Andre the Giant: More Than Just Fezzik – A Look at His Impact on The Princess Bride
“Anybody want a peanut?” It’s a line instantly recognizable, a playful taunt delivered with surprising gentleness by Fezzik, the giant with a penchant for rhymes and a heart of gold in the beloved film, The Princess Bride. While Andre the Giant, the man behind Fezzik, was a wrestling legend known for his formidable size and strength, his role in this fairytale adventure revealed a different side to the gentle giant. Andre’s impact on The Princess Bride transcended mere performance. It was a unique convergence of his imposing physique, his inherent kindness, and the genuine camaraderie he shared with the cast, ultimately solidifying his place in cinematic history and shaping the film’s enduring appeal.
Andre Before The Princess Bride
Before he became the rhyming behemoth Fezzik, Andre Roussimoff was already a global phenomenon. Born in France, his acromegaly, a hormonal condition that caused excessive growth, led to him becoming a giant in every sense of the word. He rose to international stardom as Andre the Giant, a wrestling superstar who captivated audiences with his immense size and larger-than-life persona. He toured the world, battling the best wrestlers of his era, and became a household name. His physical stature was both his greatest asset and a source of considerable challenge. The constant travel and physical demands of wrestling took a toll, and he battled chronic pain. Yet, his unwavering dedication to his craft and his affable nature endeared him to fans worldwide. Though wrestling defined a large part of his life, his entry into the world of acting, particularly in The Princess Bride, would unveil a side of him that many hadn’t seen before.
Casting Andre as Fezzik: A Perfect Fit
The search for the right actor to embody Fezzik, the hulking companion of Inigo Montoya, was no easy feat. Director Rob Reiner needed someone who possessed the necessary physical presence to convincingly portray a giant, but also someone who could convey the character’s inherent gentleness and comedic timing. It was a tall order, quite literally. Reiner envisioned Fezzik as more than just a brute; he needed to be endearing, vulnerable, and ultimately, a loyal friend. Andre the Giant emerged as the perfect candidate. While Andre had some prior acting experience, it was his unique combination of physical attributes and surprisingly gentle demeanor that truly captured Reiner’s attention. Anecdotes suggest that Andre was initially hesitant about taking on the role. He was comfortable in the wrestling ring, a world he understood, and acting was a different arena altogether. However, Reiner’s persistence and the compelling nature of the character eventually won him over. His sheer size instantly brought the character of Fezzik to life. He was a believable giant, a creature of immense strength, but there was a discernible warmth in his eyes, a hint of vulnerability that made him instantly likable.
Andre on Set: Stories and Anecdotes
The set of The Princess Bride became a playground of sorts, a place where friendships blossomed and memories were made. Andre, despite his imposing presence, was known for his warmth and generosity. He quickly formed a strong bond with his fellow cast members, including Billy Crystal, Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, and Mandy Patinkin. Stories abound of his kindness and consideration. He was always willing to lend a hand, both literally and figuratively, and his infectious laughter could fill a room.
However, filming with someone of Andre’s size presented its own set of challenges. Adapting scenes to accommodate his height and weight required careful planning and creative solutions. The physical demands of the role were also considerable, even for a seasoned athlete like Andre. There’s the famous tale of Cary Elwes, during the scene where Fezzik carries Buttercup and Westley, being secretly exhausted and grateful for Andre’s ability to make it look effortless, though Andre himself was struggling. Then there are the tales of Andre’s legendary drinking habits. While these stories are often exaggerated, they speak to his ability to consume vast quantities of alcohol. It’s important to remember these stories with a degree of sensitivity, focusing on the camaraderie and humor rather than glorifying excessive drinking. For example, one often repeated anecdote involves Andre drinking multiple pitchers of beer to stay warm during a cold outdoor shoot. He was dedicated to the role, eager to learn, and always willing to go the extra mile to bring Fezzik to life. He embraced the challenge of acting and worked diligently to perfect his performance.
Fezzik: More Than Just a Brute
Fezzik, the giant, could have easily been a one-dimensional character, a simple brute employed for his strength. However, Andre brought depth and nuance to the role, transforming Fezzik into a character that audiences genuinely cared about. His gentle nature shone through, making Fezzik a lovable and sympathetic figure. His loyalty to Inigo Montoya and his burgeoning friendship with Westley were heartwarming to watch. He had a childlike innocence about him, a naivete that made him all the more endearing. Andre’s ability to convey emotion through his eyes and facial expressions was remarkable. Despite his size, he was able to communicate a wide range of feelings, from joy and amusement to sadness and vulnerability.
Consider the scene where Fezzik and Inigo engage in their rhyming game. Andre’s comedic timing is impeccable, his delivery playful and charming. He brings a sense of joy to the scene, making it one of the most memorable moments in the film. Or consider the Battle of Wits, where Fezzik displays his surprising intelligence and resourcefulness. He’s not just a brute; he’s a capable and intelligent individual. These moments, and many others, highlight Andre’s talent and his ability to bring depth and complexity to a character that could have easily been a caricature. He understood Fezzik’s inherent goodness and brought that quality to the forefront, making him a character that resonated with audiences of all ages.
The Legacy of Andre and Fezzik
The Princess Bride has endured as a timeless classic, captivating audiences for generations with its wit, charm, and heartwarming story. Fezzik, in no small part due to Andre’s performance, is one of the most beloved characters in the film. Andre’s portrayal of Fezzik transcended the screen, altering perceptions of him. While he was already a celebrated athlete, Fezzik revealed his softer side, his capacity for humor, loyalty, and affection. The role showcased his acting skills and broadened his appeal beyond the world of wrestling. He became more than just Andre the Giant; he became Fezzik, the gentle giant with a heart of gold. The impact of this role on his legacy is immeasurable. It allowed audiences to see him in a new light, to appreciate his humanity, and to connect with him on a deeper level. His role helped to solidify his place in popular culture, ensuring that he would be remembered not just as a wrestling legend, but as a talented actor and a genuinely kind person.
Conclusion
Andre the Giant’s role as Fezzik in The Princess Bride was far more than just a performance; it was a testament to his unique blend of physical presence, gentle nature, and the genuine friendships he forged with his fellow cast members. His portrayal of Fezzik left an indelible mark on the film, solidifying its status as a beloved classic and ensuring that Andre would be remembered not just as a wrestling icon, but as a talented actor who brought heart and humor to the screen. The Princess Bride showed the world that behind the intimidating facade of Andre the Giant was a gentle soul, a loyal friend, and a gifted performer. His legacy lives on, not just in the wrestling ring, but in the hearts of those who have been touched by his portrayal of Fezzik, the giant with a heart as big as himself. As Cary Elwes once said, “Andre was the gentlest giant I’ve ever known.” And it’s that gentleness, perfectly captured in his portrayal of Fezzik, that continues to resonate with audiences today. He truly was, and always will be, more than just Fezzik. He was Andre the Giant, the heart and soul of The Princess Bride.
