Lou Ferrigno: The Iconic Bodybuilder, Actor, And Fitness Guru

How Much Is Lou Ferrigno Worth Today?

Let’s talk about Lou Ferrigno, a name that’s synonymous with strength, resilience, and success. This legendary American actor, fitness trainer, and retired professional bodybuilder boasts a net worth of $12 million. Over the years, Lou has built his fortune through an impressive array of ventures, including his iconic role as the Hulk in television, his work as a personal fitness trainer and consultant, and even some savvy real estate investments. But his journey wasn’t always easy—Lou worked hard to earn every penny, proving that hard work and determination can take you far.

Early Days: Overcoming Challenges

Lou Ferrigno, born Louis Jude Ferrigno on November 9, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York, had a tough start in life. The son of Victoria and Matt Ferrigno, he experienced significant hearing loss early on due to ear infections, which left him with 75-80% hearing impairment. Growing up, Lou faced bullying from his peers because of his condition, but instead of letting it bring him down, he channeled his energy into something positive. By the age of 13, he was already weightlifting, inspired by the superheroes he admired, like Hercules, Spider-Man, and the Hulk. Back then, his family couldn’t afford a proper set of weights, so Lou got creative. He crafted his own makeshift equipment using a broomstick and pails filled with cement. Talk about resourcefulness! Lou attended St. Athanasius Grammar School and Brooklyn Technical High School, graduating in 1969.

Forging a Path in Bodybuilding

The Early Wins and Arnold Connection

Right out of high school, Lou Ferrigno made a name for himself by winning the IFBB Mr. America title. Just four years later, he claimed the prestigious IFBB Mr. Universe title. During this time, he trained alongside none other than Arnold Schwarzenegger in Columbus, Ohio. In 1974, Lou came in second at the Mr. Olympia competition, a remarkable achievement considering the competition. His attempt to dethrone Schwarzenegger at Mr. Olympia became the subject of the documentary "Pumping Iron" in 1977, catapulting him into the spotlight. Later, Ferrigno participated in the inaugural World’s Strongest Man competition, finishing fourth out of eight competitors.

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The Day Job and Football Detour

Despite his success in bodybuilding, Lou couldn’t quit his day job just yet. He worked at a sheet metal factory in Brooklyn, earning $10 an hour for three years. It was a tough job, and Ferrigno eventually left after witnessing a coworker accidentally sever his own hand. Lou briefly tried his hand at football, joining the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League as a defensive lineman. However, with no prior football experience, he was cut after only two games when he accidentally broke a fellow player's leg during a scrimmage. Oof, that must’ve been tough!

A Return to Bodybuilding

Ferrigno came back to bodybuilding in the early '90s, competing in the 1992 and 1993 Mr. Olympia competitions, where he placed 12th and 10th, respectively. In 1994, he entered the Masters Olympia, with his attempt to beat Robbie Robinson and Boyer Coe documented in the 1996 film "Stand Tall." After that, Lou decided to hang up his competition gloves and focus on other ventures.

A Career in Entertainment

The Incredible Hulk and Beyond

Ferrigno’s acting career took off when he landed the role of the Hulk in the TV series "The Incredible Hulk," which aired from 1977 to 1982. He teamed up with co-star Bill Bixby for three made-for-TV movies after the series ended. Lou also made appearances on "Battle of the Network Stars" in 1978 and 1979. In 1983, he played John Six in the medical drama "Trauma Center." From 2000 to 2007, Lou popped up on the sitcom "The King of Queens," where he and his on-screen wife were the main character's next-door neighbors.

Modern-Day Cameos and Voice Work

Ferrigno made cameos in the 2003 movie "Hulk" and the 2008 film "The Incredible Hulk." In 2009, Lou appeared as himself in the comedy "I Love You, Man." That same year, he voiced Billy the Hero in the animated show "Adventure Time" and was a contestant on "Celebrity Apprentice." Ferrigno even made an appearance in the 2014 episode of "Star Wars Continues" titled "Lolani." In 2015, he voiced the Hulk in "Avengers: Age of Ultron," though Mark Ruffalo took over the role starting with "Thor: Ragnarok" in 2017.

Exploring Other Ventures

Training Michael Jackson and Launching Ferrigno Fitness

Believe it or not, Lou Ferrigno was also a long-time trainer for the late Michael Jackson, working with him on and off since the early '90s. In fact, Lou helped Jackson prepare for his planned London concerts in 2009, which tragically never happened due to Jackson's untimely passing. Lou has also launched his own fitness equipment line called Ferrigno Fitness, proving that he’s a true fitness guru both in and out of the gym.

A Career in Law Enforcement

In 2006, Lou became a sheriff’s deputy in Los Angeles County. He’s also served as a volunteer sheriff posse member in Maricopa County, Arizona, a reserve deputy in San Luis Obispo, CA, and a special deputy in Delaware County, Ohio. In May 2018, President Donald Trump appointed Lou to his Council on Sports, Fitness, & Nutrition, showcasing his influence beyond the world of bodybuilding.

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Life Behind the Scenes

Family Life and Legacy

Ferrigno’s personal life includes two marriages. His first marriage to Susan Groff lasted from 1978 to 1979, and in 1980, he married psychotherapist Carla Green, who later became his manager and a personal trainer. Together, they have three children: Shanna, born in 1981, who’s an actress with a recurring role on "Days of Our Lives"; Louis Jr., born in 1984, who played linebacker for the University of Southern California Trojans football team and has recurring roles on CBS's "S.W.A.T." and ABC's "9-1-1"; and Brent, born in 1990.

Real Estate Success

In 1980, Lou and his wife purchased a home in Santa Monica for $547,000. They listed it for sale in September 2019 for $3.9 million, eventually selling it for $3.2 million in April 2020. Around the same time, Lou bought another stunning ocean-view property near Pismo Beach for $2.9 million. This new home sits on over five acres, proving that Lou’s success extends far beyond the gym and the screen.