I think the way Lou's father treated him after the 75 Mr. O show took a physiological toll on him by chastising him for losing and telling Lou to get out of his house. His father never showed any real interest in his son's career till the movie Pumping Iron. Then his father just wanted to be in the movie. God Bless you Lou!
I mean the dude was like genetically a gorilla his abs dont look separated meaning no growth hormone wich says a lot look at the guys he was competing against they look as if a fucking chestburster came out of there i know this sound naive but I don't think he took any steroids
Ffs, Google it, and it takes only a few seconds, google even corrects it for you, it was david carradine. It's not that there isn't information around, you just don't care about it, don't you?
@@flamekirito151 it is by most people's standards. Things are much worse nowadays but Lou's waist was distended and pretty much as big as it got in 1992. Well beyond when Mentzer in 1980 was considered to have a gut by the standards of the time, Lou's waist had clearly entered the modern era of mass monster guts (which Dorian was not to match until 1994)
When Lou left in '75 there really wasn't any money in bodybuilding. These guys were paying their own way and doing it for the love of the sport. They all pretty much had to have other jobs. Lou left for Hollywood and the chance for a big payday which he eventually got.
Coming back at the age of 41 with that kind of physique is just great, and he didn't look big in the waste from what I saw in this video. To be honest, he looked fantastic. This really was a great comeback.
The video only provided the more flattering photos to support his opinion. But had you seen all of the photos from all the mags covering the event in those days (There was a lot of them back then) you would agree that Lou's waist line looked blocky, and he had come in a bit too heavy, just as the media had reported. Lou competed in several body building event during his comeback career and only seem to fair worse and as time went on.
He was not big in the waist...Coleman and Palumbo were big in the waist. This dude was doin' vacuum poses and folks saying he was big in the waist lol.
a bit bigger in the waist i would say, maybe he didnt train vacuums as he should, his pose would be better, his arms would appear bigger, if the stomach was more tucked in. but again, superb bodybiilder, this is just me and my eye and my sense of golden ration :) bless
There are many forces which prevent the true from rising above the false but those with eyes meant to see understand that this man excelled every one of his competitors in class of a human being. Anyone who thinks otherwise was not meant to be breathing.
Lou Ferrigno might have the best genetic disposition for bodybuilding ever... 6'5''', 280 pounds ripped, narrow waist. I hope to see someone like that in bodybuilding again...
The problem with Lou was that he always lacked something in every show...soft abs, bad calves, weak whatever... He had it it all, genetics, mass, definition, etc. but he never could put it all together at the same time...Always a fatal flaw with Lou.
Going from memory: Back in '94, big Lou had applied some skin stain just before one part of the contest. Sadly, the dye ran all over Lou when he began to sweat and he looked like a zebra. The points taken off from that caused the loss for him.
Lou retired and went on to strike while the iron was still hot. He was in pumping Iron and he had marketability after coming off the big screen. For a 24 year old he made a very wise decision. No he never won Olympia but he had a good career in show business...
He would have won the next 3yrs. so easily everyone would have just been saying, well of course because Arnold had left and the closest runners up were really far behind. Empty victories. He was bit by the acting bug, so what, did some small things as mentioned above which landed him the HULK series which he's still probably collecting on and has some cameos. Bravo Lou, well played!
Lou briefly speaks about why he quit in ‘75 in the Pumping Iron 30th anniversary special where they got everyone back together. It was a combination of things, including his portrayal as quiet and dominated by his father in the movie Pumping Iron, and Arnold’s decision to move on to acting. He wanted to prove that despite his disability, he could be as charming and charismatic as Arnold. Winning the Olympia didn’t matter as much as overcoming the obstacles of his disability, and at the time he believed acting was the greater challenge and potential for triumph. I think he made the decision.
Have to have nothing but respect for the greatness of Lou man straight beast and still looking good now never let him self get out of shape the dedication speaks volumes of its own
Grew up watching him on tv and my dad could never stop talking about him. Love learning some of his history. Impressive as hell. A true inspiration!! All hail Lou!!
