Cary Elwes starred in the popular 1987 film “The Princess Bride,” a role he remembers fondly. He also had the opportunity to bond closely with his co-star, André René Roussimoff, better known as André the Giant. On January 28, over 33 years after Andre passed away on the same day in 1993, Elwes remembered him and highlighted their friendship.
Cary Elwes Pens Loving Tribute for André the Giant
Elwes posted a black-and-white photo of himself and André on Instagram, and he shares his thoughts in the caption. “33 years ago today the world lost the great Andre the Giant. You may be gone, Andre, but it is impossible to forget you,” Elwes wrote. “Miss you my friend #andrethegiant #fezzik #princessbride.”
André played the role of Fezzik in “The Princess Bride” while Elwes played Westley. The film was directed by the late Rob Reiner. Fans flooded the post with supportive messages. “I remember you speaking fondly of Andre when I caught you at the Princess Bride showing in Cincinnati – it was a lovely tribute. The way you spoke of him is how I’d want my loved ones to speak of me,” a fan shared.
“I just watched The Princess Bride again over the weekend. How much do I love this movie!!!! And you in it!!,” another fan shared.
Other reactions include, “I love how much y’all still love him,” “Still a movie that stands the test of time. He is gone and never forgotten,” and “I met him in Houston, he was such a lovely man!”
Remembering André the Giant
GettyAndré was just 46 when he died in Paris, France. He had traveled to the city to attend his father’s funeral, but tragically passed away in his hotel room, dying from congestive heart failure, All That’s Interesting reports. The publication reports that his ashes were spread at his ranch in Ellerbe, North Carolina.
André had an interesting life with a successful wrestling career and appearances in multiple film roles. Jane Jenkins, the casting director for “The Princess Bride,” shared in an interview with The Wrap how André secured the role.
“So this Fezzik character, this giant, what are we talking about? Am I looking for a basketball player,” Jenkins recalls asking author William Goldman. “Oh no, I want a giant like André the Giant,” Goldman said. It took considerable effort to secure André, and Jenkins admits she initially did not know who he was. They eventually tracked him down and hired him for the role, just as Goldman had envisioned.
