Lou Ferrigno Net Worth - Pulptastic -

What is Lou Ferrigno’s net worth?

Lou Ferrigno, an American actor, fitness trainer, and retired professional bodybuilder, has a net worth of $12 million. He earned his fortune through various endeavors such as winning Mr. Universe, working as a personal fitness trainer and consultant, starring in television shows as the Hulk and in comedy sitcoms, playing roles in films, and investing in real estate.

Louis Ferrigno: From Childhood Hearing Loss to Bodybuilding

Louis Jude Ferrigno was born on November 9, 1951 in Brooklyn, New York. He lost 75 to 80% of his hearing as a child due to ear infections, which led to him being bullied by his peers.

At 13, he started weight training and found inspiration in pop culture superheroes like Hercules, Spider-Man, and the Hulk. However, his family couldn’t afford to buy him weights, so he made his own using a broomstick and cement-filled pails.

Ferrigno attended St. Athanasius Grammar School and Brooklyn Technical High School, graduating in 1969.

Lou Ferrigno’s Bodybuilding Career

Lou Ferrigno began his bodybuilding career by winning IFBB Mr. America right out of high school. He went on to win IFBB Mr. Universe four years later and trained with Arnold Schwarzenegger in Columbus, Ohio. Ferrigno became famous after competing in the Mr. Olympia competition in 1974, where he placed second. He also competed in the first World’s Strongest Man competition and finished fourth out of eight athletes.

However, Ferrigno struggled to make a living as a bodybuilder and worked at a sheet metal factory in Brooklyn for three years, where he made only $10 an hour. He left the job after a friend and coworker accidentally cut off his own hand. Ferrigno briefly played football for the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League but was cut after breaking a fellow player’s legs during a scrimmage.

Ferrigno returned to bodybuilding in the ’90s and competed in the Mr. Olympia competitions in 1992 and 1993, finishing 12th and 10th respectively. He then retired from competitive bodybuilding after competing in the 1994 Masters Olympia, where his attempt to beat Robbie Robinson and Boyer Coe was the subject of the documentary “Stand Tall.”

Lou Ferrigno’s Acting Career

Lou Ferrigno starred in “The Incredible Hulk” TV series from 1977 to 1982 alongside Bill Bixby. He also co-starred with Bixby in three made-for-TV movies. Ferrigno made appearances on “Battle of the Network Stars” in 1978 and 1979 and on “Trauma Center” in 1983.

From 2000 to 2007, Ferrigno intermittently appeared on “The King of Queens” as the main character’s neighbor. He made cameos in the 2003 film “Hulk” and the 2008 film “The Incredible Hulk.” Ferrigno also appeared as himself in the comedy “I Love You, Man” in 2009 and in an episode of “Sonny with a Chance” in 2010. He voiced Billy the Hero in “Adventure Time” that same year.

In 2012, Ferrigno appeared as a contestant on “The Celebrity Apprentice.” In 2014, he appeared in an episode of “Star Wars Continues” and in 2015, he voiced the Hulk in “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” Ferrigno was replaced by Mark Ruffalo as the voice of Hulk in 2017’s “Thor: Ragnarok.”

Lou Ferrigno’s Career Highlights

Lou Ferrigno, known for his role as the Incredible Hulk, was a long-time trainer of Michael Jackson, helping him get in shape for a planned series of concerts in London in 2009. Ferrigno also has his own line of fitness equipment called “Ferrigno Fitness.”

In addition to his career in fitness and entertainment, Ferrigno has served as a sheriff’s deputy in Los Angeles County since 2006 and has been sworn in as a member of the volunteer sheriff posse in Maricopa County, Arizona, a reserve deputy in San Luis Obispo, CA, and a special deputy in Delaware County, Ohio.

In May 2018, Ferrigno was appointed by President Donald Trump to be a member of his Council on Sports, Fitness, & Nutrition.

Lou Ferrigno’s Personal Life

Lou Ferrigno was married to Susan Groff from 1978-1979. He later married psychotherapist Carla Green in May 1980. Green also served as his manager and later became a personal trainer. The couple has three children: Shanna (b. 1981), Louis Jr. (b. 1984), and Brent (b. 1990).

Shanna is an actress with a recurring role in “Days of Our Lives”. Louis Jr. played linebacker for the University of Southern California Trojans football team and is also an actor with a recurring role on CBS’s “S.W.A.T.”

Lou Ferrigno’s Real Estate Ventures

In 1980, Lou Ferrigno and his wife purchased a home in Santa Monica for $547,000. They decided to sell the property in September 2019, listing it for $3.9 million. After finding a buyer, they sold the house for $3.2 million in April 2020.

At the same time, Ferrigno purchased a new ocean-view house near Pismo Beach for $2.9 million. This new property spans over 5 acres, providing ample space for the actor and his family to enjoy.