Retired bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno is one of the greatest bodybuilders. Not just bodybuilding, Lou was famous for his acting talent as well. One of his career’s biggest highlights was his attempt to beat the legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger. It became a highlight of the documentary, Pumping Iron. In 1988, Lou gave a witty reply when he was asked about being psyched by Schwarzenegger.
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Lou is famous for playing the popular Hulk in the super hit TV series, The Incredible Hulk. Some of the other films of Ferrigno include Sinbad of the Seven Seas and Hercules. He also appeared in two sitcoms: The King of Queens and I Love You, Man.
Lou Ferrigno commented on being psyched by Arnold Schwarzenegger
Lou started to come into the spotlight when he started participating in Mr. Olympia. In his third attempt, he tried to defeat Arnold Schwarzenegger. It became a highlight in the 1977 documentary, Pumping Iron. In one of the scenes, Arnold profoundly talks about training with Lou. Many speculated the scene to be an attempt by Schwarzenegger to psyche Lou.
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In an interview with AM Los Angeles in 1988, Lou was asked about Arnold’s attempt. To this, he replied;
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“I don’t think he really psyched me out. I think I wasn’t ready. He knew he was gonna win. We were having fun but that’s part of all our personality. We were really enjoying it. I think he was trying to psyche my father out.”
Lou Ferrigno began weight training at 13. As a child, he was bullied for his deafening ear infection. Thus, he started reading comic books based on Hercules and Steve Reeves, from which he drew great strength. After graduating, Lou won his first IFBB title, Mr. America, in 1969. Following that, he won the Mr. Universe title after four years.
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Arnold Schwarzenegger was Lou’s biggest idol, and he desperately wanted to compete with him. During the mid-1970s, there were rumors that Arnold would be retiring soon. At that time, Lou had just won two IFBB titles. However, he did not wait as he wanted to stand next to Arnold Schwarzenegger and thus ensued one of the greatest rivalries in bodybuilding.
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