“Bodybuilders Are Dumb or Stupid”: Lou Ferrigno Once Claimed Bodybuilding Was Considered to Be ‘A Joke’ During His Time
Follow Us
Lou Ferrigno is a bodybuilding legend. He was one of the first bodybuilders, other than Arnold Schwarzenegger, who paved the way for the sport to become mainstream. After winning the Mr. Universe title multiple times, Ferrigno became a TV star. From portraying Hercules on the big screen to regularly appearing as the Hulk, Ferrigno gained a lot of fame for his Olympia-caliber physique.
Last year, when Generation Iron asked Ferrigno about his opinion on bodybuilders being questioned about their intelligence, Lou didn’t hesitate to answer. The former Mr. Universe also said what he did to change that perception.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Lou Ferrigno talks about stereotyping in the ’70s
In an interview with Generation Iron, Lou Ferrigno talked about stereotypes bodybuilders faced in his day. Lou said, “If you backtrack 35 years ago, it was a joke. I was looked down because, in my time, they say bodybuilders are dumb or stupid.” Lou started his bodybuilding career in 1969. By 1973, Ferrigno had won the Mr. Universe and Mr. America titles.
Trending
“Steroids Did a Number on His Face”: Zac Efron Faces Fierce Scrutiny From Fitness World Over His Insanely Jacked Wrestler Avatar
November 21, 2023 06:01 AM EST
Complete New York Pro 2024 Roster
May 15, 2024 05:03 PM EDT
“Too Damn Big”: Exuding Confidence Like No One Else, Bodybuilding Beast Jay Cutler Clarifies the Notion Behind His Tight Clothes
August 08, 2023 12:45 PM EDT
“I Allowed It to Take Over My Life”: Zac Efron Opens Up About His Hulking Body Transformation for Iron Claw
January 05, 2024 04:45 PM EST
Bodybuilding Coach Dismantles Fitness Influencer’s Questionable Advice on Bicep Curl Technique
May 09, 2024 09:15 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Bodybuilding stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
However, bodybuilders like Ferrigno didn’t get the respect they deserved in the ’70s. The 1977 film, Pumping Iron, also highlights this issue. However, just like the seven-time Mr. Olympia, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou also played his part in changing that perception.
Ferrigno said, “That’s why I made the decision to do celebrity apprentice.” Lou wanted to show that it takes a lot of knowledge and intelligence to be a world-champion bodybuilder. He also said, “You can’t be stupid. You have to have tremendous knowledge about nutrition, about the anatomy of muscle.”
View this post on Instagram
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The bodybuilding icon also spoke about being ahead of the curve. Ferrigno said the ripped physique, that’s embraced by Hollywood now, was first seen in Pumping Iron. “That’s where it all started from. Thank you! “, said Lou with a smirk.
Ferrigno was also one of the strongest men in the world
The former Mr. Universe isn’t just a champion bodybuilder. Ferrigno also had the strength to rival strongmen. In fact, Lou took part in the first installment of World’s Strongest Man. A competition where athletes from various sports competed against each other. He placed a respectable 4th place behind professional strongmen and Olympic weightlifters. Ferrigno also won the steel bar-bending event.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch this story – Bodybuilding Legend Lou Ferrigno’s Three Secrets to Stay In Top Shape
Lou Ferrigno is an iconic bodybuilder, though he never won Mr. Olympia. The Pumping Iron star carved out an acting career and even played some iconic characters. It’s safe to say ‘The Incredible Hulk‘ star has silenced those who questioned bodybuilders and their sport.
Edited by:
Tony Thomas