What Happened to Louis Jude Ferrigno Sr.?

Louis Jude Ferrigno Sr. was born on November 9, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York. Early in his life, Ferrigno faced significant challenges, having lost 75 to 80% of his hearing due to ear infections soon after birth, a condition not diagnosed until he was three years old. This hearing loss, coupled with a speech impediment, led to bullying during his childhood, which he credits as a major motivator for him to pursue bodybuilding and build confidence.

Ferrigno began weight training at the age of 13, inspired by comic book superheroes and bodybuilders like Steve Reeves. His dedication quickly paid off, leading him to win his first major title, IFBB Mr. America, in 1969, directly after high school. He went on to secure two consecutive IFBB Mr. Universe titles in 1973 and 1974. His intense rivalry with Arnold Schwarzenegger during the 1975 Mr. Olympia competition was famously documented in the 1977 film "Pumping Iron," which brought him widespread recognition beyond the bodybuilding community.

His imposing physique and growing fame paved the way for his acting career. In 1977, Ferrigno landed his most iconic role as the titular character in the CBS television series "The Incredible Hulk," which ran until 1982. He continued to portray the Hulk in three subsequent TV movies and lent his voice to the character in various animated and computer-generated incarnations, including cameo appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films "Hulk" (2003) and "The Incredible Hulk" (2008), and voice work until "Avengers: Age of Ultron" (2015). Beyond the Hulk, he starred in European fantasy-adventure films such as "Hercules" (1983) and "Sinbad of the Seven Seas" (1989), and made notable guest appearances as himself on the sitcom "The King of Queens."

In his personal life, Ferrigno married Susan Groff in 1978, a marriage that ended in divorce a year later. On May 3, 1980, he married psychotherapist Carla Green, who also became his manager and later a personal trainer. They have three children: Shanna, Louis Jr., and Brent. However, Carla Green reportedly filed for divorce in 2023, concluding their lengthy marriage. Ferrigno has also engaged in public service, becoming a Los Angeles County reserve sheriff's deputy in 2006 and serving on the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition under Donald Trump in 2018. He has openly discussed his hearing loss and, in the early 2020s, began working with Cochlear Limited implants to improve his hearing.

As of March 2026, Lou Ferrigno, at 74 years old, remains highly active. His net worth is estimated at around $12 million, accumulated through his diverse career in acting, fitness training, and business ventures, including his Ferrigno Fitness equipment line and real estate investments. He continues to maintain a rigorous fitness regimen, emphasizing consistency, quality of reps over heavy weight, and a 'food-first' approach to nutrition, focusing on lean proteins, vegetables, and fruits while avoiding processed foods. Ferrigno is also actively involved in the entertainment industry, with his new horror thriller film "The Hermit" set for release on March 3, 2026, where he plays a cannibalistic pig farmer. He regularly attends multi-fandom conventions and events, connecting with fans across the country.