On a recent edition of his “The Hacksaw Hour” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Hacksaw Jim Duggan recalled some memories of his late friend and WWE Hall of Famer Andre The Giant.
Andre passed away at the age of 46 due to congestive heart failure and an apparent heart attack in his sleep, likely associated with his untreated acromegaly, at a Paris hotel on the morning of Thursday, January 28, 1993.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On Andre the Giant passing away at 46: “Not really surprised, no. As my doctor told me, you don’t see a lot of old, heavy guys. That’s why I dropped a bunch of weight. Guys that big that partied that hard…but he was relatively very young. The man was in his 40s, wasn’t he? That was a lot of man to be carrying around on his heart. You know that heart had to be pumping hard. It didn’t surprise me.”
On not attending Andre the Giant’s funeral: “I haven’t been to any of the boys’ funerals. It’s like a photo shoot for a lot of guys. ‘Hey, make sure we get to the funeral to take some pictures and stuff.’ Even my friends, Doc and Gordy, I didn’t go.”
In the world of professional wrestling, few names are as iconic as Andre the Giant. Standing at a towering height of 7 feet 4 inches and weighing over 500 pounds, Andre was a true legend in the industry. However, his larger-than-life persona and incredible physical stature came at a cost. On January 28, 1993, Andre the Giant tragically passed away at the age of 46 due to congestive heart failure and an apparent heart attack in his sleep.
Andre’s untimely death was likely associated with his untreated acromegaly, a rare hormonal disorder that causes excessive growth and enlargement of body parts. Despite his immense popularity and success in the wrestling world, Andre’s health struggles were no secret. He had been diagnosed with acromegaly early in his career, but due to the limited medical knowledge and treatment options available at the time, his condition went largely untreated.
Hacksaw Jim Duggan, a close friend and fellow WWE Hall of Famer, recently shared some memories of Andre on his podcast, “The Hacksaw Hour.” Duggan expressed that he was not surprised by Andre’s passing, citing the strain that his massive size put on his heart. He explained that it is uncommon to see heavy individuals live into old age, and Andre’s lifestyle of partying and excess only added to the burden on his heart.
Despite their close friendship, Duggan revealed that he did not attend Andre’s funeral. He explained that for many wrestlers, funerals can sometimes become more of a photo opportunity than a genuine moment of mourning. Duggan chose to remember Andre in his own way, without the spectacle of a public funeral.
Andre the Giant’s legacy continues to live on in the hearts and minds of wrestling fans around the world. His larger-than-life personality and incredible feats in the ring have solidified his place as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. However, his tragic death serves as a reminder of the toll that a career in professional wrestling can take on the human body.
In recent years, advancements in medical knowledge and treatment options have allowed wrestlers to better manage their health and extend their careers. Organizations like WWE have implemented comprehensive wellness programs to ensure the well-being of their performers. While the risks associated with the industry still exist, steps are being taken to prioritize the health and safety of wrestlers.
Andre the Giant will forever be remembered as a true legend of professional wrestling. His impact on the industry and his larger-than-life persona will continue to inspire generations of wrestlers to come. However, his untimely death serves as a somber reminder of the importance of prioritizing one’s health and seeking appropriate medical care, even in the face of fame and success.