A long-standing legend about Andre the Giant has resurfaced, claiming police once sent an undercover cop to follow him because of his outright drinking habits.
According to those stories, the “cop” was a desperate attempt by authorities to keep tabs on Andre whenever he went out. The rumours trace back to anecdotes from Andre’s peers and people involved in his circle. It’s said that during the filming of The Princess Bride, in which Andre played Fezzik, his alcohol consumption was so extreme that production staff reportedly logged a staggering bar tab.
One version of the tale says a local police department arranged for an officer to shadow Andre, fearing that his size and drunken state could pose a public safety risk. While these stories have circulated for decades within wrestling folklore, contributing to the larger-than-life legend of Andre, no concrete evidence has ever surfaced to confirm the claim.
Many of the more extreme drinking stories about Andre, whether beer marathons or tales of wartime-style bar tabs, are now viewed with a degree of scepticism. Modern wrestling historians and sources argue that while he did drink heavily, the legendary figures (hundreds of beers, undercover cops, destructive behaviour) are likely exaggerated, part of the myth-making that often accompanies a figure of his size and fame.
Still, the stories remain emblematic of an era when wrestling lore blurred with reality, and few names are as tightly bound to that hazy line as Andre the Giant’s.
How Tall Was Andre The Giant?
Andre the Giant was billed at 7 feet 4 inches, a height that helped establish his aura as one of wrestling’s most imposing attractions. While some accounts suggest he may have stood closer to 7 feet to 7 feet 2 inches, in reality, his sheer size, weight and frame contributed to the mythical larger-than-life presence that defined his career.
His height became central to his presentation in WWE, in films like The Princess Bride, and in the many stories that surround his life, cementing him as one of the most recognisable figures in wrestling history.
