WASHINGTON — Last week on the House floor, Congressman Dan Bishop recognized Richmond County’s largest celebrity — the late Andre the Giant.
“Today I rise to honor the life of ‘Eighth Wonder of the World,’ on what would have been what would have been his 75th birthday,” Bishop said May 19, with the enthusiasm of a wrestling promoter.
Born in 1947 as Andre Roussimoff, the huge Frenchman became known worldwide as a wrestling superstar throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s.
He moved to just outside Ellerbe in the early 1980s — a place he called home when he wasn’t on the road.
On what would have been the iconic wrestler’s 75th birthday, Bishop, who represents the 9th District, recognized the Giant’s life and accomplishments in what was the World Wrestling Federation, now called World Wrestling Entertainment.
“To non-wrestling fans, he is best known playing the role of Fezzik in the 1987 film “The Princess Bride,” Bishop said, speaking with the enthusiasm of a wrestling promoter.
“Despite his great size, those who knew him found him to be gentle and kind,” Bishop continued.
One of those who was closest to him is Jackie McAuley.
McAuley and her late ex-husband Frenchy Bernard — a former wrestler, manager and referee — helped run Andre’s ranch just outside Ellerbe while he was on the road.
She donated many of the items on display in a special exhibit at the Rankin Museum of American Heritage.
Last year, former referee and Andre’s traveling partner Tim White visited the museum and the former ranch.
HBO released a documentary about the wrestler’s life in 2018, with the crew making a trip to Ellerbe during production.
Andre died in February of 1993 while back home in France for his father’s funeral. He was cremated and his ashes were spread on his ranch.
“I am proud today to pay tribute to the memory of Ellerbe’s most famous resident,” Bishop concluded.
