Net Worth Ranker
What Is Lou Ferrigno’s Net Worth?
Lou Ferrigno, a multifaceted American personality, boasts a net worth of $12 million. This wealth has been accumulated over decades through diverse avenues, including a successful bodybuilding career highlighted by Mr. Universe titles, his iconic role as the Hulk in television and film, appearances in sitcoms and movies, work as a personal fitness trainer and consultant, and strategic real estate investments.
Early Life and Influences on Lou Ferrigno’s Net Worth
Born Louis Jude Ferrigno on November 9, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York, Lou’s early life presented unique challenges. He is the son of Victoria and Matt Ferrigno. A significant hearing impairment, resulting from childhood ear infections, impacted approximately 75-80% of his hearing. This condition led to instances of bullying during his formative years, which fueled his determination to build physical strength and resilience. Inspired by pop culture heroes such as Hercules, Spider-Man, and the Hulk, Ferrigno began weight training at the age of 13. Due to financial constraints, his family was unable to afford a traditional weight set, so Lou ingeniously crafted his own weights using a broomstick and cement-filled pails. He attended St. Athanasius Grammar School and later graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School in 1969, laying the foundation for his future endeavors that would ultimately contribute to his net worth.
Bodybuilding Career: A Foundation for Lou Ferrigno’s Net Worth
Immediately after high school, Lou Ferrigno made a significant mark in the world of bodybuilding by winning his first major title, the IFBB Mr. America. Four years later, he achieved further recognition by winning the IFBB Mr. Universe title. During this period, he resided in Columbus, Ohio, where he trained alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, a fellow bodybuilding icon. In 1974, Ferrigno achieved a notable second-place finish at the prestigious Mr. Olympia competition. A pivotal moment in his career was captured in the 1977 documentary “Pumping Iron,” which chronicled his attempt to surpass Schwarzenegger at Mr. Olympia, catapulting him to widespread fame. He also participated in the inaugural World’s Strongest Man competition, securing fourth place among eight athletes. Despite his success in bodybuilding, Ferrigno initially struggled to earn a sustainable income from the sport. For three years, he worked at a sheet metal factory in Brooklyn, earning $10 per hour, until he left the dangerous job. Ferrigno briefly stepped away from competitive bodybuilding to pursue a career in professional football, joining the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League as a defensive lineman. However, his football career was short-lived, as he was released after just two games due to an injury sustained during a scrimmage. He returned to bodybuilding in the early 1990s, competing in the 1992 and 1993 Mr. Olympia competitions, finishing in 12th and 10th place, respectively. He then competed in the 1994 Masters Olympia. Ferrigno ultimately retired from competitive bodybuilding, but the recognition and opportunities gained during this period significantly contributed to his long-term net worth.
Entertainment Career: Expanding Lou Ferrigno’s Net Worth
Lou Ferrigno’s foray into the entertainment industry further augmented his net worth. His most iconic role came in the television series “The Incredible Hulk,” where he starred opposite Bill Bixby from 1977 to 1982. Ferrigno and Bixby also collaborated on three “The Incredible Hulk” made-for-tv movies. He showcased his athletic abilities on “Battle of the Network Stars” in 1978 and 1979. In 1983, he played John Six on the medical drama “Trauma Center.” From 2000 to 2007, Ferrigno made recurring appearances on the sitcom “The King of Queens,” portraying himself as the main character’s neighbor. He made cameo appearances in the 2003 film “Hulk” and the 2008 film “The Incredible Hulk.” In 2009, he appeared as himself in the comedy “I Love You, Man.” Ferrigno continued to diversify his acting roles, appearing in an episode of Disney’s “Sonny with a Chance” in 2010. That same year, he voiced the character of Billy the Hero in the animated television program “Adventure Time.” In 2012, he participated as a contestant on “Celebrity Apprentice.” His versatility extended to appearances in the “Star Wars Continues” episode “Lolani” in 2014 and as a Lego version of himself in “Lego Marvel’s Avengers” in 2015. Ferrigno provided the voice of the Hulk in 2015’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” Although he was replaced by Mark Ruffalo as the voice of the Hulk in 2017, his contributions to the character’s legacy and his various acting roles have solidified his financial success.
Other Ventures and Contributions to Lou Ferrigno’s Net Worth
Beyond bodybuilding and acting, Lou Ferrigno has engaged in various other ventures that have contributed to his net worth. He served as a long-time trainer for Michael Jackson, beginning in the early 1990s. In 2009, he assisted Jackson in preparing for a series of planned concerts in London. Ferrigno has also developed his own line of fitness equipment, known as Ferrigno Fitness. In 2006, he became a sheriff’s deputy in Los Angeles County. Additionally, he 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, President Donald Trump appointed him to the Council on Sports, Fitness, & Nutrition. These diverse activities have not only showcased his commitment to fitness and public service but have also provided additional income streams, further enhancing his financial stability.
Personal Life and Real Estate Investments Impacting Lou Ferrigno’s Net Worth
Lou Ferrigno’s personal life has also influenced his financial decisions and real estate investments. He was married to Susan Groff from 1978 to 1979. In May 1980, he married psychotherapist Carla Green, who also became his manager and later a personal trainer. The couple has three children: Shanna (born in 1981), Louis Jr. (born in 1984), and Brent (born in 1990). Shanna is an actress known for her recurring role on “Days of Our Lives.” Louis Jr. played linebacker for the University of Southern California Trojans football team and has recurring roles on CBS’s “S.W.A.T.” and ABC’s “9-1-1.” In 1980, Lou and his wife made a significant real estate investment by purchasing a home in Santa Monica for $547,000. They listed the property for sale in September 2019 for $3.9 million and sold it for $3.2 million in April 2020. Concurrently, Lou acquired another house near Pismo Beach for $2.9 million, featuring an ocean view and situated on more than 5 acres. These real estate transactions demonstrate his acumen for investment and contribute to his overall net worth.
