“Bodybuilders Are Dumb or Stupid”: Lou Ferrigno Once Claimed Bodybuilding Was Considered to Be ‘A Joke’ During His Time

Lou Ferrigno is a bodybuilding legend. He was one of the first bodybuilders, other than Arnold Schwarzenegger, who paved the way for the sport to become mainstream. After winning the Mr. Universe title multiple times, Ferrigno became a TV star. From portraying Hercules on the big screen to regularly appearing as the Hulk, Ferrigno gained a lot of fame for his Olympia-caliber physique.

Last year, when Generation Iron asked Ferrigno about his opinion on bodybuilders being questioned about their intelligence, Lou didn’t hesitate to answer. The former Mr. Universe also said what he did to change that perception.

Lou Ferrigno talks about stereotyping in the ’70s

In an interview with Generation Iron, Lou Ferrigno talked about stereotypes bodybuilders faced in his day. Lou said, “If you backtrack 35 years ago, it was a joke. I was looked down because, in my time, they say bodybuilders are dumb or stupid.” Lou started his bodybuilding career in 1969. By 1973, Ferrigno had won the Mr. Universe and Mr. America titles.

READ MORE: The Incredible Hulk Lou Ferrigno Was “Ridiculed” by Friends for Pursuing a Shadow Sport Like Bodybuilding in the 60s

However, bodybuilders like Ferrigno didn’t get the respect they deserved in the ’70s. The 1977 film, Pumping Iron, also highlights this issue. However, just like the seven-time Mr. Olympia, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou also played his part in changing that perception.

Ferrigno said, “That’s why I made the decision to do celebrity apprentice.” Lou wanted to show that it takes a lot of knowledge and intelligence to be a world-champion bodybuilder. He also said, “You can’t be stupid. You have to have tremendous knowledge about nutrition, about the anatomy of muscle.”

The bodybuilding icon also spoke about being ahead of the curve. Ferrigno said the ripped physique, that’s embraced by Hollywood now, was first seen in Pumping Iron. “That’s where it all started from. Thank you! “, said Lou with a smirk. 

Ferrigno was also one of the strongest men in the world

The former Mr. Universe isn’t just a champion bodybuilder. Ferrigno also had the strength to rival strongmen. In fact, Lou took part in the first installment of World’s Strongest Man. A competition where athletes from various sports competed against each other. He placed a respectable 4th place behind professional strongmen and Olympic weightlifters. Ferrigno also won the steel bar-bending event.

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Lou Ferrigno is an iconic bodybuilder, though he never won Mr. Olympia. The Pumping Iron star carved out an acting career and even played some iconic characters. It’s safe to say ‘The Incredible Hulk‘ star has silenced those who questioned bodybuilders and their sport.