Introduction to Lou Ferrigno
Lou Ferrigno, born on November 9, 1951, is a multi – faceted American personality. He has made a name for himself as an actor, motivational speaker, fitness trainer/consultant, and a retired professional bodybuilder. His life story is one of overcoming challenges and achieving great heights in different arenas.
Early Life and Challenges
Lou was born in Brooklyn, New York, to parents Victoria and police officer Matt Ferrigno, of Italian descent. Shortly after his birth, he suffered from a series of ear infections, resulting in the loss of 75 – 80 percent of his hearing. Although not diagnosed until he was three years old, this hearing loss led to bullying during his childhood. His peers used to call him names like ‘louis the deaf, the deaf – mute’ due to his hearing and speech issues.
The Fitness Journey Begins
Ferrigno started training to lift weights at the young age of 13. He looked up to bodybuilder and ‘Hercules’ actor Steve Reeves as one of his role models and was a fan of Reeves’ Hercules film series. As a child, his favorite superheroes were Spider – Man and the Hulk. He attended St. Athanasius grammar school and Brooklyn Technical High School, where he studied mechanical engineering.
In 1973, Lou achieved significant milestones in his bodybuilding career. He won the IFBB Mr. America and IFBB Mr. Universe titles. At 21, when he won his first Mr. Universe title, he set a Guinness World Record that still stands today. In 1974, he participated in the Mr. Olympia competition for the first time and came second, followed by a third – place finish in 1975, as documented in the ‘Hitting the Iron’ documentary.
Before fully committing to bodybuilding, Lou worked as a sheet metal worker in a Brooklyn factory. However, the dangerous nature of the job, highlighted by a friend’s accident where he cut off his hand, led Lou to leave the job.
Acting Career and the Hulk
The release of the fitness documentary ‘Pumping Iron’ in 1977 caught the attention of television producer Kenneth Johnson, who was searching for an actor to play the comic – book superhero ‘The Hulk’. Standing at 6ft 5in and weighing 285lbs, Lou was the largest professional bodybuilder of his time. He auditioned for the role and beat out Arnold Schwarzenegger. In the CBS TV series ‘The Hulk’, he played opposite Bill Bixby, who portrayed his meek scientist/alternate self. Although they were not often on – camera together (except for one episode), Lou and Bixby were friends, with Lou considering Bixby a mentor and friend. The show was a huge ratings success, and Lou played the Hulk until 1981, with the last two episodes airing in May 1982.
Lou also appeared in several European – produced fantasy/adventure films such as ‘Sinbad of the Seven Seas’ and ‘Hercules’, and his later films include ‘Cage’ (1989). In recent years, he has made guest appearances in shows like the CBS sitcom ‘Queen’ and films related to the Hulk and Avengers franchises.
Return to Bodybuilding and Other Ventures
In the early 1990s, Lou returned to bodybuilding, competing in the 1992 and 1993 Mr. Olympia competitions, finishing 12th and 10th respectively. He then moved on to the 1994 Masters Olympia, and was featured in the 1996 documentary ‘Stand Up’ where he beat Robbie Robinson and Boyelko before withdrawing from the tournament.
In 1977, he also participated in the first World’s Strongest Man competition, placing fourth out of eight competitors.
In his personal life, Lou married psychotherapist Carla Greene on May 3, 1980. She became his manager and later a personal trainer herself. They have three children. Lou has also been involved in law – enforcement – related activities, being sworn in as a deputy sheriff in Los Angeles County and a volunteer with the Maricopa County police. He and his family founded Ferrigno Fit, an organization focused on positive habits, lifestyles, and ideas.
Lou Ferrigno’s legacy in bodybuilding and acting will always be remembered. Even though his prime career days are behind him, in the eyes of many, he will always be the Hulk.
