“I Wish I Could Be Like Him”: Lou Ferrigno Once Discussed How People’s Negative Comments Turned Into Admiration With Time

Lou Ferrigno, aka the “The Incredible Hulk,” is one of the best-known bodybuilders of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s era. The two-time Mr. America, and Mr. Universe winner, also starred in a documentary, “Pumping Iron.” Lou Ferrigno has earned a name in acting, modeling, and bodybuilding.

Due to his celebrity status, Lou Ferrigno has to be at par with his fans’ and the general public’s expectations. He has received positive and negative media coverage and reactions from fans throughout his career. The 70-year-old bodybuilder, however, has devised his mindset to deal with both.

Lou Ferrigno admires the attention he gets

In an interview in 1994, Lou Ferrigno was asked what it feels like to be a large person and what are people’s reactions? Ferrigno replied that his large body always makes him the center of attention, which he had always wanted. “I mean, I get attention no matter where I walk, regardless of being an actor or celebrity, because as big as I am people always look at me,“ remarked Ferrigno.

People are always proud of him and are amazed at his physique. Ferrigno said that when people see him walk around the city, they say, “God, that’s like a real man, this is what a man is built like. I wish I could be like him, and look like him.“

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Ferrigno also revealed that people around him were not very supportive when he had just begun bodybuilding. As the sport started gaining popularity, their attitude towards him also changed.

Fame isn’t always a positive form of encouragement

Lou Ferrigno also expressed that sometimes people lead him to have mixed or negative feelings towards himself. Lou feels disheartened when people believe he was born in this shape or just sleeps and gains muscles.

Ferrigno said it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to be where he is today. But some people still try to find ways to outdo him. Ferrigno has dealt with many jealous and insecure people in his career, but he never let his spirit die.

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Ferrigno stressed the importance of positive self-talk to deal with all the negativity and keep his ship sailing.