The man is an icon right up there with Arnold. These are some of the men that are responsible for paving the way for today's bodybuilders. Crazy respect for all of those greats who planted the seed and helped it grow into what the sport is today. That era had so many great physiques, what battles they had back then. Much love, respect and gratitude.
Great video! I agree Lou's comeback given the 17 year hiatus is without a doubt probably the greatest comeback in the history of bodybuilding. Also, you raised a great question asking why did Big Lou decide to retire in 1975 when he would have been the likely heir to the Olympia throne. I personally think, and this is speculation, that after the 1975 Olympia Lou had a serious problem with his self confidence as he often felt overshadowed by his domineering father and also by the fact that he did have a hearing impediment that hampered his speech. Its really a shame imagine how the history of bodybuilding would have changed if Lou would have continued to compete, would Big Lou have been one of the greatest Olympia champions of all time along with Ronnie Coleman and Lee Haney, unfortunately we will never know.
He's since admitted that his father had nothing to do with his training. He was just there for the film. I think it comes down to money. Winning Mr Olympia wasn't really that lucrative. The Weider's had everyone locked down to deals. I'm sure he made decent enough money but nothing compared to what TV and film would pay him. These days, there are thousands of giant muscular blokes who want to get into acting but in the 70's, there wasn't many and he probably knew Arnie had more charisma so had to get into it when the chance arrived. But he'd have won 6 or 7 Mr Olympia's I'd imagine.
I think you are making assumptions based on a fictional movie; his father never trained before with Lou Ferrigno. He wanted to be in the movie and pretended to be his coach, in real life they were barely speaking to each other.
The greatest inspirational bodybuilder on the planet. The Golden Era of bodybuilding was the greatest generation and I sure do miss it. Thank God it's been realized and now the right people are putting the vintage back into the spotlight. No crow on the bodybuilders of today, they out in the hard work but there's nothing artistic about being freakish (my 2 cents). Lou = LEGEND!
I completely agree with you there! That is so very impressive. He has had some ups and downs for sure, But one thing remains, he is still a beast. Oh yea, and a HULK :)
I was fortunate enough to meet Ferrigno in 1979 in Phoenix. Standing next to him was surreal. He's enormous ! I was 5' 10" and about 190 then and I felt tiny. Super nice guy too !
It is really interesting to see someone from that "Golden Era" of bodybuilding when the drugs were not as advanced come in to a time when they had way more modern gear, and look better at 41 than he did when he was young. It would be amazing to have seen what Arnold would have looked like with proper use of modern gear.
an important thing you forgot to mention is that STILL TODAY at the advanced age of 66 he still looks better on the street than Arnold or any of his friends from that era except for maybe Robbie R. (Lou has proven that a man can stay in that same kind of massive shape well into his 60's and possibly beyond.) Behind Arnold, he is definitely one of the classic men of iron that will be remembered 100 years from now.
You may not think Arnold looks great now, but honestly I wouldn't mind looking like him at his age or Stallone or Ronnie Coleman. I'm in my late 30s and those guys gives me hope that I can still workout into my 70s
Arnold always admired Ferrigno's massive frame and said if only he had that kind of foundation to build on. And I still think many of those Olympia contests were fixed. Ferrigno knew it and had better more lucrative things to do after the 70's: THE INCREDIBLE HULK!
I remember Louie training every Tuesday morning in ‘Community’ gym in Hollis Queens NY. I would try hard not to stare at him directly and would look at his reflection in the mirrors. You can see the gym in this video with him doing a front double bicep pose. A still from the movie “Pumping Iron”. Lou was 24 and I was 20 back then. I also remember how loud he would scream in the gym that would ruin my concentration, but no one was going to complain… Besides being a great BB, he was even a nicer person. Great video!
I met him in person just a few years ago and he was a super nice guy and still at this age incredibly massive and I am not a small guy. Unlike Arnold Lou has kept himself in shape to this day. Dorian was amazing at that time but Lou's comeback and overall health at his age is just....crazy.
