Dan Bishop: “Last but certainly not least, today I rise to honor the life of the eighth wonder of the world on what would have been…”

“Last but certainly not least, today I rise to honor the life of the eighth wonder of the world on what would have been his 75th birthday: Andre Roussimoff, better known as Andre the Giant, who spent his final years in the small town of Ellerbe, right in the middle of the Ninth District of North Carolina. Standing 7 feet 4 inches tall and weighing over 500 pounds, Andre was known for his time in the World Wide Wrestling Federation, where he was a fan favorite. During his professional career, he headlined WrestleMania and also defeated Hulk Hogan to win the WWF World Heavyweight Championship. To nonwrestling fans, he is best known for playing the role of Fezzik in the 1987 film ``The Princess Bride.'' Despite his great size, those who knew him found him to be gentle and kind. Andre passed away at the age of 46 in 1993, and his ashes were scattered on his beloved Ellerbe ranch. I am proud today to pay tribute to the memory of Ellerbe's most famous resident. ____________________”