North Carolina officially honored WWE legend Andre the Giant on Thursday with a state highway historical marker in Ellerbe, the small Richmond County community he called home for the final years of his life.

The marker was unveiled at the intersection of NC 73 and Old NC Highway 220 in Ellerbe, a town of roughly 1,000 residents situated about 60 miles east of Charlotte. It reads:

"Andre The Giant. 1946-1993. Actor and professional wrestler. Was born Andre Roussimoff. Known for role in The Princess Bride in 1987. Lived nearby."

The dedication, administered by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, recognizes Andre René Roussimoff's deep connection to the region.


Roussimoff first came to North Carolina through his wrestling schedule and grew to love the region. On Aug. 22, 1978, he purchased nine acres of land near Ellerbe, eventually expanding the property into a 194-acre ranch along Big Mountain Creek where he raised cattle and longhorns.

In Ellerbe, he was known not as a larger-than-life villain but as a quiet, generous neighbor. In 1990, he recorded TV and radio spots opposing a proposed low-level radioactive landfill in Richmond County.

A permanent exhibit at the Rankin Museum preserves his memory, featuring books, magazines, an oversized recliner, clothing, and a skull from one of his prize longhorn cattle. His size-26 cowboy boots are also on display.

Roussimoff died Jan. 28, 1993, at age 46, while in France for his father's funeral. Honoring his wishes, his ashes were returned to his North Carolina ranch, where he remains today.