Lou Ferrigno is a retired bodybuilder, professional actor and fitness trainer, and consultant. Right out of high school, he won his first major international title. While that sounds like a great start to his career, it didn’t turn out so. Hailing from a humble background, he employed himself in several small jobs to make ends meet before gaining prominence as a bodybuilder and an actor.

As a child, Ferrigno was subject to bullying due to his speech impediment. He read comic books and got obsessed with the strength and power The Hulk and The Spider-Man characters wielded.

He started training at the age of 13 despite having no access to a gym. The ‘rags to riches’ journey of Ferrigno was strewn with a variety of challenges. Ferrigno turned his adversities into opportunities and created a legendary position as a bodybuilder turned actor.

Lou Ferrigno once worked at a sheet metal factory

After winning his major title, IFBB Mr. America, followed by IFBB Mr. Universe four years later, Ferrigno appeared in the Mr. Olympia contest in 1974. He continued to put sincere effort into the sport. Ferrigno also competed in the first World’s Strongest Man and ranked fourth.

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Unfortunately, he was not earning enough from bodybuilding, hence he couldn’t quit his day job at a sheet metal factory. Notably, he made $10 an hour doing the same. Eventually, he left the job, considering the accidents and dangers involved in it.

Ferrigno took a long break from the competitions then. Around the same time, he got an opportunity to suit as a defensive lineman for the Toronto Argonauts.

READ MORE: “Said Don’t Ever Come Home and…”: Lou Ferrigno Opened Up on Father’s Rough Methods to Make Him Stand Up Against Bullying During an Interview in 2021

Although he never had any experience, he gave it a try; but it didn’t continue for too long. The hurt he caused to his fellow players during the game caused him to be eliminated. He returned to bodybuilding again in the 90s but saw no luck in the competitions. Eventually, he retired from the sport.

TV career and other ventures that propelled Ferrigno to riches

The 6ft 4inches Ferrigno weighed 315 pounds in the 70s. His goliath physique earned him the titular role in the TV series “The Incredible Hulk.” He also featured in the Pumping Iron movie alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger. Subsequently, he appeared in several series and movies.

In the field of fitness, he has contributed greatly as a trainer and consultant. He was Michael Jackson’s trainer for a long time. In May 2018, the Trump government appointed him as a member of his Council on Sports, Fitness, & Nutrition. Ferrigno is a unique combination of talent and wisdom. In his 70s now, he still works out and maintains a fit body.

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