Lou Ferrigno

Biography:

Lou Ferrigno was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Victoria and Matt Ferrigno, a police lieutenant. He is of Italian heritage. Shortly after his birth, recurring ear infections caused him to lose between 75–80% of his hearing, although this was not diagnosed until he was three years old. His partial deafness and related speech difficulties made him a target of bullying, with children labeling him “deaf” and “mute.” During this time, Ferrigno immersed himself in comic books, particularly The Hulk and Spider-Man. Inspired by these heroes, he developed a fascination with strength and power, later explaining that he wanted to be strong enough to defend himself. His father’s rejection for not being the “perfect son” further pushed him to idolize the Hulk, ultimately steering him toward bodybuilding.

At 13, Ferrigno began weight training, drawing inspiration from Steve Reeves, the famed bodybuilder and actor. Unable to afford professional equipment, he improvised by filling pails with cement and attaching them to a broomstick. He studied at St. Athanasius Grammar School and Brooklyn Technical High School, where he learned metalworking.

After finishing high school in 1969, Ferrigno won the IFBB Mr. America title and, four years later, claimed the IFBB Mr. Universe crown. During his early career, he lived in Columbus, Ohio, training with Arnold Schwarzenegger. In 1974, he made his debut at Mr. Olympia, placing second, and came in third the following year. His rivalry with Schwarzenegger was highlighted in the 1977 documentary Pumping Iron, which brought him widespread recognition.

Despite his success, bodybuilding earnings were insufficient to support him, so he took a job as a sheet metal worker in Brooklyn for $10 an hour. After three years, he left the hazardous position when a co-worker suffered a severe accident. Ferrigno later made a short-lived attempt at professional football with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League, though he was released after just two games.

Standing nearly 6’5” and weighing 284 pounds in 1975 (315 pounds in 1992), Ferrigno competed in the inaugural World’s Strongest Man contest in 1977, finishing fourth. He returned to competitive bodybuilding in the early 1990s, participating in the 1992 and 1993 Mr. Olympia competitions (placing 12th and 10th). He also competed in the 1994 Masters Olympia, featured in the 1996 documentary Stand Tall, before retiring.

Ferrigno’s big break came in 1977 when he was cast as the Hulk in The Incredible Hulk TV series. Though rarely filmed together, he developed a close friendship with co-star Bill Bixby, whom he considered a mentor. Ferrigno remained in the role until 1981, later reprising it in TV movies.

Throughout the 1980s, Ferrigno pursued acting roles, playing Hercules in the 1983 fantasy film Hercules and appearing in the drama Trauma Center. He also became a familiar face on The King of Queens from 2000 to 2007, portraying himself as the neighbors of the show’s main characters. He made cameo appearances as a security guard in both Hulk (2003) and The Incredible Hulk (2008), while also providing the Hulk’s voice in Marvel films until Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015).

Beyond acting, Ferrigno worked as a fitness trainer for celebrities, including helping Michael Jackson prepare for a planned 2009 concert series. He also launched his own line of fitness equipment, “Ferrigno Fitness.” His cultural impact continued with appearances such as in Lego Marvel’s Avengers (2016).

Ferrigno later entered law enforcement, becoming a reserve deputy sheriff in Los Angeles County in 2006 and later serving in Arizona, California, and Ohio. He also competed on season five of The Celebrity Apprentice (2012), raising $50,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. In 2017, he was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame, and in 2018, President Donald Trump appointed him to the Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition.

Ferrigno has openly discussed how his hearing loss shaped his determination and resilience, crediting it with strengthening his character. He eventually received a cochlear implant, significantly improving his hearing.

On the personal front, he married Susan Groff in 1978, though they divorced a year later. In 1980, he wed psychotherapist Carla Green, who later became his manager and fitness trainer. They have three children—Shanna, Louis Jr., and Brent—two of whom have pursued careers in acting.

Ferrigno has also been involved in legal disputes with his younger brother Andrew regarding the use of the Ferrigno name in business ventures.