One of my favorites... I wish he stayed in it and brought back a few Olympia titles. He made money, started a carrier, but he'll never have the recognition that he should have as one of the all-time greats.
Ripplin There's a video on youtube, I think it's a behind the scenes from Pumping Iron, well Arnold goes on record saying that if Lou had stayed in the sport then Lou would have definitely been a several time Olympia Winner. Lou seems to quit while he's ahead, he just cancelled the Lou Legacy which is stupid as hell. It was getting almost as popular as the Arnold Classic. It was growing fast. There's a pattern of Lou ruining big things for himself and quitting before he's about to win big time.
He was too busy playing Hulk. Often he worked out from 1am to 3am because the shooting schedule was so hectic. Once he was in make up, he couldn’t work out, hence the late nights.
I attended the Mr Olympia in Atlanta as a spectator where Lou competed in the Master group (1994?). I was in line at a buffet at the host hotel when I turned around and bumped into a chest (or maybe a bellybutton). Looking up, i saw "Big Lou." There he was, a perfectly sculpted human more than 50% my size. I would have been about 38 years old and in the best shape of my life at 5'11" and 200 lb. But I felt really small and in awe. I'm not sure but I think my jaw dropped a bit. Lou was probably used to that reaction from people as he went on through the line without uttering a word. I met several great bodybuilders that year including Dorian. But none can inspire more than than chance moment.
Lou took off in 1976 to compete in the Superstars competition. He was primed and training very hard to win the 77 Olympia but was offered the Hulk role.
Unbelievable that this man-mountain never won the Mr. "O." Even his aesthetics were excellent especially given his size. To live an entire life never winning what lesser men have won must grate on him to no end.
@nick in the movie Pumping Iron, after Lou gets off stage, he weighs himself. His Dad asks him how much he weighs and Lou responds "268" he whispers, but it's pretty clear he says that. Check it out Nick.
Spot on Nick. I agree with you 100%. Thanks for this great video. I had the privilege of meeting big Louie in 1980 when I worked for Jim Manion at Manion's Gym in the Pittsburgh area. It was one of the biggest highlights of my life talking with big Louie and getting a picture with him. Great memories.
What an absolute freakish monster of muscle Lou was, especially at that height and still being able to look so massive is just so impressive it’s nuts!
I think the reason for Lous retirement in 1975 is because of his father. Lous father set him under a lot of pressure in terms of the sport and i think he tried to get rid of that. ( Sry for bad english not my foreign language)
mxbr996 There's a video on youtube, I think it's a behind the scenes from Pumping Iron, well Arnold goes on record saying that if Lou had stayed in the sport then Lou would have definitely been a several time Olympia Winner. Lou seems to quit while he's ahead, he just cancelled the Lou Legacy which is stupid as hell. It was getting almost as popular as the Arnold Classic. It was growing fast. There's a pattern of Lou ruining big things for himself and quitting before he's about to win big time. Lou's a quitter. I'm a fan of Lou because he's a tall bodybuilder and it's twice as hard for a tall guy to build muscle. He could have attained so much more in his lifetime. But, considering everyone thinks Lou won the Olympia and he is the second most well known bodybuilder of all time, then maybe he did something right...
That was partly the reason for his early retirement. Another reason is that his father had put in his mind that he had to beat Arnold. When Arnold wasn't in competition anymore, Lou lost his drive.
You know the bits in pumping iron with his father were staged I swear he wasn't actually as involved in his training as they portrayed I think in the behind the scenes they talk about it they added it to make it more dramatic/better story
I felt quite sorry for Louie his Father bless his soul was living his own dreams through his son Louie realised this and I believe they ultimately parted ways both family and as business partners Louie was not as hungry as Arnold I believe he charges 10 dollars for his signature nowadays just to get by
Super impressive it breaks my heart💔that he didn't get the OLYMPIA🥇title how ever he's a champion in my book and I do agree with a 💯% with you when you mentioned he would have won them 4 titles
Mike Katz said it in "Stand Tall". Although he never won an Olympia, Lou is arguably more famous than any Olympia winner except Arnold. He is one of my personal favorite body builders.
