Overcoming Adversities In Lou Ferrigno's Life

We’ve all seen the face. We’ve all heard the name. But who is the real man behind the green skin and muscles? He’s known for his success and influence in a career of body- building. He can also be found across televisions and screens worldwide in a variety of acting roles. Lou Ferrigno has led an inspiring life from child to adulthood, overcoming adversities at a young age and turning them all into an iconic success. On November 9, 1951, a baby boy was born into an Italian family in Brooklyn, New York. His father, Matt Ferrigno, was a police lieutenant and his mother, Victoria, was a stay at home mom. His birth name is Louis Jude Ferrigno, but he’s been called “Lou” his whole life. Not too long after he was born, he suffered a numerous amount of ear infections that led to him losing about 75% of his hearing. This made for a tougher time growing up in a rough city. As a young boy, Lou went to St. Athanasius Grammar School. He began wearing hearing aids at the age of five to help him function in and outside of the classroom. He attended Brooklyn Technical High School and learned the trade of metal working at a fairly young age. He graduated in 1969. Outside of school, Lou began weight training at 13 years old. His childhood idol was Steve …show more content…
He played the role of Hercules in 1983 and 1985. He became the same role that he aspired to be as a young boy. He had a dream and pushed himself to live it. He has been in over 20 films, as well as television shows. Although the majority of his acting roles are known for being serious and dramatic, he’s done a quite a few comedic cameos and appearances in films to show his diversity. He maintained a role in the sitcom “The King of Queens” from 2000-2007. Who would’ve known that a body- builder could become an actor and have such a successful career? Although Ferrigno continues to be seen in films/television to this day, his true love will always be