Who was the real Hulk bodybuilder? All you need to know about Lou Ferrigno

Bodybuilding icon Lou Ferrigno remains one of the biggest legends in the sport of bodybuilding. Being one of the biggest rivals of Mr Olympia champion Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ferrigno also appeared in the documentary movie ‘Pumping Iron’ alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Born on November 09, 1951, Ferrigno made his bodybuilding debut back in 1972 at NABBA Mr. Universe 1972. While Arnold Schwarzenegger secured a victory that year, Lou Ferrigno made sure to leave his impact next year. Winning the title two consecutive times in 1973 and 1974, he presented a perfect physique on the stage.

Moving on to better things in life, Lou Ferrigno made his debut on the silver screen back in 1977 as ‘The Incredible Hulk.’ Playing the alter ego of Bruce Banner, Ferrigno also competed at the first World’s Strongest Man competition in 1977. Finishing fourth in the contest, Ferrigno displayed his unreal strength to the world.

Making a comeback to the competitive bodybuilding stage in 1992, Lou Ferrigno stepped on the Mr. Olympia stage at the age of 41 and secured the 12th position. Trying his luck once again in 1993, Lou Ferrigno came 10th in the competition before retiring in 1995.

---

Lou Ferrigno sheds light on ‘The Hulk’s role

In an interview back in 2013 with Express UK, Lou Ferrigno opened up about his role in ‘The Hulk.’ Due to the lack of visual effects and resources back in the time, Lou Ferrigno had to sit through a four-hour session of makeup daily.

Revealing about this in the interview, Ferrigno stated:

“Being painted green was a pain…I also had to sit still for the make-up team to apply prosthetics on my forehead and nose. The whole thing took almost four hours.”

Even though playing the role of ‘The Hulk’ was actually a good start to Lou Ferrigno’s career, the bodybuilding veteran describes the experience as “the most uncomfortable experience.” Ferrigno played the role of ‘The Hulk’ from 1978 to 1982.

---

Lou Ferrigno’s hearing disability

What many fans are still not aware of is the fact that Lou Ferrigno lost most of his hearing abilities back when he was just three years old.

Talking about this with News 6, Ferrigno said:

“When I was 4 years old, my parents would clap their hands and I wouldn't respond. I had 85% hearing loss…My whole life was a struggle. I was introverted, I had a severe speech impediment."

Back in 2021, Lou Ferrigno got a cochlear implant to fix his hearing. Talking about this, he stated:

"These last few years have been life-changing…I feel like l've been reborn, I can hear so many things I've never heard before, including my own speech."

With his mental resilience and work ethic, Lou Ferrigno got the better of his disability. Having made his name in the world of bodybuilding as well as Hollywood, Ferrigno still remains one of the fan favourites despite his retirement from the sport decades ago.