalty in the Cliffs of Insanity.
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