Lou Ferrigno American bodybuilder and actor Date of Birth: 09.11.1951 Country: USA

1. Biography: Lou Ferrigno
2. Acting Career
3. Personal Life
4. Current Endeavors

Biography: Lou Ferrigno

Lou Ferrigno is an American bodybuilder and actor. He attended Brooklyn Technical High School and graduated in 1969. Just four years later, Ferrigno won his first major titles, "Mr. America" and "Mr. Universe" in the youth competitions. In 1974, he placed second in his first attempt at the "Mr. Olympia" competition, establishing himself as a towering figure at 6'5" tall and weighing 290 lbs.

Acting Career

In 1977, Ferrigno gained recognition for his role as the green behemoth in the television series and movie "The Incredible Hulk", portraying the alter ego of scientist Bruce Banner. He became the definitive actor to portray the character in various Hulk adventures. He also appeared in the documentary film "Pumping Iron" about the world of bodybuilding and had prominent roles in popular European fantasy films such as "Sinbad of the Seven Seas" and "Hercules". In recent years, Ferrigno starred in the comedy "I Love You, Man" in 2009 and is set to reprise his iconic role as the Hulk in the action film "The Avengers" in 2012.

Personal Life

Ferrigno's father, Matthew, was a lieutenant in the New York Police Department and a weightlifter. However, their relationship was strained, and Ferrigno and his mother Victoria often endured mistreatment. At the age of three, Ferrigno contracted an ear infection, resulting in the loss of approximately 80% of his hearing. Despite this setback, he began gaining weight at the age of 13, looking up to bodybuilding icon Steve Reeves, who played Hercules in the movies. Ferrigno's love for Spider-Man and the Hulk also developed during his childhood.

After his initial success in bodybuilding, Ferrigno's career in the heavyweight division began to decline. In 1977, he placed fourth out of eight competitors in the "World's Strongest Man" competition. In the 1990s, he attempted to reclaim his former glory in the bodybuilding world, but achieved limited success. Ultimately, his realistic assessment of his abilities and several setbacks led him to retire from the sport in 1994.

In 1978, Ferrigno married Susan Groff, but the marriage ended in divorce three years later. On May 3, 1980, he married psychotherapist Carla Green, who also became his manager and personal trainer. They have three children together - Shanna, Louis Jr., and Brent. Shanna is now an actress appearing in various television series, while Louis Jr. plays American football for the university team.

Current Endeavors

In 2006, Ferrigno was deputized as a reserve sheriff's assistant in Los Angeles County, California. He continues to maintain his physical fitness, training daily and has also established a successful line of fitness equipment in partnership with "Ferrigno Fitness". Currently, Ferrigno resides in Santa Monica, California.