Personal details
Born:
- Birthday: 1951-11-09
- Born Place: Brooklyn, New York, USA
Also Known As:
Louis Ferrigno, لو فریگنو
Lou Ferrigno
Lou Ferrigno is an American actor, retired professional bodybuilder, and fitness trainer, best known for portraying the Hulk in the 1977–1982 CBS television series The Incredible Hulk. Born on November 9, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York, Ferrigno faced significant challenges early in life. He lost 75–80% of his hearing due to ear infections shortly after birth, a condition not diagnosed until he was three years old. This hearing impairment, along with a speech impediment, led to bullying during his childhood. Ferrigno turned to bodybuilding as a means of building strength and self-confidence, drawing inspiration from comic book heroes like the Hulk and figures such as Steve Reeves. Ferrigno began weight training at the age of 13, using homemade equipment due to financial constraints. He won the IFBB Mr. America title in 1973 and followed it with two consecutive Mr. Universe titles in 1973 and 1974. His rivalry with Arnold Schwarzenegger was documented in the 1977 film Pumping Iron, which helped propel both men to fame. Despite his success, Ferrigno struggled financially early in his career, working as a sheet metal worker before his bodybuilding achievements provided more opportunities. In 1977, Ferrigno was cast as the Hulk in The Incredible Hulk, a role that required him to endure long hours and extensive makeup. He continued to portray the character in subsequent TV movies and lent his voice to the Hulk in the 2012 film The Avengers. Beyond acting, Ferrigno has appeared in various films and television shows, including Hercules (1983), Sinbad of the Seven Seas (1989), and The King of Queens. In addition to his entertainment career, Ferrigno has been active in law enforcement. In 2006, he was sworn in as a reserve sheriff's deputy in Los Angeles County, California, and later joined a volunteer sheriff posse in Maricopa County, Arizona, to assist with illegal immigration control. He also participated in the fifth season of NBC's The Celebrity Apprentice in 2012, raising funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Ferrigno has been married twice; his first marriage was to Susan Groff in 1978, which ended in divorce the following year. In 1980, he married psychotherapist Carla Green, who also became his manager and later a personal trainer. They have three children: Shanna, Louis Jr., and Brent. Shanna has had roles in soap operas and reality television, while Louis Jr. has pursued acting, appearing in series such as S.W.A.T. and Outer Banks. Despite the challenges he faced growing up, Ferrigno's determination and resilience have made him an iconic figure in both bodybuilding and entertainment. His journey from a bullied child to a celebrated actor and fitness advocate serves as an inspiration to many.
