Lou Ferrigno

Learn about the life and career of Lou Ferrigno (born November 9, 1951) — bodybuilder turned actor, best known as The Incredible Hulk — his struggles, achievements, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

Lou Ferrigno is an American actor, fitness icon, and former professional bodybuilder, globally known for his portrayal of The Incredible Hulk in television and film. Despite severe hearing loss from early childhood, he transformed adversity into strength, rising to prominence in bodybuilding and later crossing over into acting. His life story is one of perseverance, reinvention, and ambition.

Early Life & Background

• Lou Ferrigno was born November 9, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York.

• His parents were Victoria and Matt Ferrigno (his father was a police lieutenant).

• Due to repeated ear infections in infancy, he lost about 75% to 80% of his hearing, a condition not fully diagnosed until he was about 3 years old.

• He was bullied in childhood for his hearing impairment and speech difficulties, and reading comic books (especially the Hulk) became a solace.

• As a teenager, he took to weight training (around age 13). Because he couldn’t afford proper weights, he built makeshift ones from a broomstick and pails filled with cement.

• He attended Brooklyn Technical High School.

Bodybuilding Career

• After high school, Ferrigno entered bodybuilding competitions. He won IFBB Mr. America and then two consecutive IFBB Mr. Universe titles.

• In the 1977 documentary Pumping Iron, he appeared alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, raising his profile significantly.

• He competed in Mr. Olympia, placing among top finishers.

• Bodybuilding was not especially lucrative at first, so he has said he worked manual jobs (such as sheet metal work) before his acting career took off.

Acting & Entertainment Career

The Incredible Hulk & Iconic Roles

• Ferrigno was cast as The Hulk in the CBS TV series The Incredible Hulk from 1977 to 1982, with Bill Bixby playing the human alter ego, Dr. David Banner.

• He reprised the role in later TV movies and voiced the Hulk in animated or CGI parts in films (such as the 2008 The Incredible Hulk).

• Ferrigno also starred in other films, such as Hercules (1983).

• In Cage (1989), he played a character involved in an underground fighting ring.

• On television, he has made guest or recurring appearances (for example, on The King of Queens), often playing himself or referencing his Hulk persona.

Other Roles & Public Service

• Beyond acting and bodybuilding, Ferrigno has served in law enforcement roles: since 2006 he has been a reserve deputy sheriff in Los Angeles County.

• He also joined volunteer posses and reserve roles in other counties.

• In 2012, he competed on The Celebrity Apprentice, using the platform to raise money for muscle-dystrophy causes.

Personal Life & Challenges

• Ferrigno has long lived with significant hearing loss; he has used hearing aids, and later received a cochlear implant which restored much of his hearing.

• He acknowledges that being hard of hearing helped foster in him a strong drive and determination.

• He was married to Susan Groff from 1978 to 1979, and later married Carla Green (since 1980) with whom he has had several children.

• One of his sons, Lou Ferrigno Jr., is also an actor, known for roles such as on S.W.A.T.

Legacy & Influence

Lou Ferrigno’s legacy is multi-faceted:

• He is an enduring icon of strength and resilience: someone who turned physical limitation (hearing loss) into motivation.

• He helped popularize bodybuilding in mainstream culture through his crossover into television and film.

• His portrayal of The Hulk remains iconic; across decades he has returned to the role in various forms.

• He has inspired many fitness enthusiasts, bodybuilders, and fans who see in him a model of discipline and persistence.

• His willingness to serve in law enforcement and participate publicly in civic roles underscores a sense of giving back.

Notable Quotes by Lou Ferrigno

Here are some of his memorable lines:

“The attitude is very important. Because, your behavior radiates how you feel.”

“To be a champion you must act like one, act like a champion.”

“You are going to have bad days and have good days.”

“Bodybuilding saved my life because I overcame the nerd stage. I got picked on.”

“It’s funny how sometimes … people think I was born like this … but it’s a lot of work to look like this and to be in this kind of condition.”

“When I work out, I wear two in-the-ear hearing aids for comfort … and then I wear the behind-the-ears for my day-to-day non-physical activities … to communicate with people …”

These lines reflect his belief in discipline, resilience, honesty about limitations, and the work behind success.

Lessons from Lou Ferrigno’s Life

1. Adversity can be a catalyst
   His hearing loss, which could have been debilitating, instead sharpened his focus and drove him to prove himself.

2. Work is behind the image
   Many of his quotes stress that the external appearance (body, physique) is the result of consistent effort, not miracle.

3. Attitude matters
   He often emphasizes that how one carries oneself—emotionally and mentally—is integral to success.

4. Reinvention is possible
   He crossed from bodybuilding to acting to public service, showing that one can evolve and take on new roles across life.

5. Authenticity about struggle fosters respect
   He has been candid about his challenges (hearing loss, bullying) rather than hiding them, which makes his achievements more inspiring.

6. Giving back matters
   His involvement in law enforcement and charity underscores that fame does not preclude responsibility.