I had the pleasure to meet him about 20 years ago at a trade show and he was one really nice guy. It was hard to talk to him because you can't realize how BIG he is, until you see him in person, and I just stood there in awe.
Honestly your channel is the best one on bodybuilding (comments are better than the channel of luimarco) you going into so much detail that you should be a judge at mr olympia.very very serious work
Lou Ferrigno is an awesome guy. Got the chance to meet him a couple times and he's a very down-to-earth person. Took time to talk to my kids and sign autographs for them when he didn't have to. As for his size I have to admit surprised even me. I'm not a small guy at 6 3 260 and body build myself but he dwarfed me LOL. I feel he should have had one of the mr. Olympia's
I was lucky enough to meet Lou in UK in 1994 he told me he stood on stage at 308lbs and at that time was the heaviest competitor ..great guy.. huge polite and humble ...thanks for the vid cool stuff and a great presentation
Arguably the biggest bodybuilder ever to walk the stage! I met him in person at Golds gym in New Jersey. He asked the owner for a t- shirts guy says sure what size ? Big Lou says XXXXL.HE is or was gigantic in person!
I think the way Lou's father treated him after the 75 Mr. O show took a physiological toll on him by chastising him for losing and telling Lou to get out of his house. His father never showed any real interest in his son's career till the movie Pumping Iron. Then his father just wanted to be in the movie. God Bless you Lou!
Always admired Lou's physique, just a very big man, not many that tall could ever look that good. True legend of the sport.
I mean the dude was like genetically a gorilla his abs dont look separated meaning no growth hormone wich says a lot look at the guys he was competing against they look as if a fucking chestburster came out of there i know this sound naive but I don't think he took any steroids
Absolutely agree, most tall body builders just don't look as massive as Lou managed to.
JC Denton Bro, just STFU
Ffs, Google it, and it takes only a few seconds, google even corrects it for you, it was david carradine. It's not that there isn't information around, you just don't care about it, don't you?
@@jcdenton5828 go fuck yourself
Absolute monster! 320lbs and no bubble gut while still having that greek god physique..
alxnd_r no growth hormones
Ivan Alexander that’s not a bubble gut
@@flamekirito151 it is by most people's standards. Things are much worse nowadays but Lou's waist was distended and pretty much as big as it got in 1992. Well beyond when Mentzer in 1980 was considered to have a gut by the standards of the time, Lou's waist had clearly entered the modern era of mass monster guts (which Dorian was not to match until 1994)
@@flamekirito151 yes it my friend do u not see the shadow cast by his stomach
Dont forget he was 6'5 he would wight in todays area something like 380 lbs
When Lou left in '75 there really wasn't any money in bodybuilding. These guys were paying their own way and doing it for the love of the sport. They all pretty much had to have other jobs. Lou left for Hollywood and the chance for a big payday which he eventually got.
If Dorian was "The Shadow", then Lou was "The Incredible Eclipse."
Coming back at the age of 41 with that kind of physique is just great, and he didn't look big in the waste from what I saw in this video. To be honest, he looked fantastic. This really was a great comeback.
He was a bit big in the waist, but he's incredibly tall... anybody that tall even skinny would have a bit waist lol
The video only provided the more flattering photos to support his opinion. But had you seen all of the photos from all the mags covering the event in those days (There was a lot of them back then) you would agree that Lou's waist line looked blocky, and he had come in a bit too heavy, just as the media had reported. Lou competed in several body building event during his comeback career and only seem to fair worse and as time went on.
He was not big in the waist...Coleman and Palumbo were big in the waist. This dude was doin' vacuum poses and folks saying he was big in the waist lol.
a bit bigger in the waist i would say, maybe he didnt train vacuums as he should, his pose would be better, his arms would appear bigger, if the stomach was more tucked in. but again, superb bodybiilder, this is just me and my eye and my sense of golden ration :) bless
Shabad Saini waist*
My dad came back in 2000, and here I am.
