In 1980, former Mr. Universe Lou Ferrigno married Carla Green. While the bodybuilding icon was at the peak of his fame, he didn’t have much money in the bank. Lou’s wife Carla was also in the same boat, financially. However, the couple persevered, working together to overcome mounting financial struggles.

During an interview with Geffner Productions in the early 2000s, Lou and Carla once explained how the couple worked together to build up their finances and the Ferrigno brand.

Lou Ferrigno and Carla Green: Building a brand together

The interviewer asked Lou and Carla about the secret to their long-lasting relationship. Carla explained she and Lou stood on equal ground when they first met. “I had $7,000 in the bank, and he had $5,000,” said Carla. She also said they each had a good job, and Lou made a lot of money. “But you didn’t have any of that (money) when I met him,” said Lou’s wife.

When Lou married Carla, he played Hulk in the Incredible Hulk TV show. Lou first caught the public’s eye in 1977 with his appearance in Pumping Iron. However, the bodybuilding icon became massively popular after starting as the big, green comic book superhero in the Incredible Hulk TV show. Carla helped her husband capitalize on his fame.

“I started to go to work and in the business, and we did it together,” said the former psychotherapist. Shortly after marriage, Carla became Lou’s manager. “I booked the appearances he did… Put everything together for us,” said Lou’s wife. “I traveled with him, and our life became our business together,” she added.

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Carla said while the couple faced financial trouble after getting married, they didn’t give up. “We built our money and our home. And we built it from nothing.” Carla told the interviewer. 

Ferrigno names three pillars of a healthy relationship

During the same interview, Lou revealed why he and Carla maintained a great relationship while facing challenges. The Incredible Hulk actor named the three pillars of a healthy relationship. “Intimacy, the honesty, the communication. Those three. If you don’t have those three, you’re not gonna have a relationship,” said Lou.

Lou stressed the ability to communicate. “So if you married someone, the worst thing you can do is not to talk (after a fight),” said Lou. The bodybuilding icon said, “those three ingredients,” kept them together.

Watch this story – Bodybuilding Legend Lou Ferrigno Gained a Whooping 6x Profit on His 325 Million Mansion He Bought in 1980

Lou Ferrigno is a bodybuilding legend who also became the first on-screen Hulk. However, Carla helped him turn fame into financial strength. What do you think about their relationship? Let us know in the comments.