Andre of Astora originally had a much different role in the early development stages of the game. He was originally going to be the son of Gywn and would also guard a door within the Fire Link Shrine, which he would physically move the goddess statue blocking it at some point in the game for the player. As development went on, his role was changed to that of a blacksmith.
His previous role as a guard of a door wasn't completely scrapped however, as he does hold the Crest of Artorias, which is needed to unlock the door to Darkroot Garden.