Luckily for you he didn’t cum back.
Not your dad. The mailman.
lol kid good one
He was thinking about pulling out at the time 😂
Hi son
Man that era is the peak of aesthetic bodybuilding. Everyone had tiny waists and just looked really good
I totally agree! He looked amazing! I feel that he should have won at least 1 olympia.
@@sierrapeaks8838 why though
People dont remember him for what he won, but for what he didnt win.
I remember him as Doug & Kerri’s Neighber
Big Willie Lump Lump Lmfao!😂
Yes famous for what he should have one LOL but didn't
There are many forces which prevent the true from rising above the false but those with eyes meant to see understand that this man excelled every one of his competitors in class of a human being. Anyone who thinks otherwise was not meant to be breathing.
Lou Ferrigno is firstly know for being the fcking HULK !
100%
This
agreed !!!
Lou Ferrigno might have the best genetic disposition for bodybuilding ever... 6'5''', 280 pounds ripped, narrow waist. I hope to see someone like that in bodybuilding again...
Lol he had nothing, you can’t expect to pack on a ton of muscle with a 6’4 frame
Ramy
zapfanzapfan he did not have a narrow waist he had a normal sized waist
@Nicholas Holland yeah dummy he had the classic v tapered look. Which is highlighted by a narrow waist. What part of that is hard to understand?
The problem with Lou was that he always lacked something in every show...soft abs, bad calves, weak whatever...
He had it it all, genetics, mass, definition, etc. but he never could put it all together at the same time...Always a fatal flaw with Lou.
Agree. His father caused so much negative baggage on him. He deserved those 1992 placings and more.
No Doubt, Lou has incredible Genetics! The ability to comeback after all that time, & still be a top contender is truly epic.
When Lou lost the masters to Robby Robinson in 94' I realized that the game is rigged. Never cared about it again.
Going from memory: Back in '94, big Lou had applied some skin stain just before one part of the contest. Sadly, the dye ran all over Lou when he began to sweat and he looked like a zebra. The points taken off from that caused the loss for him.
Absolutely, Lou looks amazing
Any sport that has judges can and is rigged
I tottaly agree.
Lou retired and went on to strike while the iron was still hot. He was in pumping Iron and he had marketability after coming off the big screen. For a 24 year old he made a very wise decision. No he never won Olympia but he had a good career in show business...
Edwin Betancourt For sure. The Olympia couldn't pay the bills back then either.
He would have won the next 3yrs. so easily everyone would have just been saying, well of course because Arnold had left and the closest runners up were really far behind. Empty victories. He was bit by the acting bug, so what, did some small things as mentioned above which landed him the HULK series which he's still probably collecting on and has some cameos. Bravo Lou, well played!
@@RPetruccione
Yup, Lou did what was best for him at the time and his decision led to him becoming a household name.
Lou briefly speaks about why he quit in ‘75 in the Pumping Iron 30th anniversary special where they got everyone back together. It was a combination of things, including his portrayal as quiet and dominated by his father in the movie Pumping Iron, and Arnold’s decision to move on to acting. He wanted to prove that despite his disability, he could be as charming and charismatic as Arnold. Winning the Olympia didn’t matter as much as overcoming the obstacles of his disability, and at the time he believed acting was the greater challenge and potential for triumph. I think he made the decision.
Have to have nothing but respect for the greatness of Lou man straight beast and still looking good now never let him self get out of shape the dedication speaks volumes of its own
All this time I never knew Lou was 6'5"... He was truly a monster..315-340lb...that's an impressively big dude...
H
Arnold was massive back in 1975 and Lou even looked bigger than him!
If you can believe it.... Ferrigno's stunt double, Manny Perry, was actually slightly larger than he was
....imagine that shit. Whoa
He has never been 6ft 5 he was 6ft 3
@@goonertron what do you base that on?
Lou the true mass monster, impressive at 41 to come back in that condition - man is legend
Don't make me angry...you wouldn't like me when I'm angry!
Bro I really hope all these bodybuilding comeback videos are a sign that Hedge too is making a comeback.
For a man that tall to bulk and define that well after that long makes him a chmpion in my book ! Trophy or no trophy !
Grew up watching him on tv and my dad could never stop talking about him. Love learning some of his history. Impressive as hell. A true inspiration!! All hail Lou!!
The man is an icon right up there with Arnold. These are some of the men that are responsible for paving the way for today's bodybuilders. Crazy respect for all of those greats who planted the seed and helped it grow into what the sport is today. That era had so many great physiques, what battles they had back then. Much love, respect and gratitude.
Lou's physique is absolutely incredible especially in his comeback! I can't understand why he didn't end up in the top 5.
Great video! I agree Lou's comeback given the 17 year hiatus is without a doubt probably the greatest comeback in the history of bodybuilding. Also, you raised a great question asking why did Big Lou decide to retire in 1975 when he would have been the likely heir to the Olympia throne. I personally think, and this is speculation, that after the 1975 Olympia Lou had a serious problem with his self confidence as he often felt overshadowed by his domineering father and also by the fact that he did have a hearing impediment that hampered his speech. Its really a shame imagine how the history of bodybuilding would have changed if Lou would have continued to compete, would Big Lou have been one of the greatest Olympia champions of all time along with Ronnie Coleman and Lee Haney, unfortunately we will never know.
I think you are spot on. Low self confidence and an over shadowing father.
He's since admitted that his father had nothing to do with his training. He was just there for the film. I think it comes down to money. Winning Mr Olympia wasn't really that lucrative. The Weider's had everyone locked down to deals. I'm sure he made decent enough money but nothing compared to what TV and film would pay him. These days, there are thousands of giant muscular blokes who want to get into acting but in the 70's, there wasn't many and he probably knew Arnie had more charisma so had to get into it when the chance arrived. But he'd have won 6 or 7 Mr Olympia's I'd imagine.
I think you are making assumptions based on a fictional movie; his father never trained before with Lou Ferrigno. He wanted to be in the movie and pretended to be his coach, in real life they were barely speaking to each other.
Lou is one of my all time favorite bodybuilders. He's been awesome in everything he has done, and his comeback is one of a kind.
The greatest inspirational bodybuilder on the planet. The Golden Era of bodybuilding was the greatest generation and I sure do miss it. Thank God it's been realized and now the right people are putting the vintage back into the spotlight. No crow on the bodybuilders of today, they out in the hard work but there's nothing artistic about being freakish (my 2 cents). Lou = LEGEND!
12th place in his comeback?? Judges are crazy
I completely agree with you there!
That is so very impressive. He has had some ups and downs for sure, But one thing remains, he is still a beast. Oh yea, and a HULK :)
FreshWater Massacre -Not a Hulk The Hulk!
Lou was always my fav. Along with Mentzer Bros. Back in the day, Heavy duty.
I was fortunate enough to meet Ferrigno in 1979 in Phoenix. Standing next to him was surreal. He's enormous ! I was 5' 10" and about 190 then and I felt tiny. Super nice guy too !
285 pounds in 1975? Good Lord!
Nishaan Surendran plus also so young
The best ‘uncrowned’ Mr. Olympias: Big Lou & The Maryland muscle machine!
You mean Kevin Levrone (Maryland muscle Machine).💪💪💪💪
Great video. Yes Lou was amazing. Definitely one of the greatest comebacks in bodybuilding history.
I still consider him as one of the best. God bless you and yours, Lou! God bless you and yours, too, Nick!
I'm just glad no one pissed him off when he was on stage......image the carnage!!!
It is really interesting to see someone from that "Golden Era" of bodybuilding when the drugs were not as advanced come in to a time when they had way more modern gear, and look better at 41 than he did when he was young. It would be amazing to have seen what Arnold would have looked like with proper use of modern gear.
I met Lou at the Metro Toronto Comic Convention and shook his hand. A down to earth, humble and nice guy. Respect.
an important thing you forgot to mention is that STILL TODAY at the advanced age of 66 he still looks better on the street than Arnold or any of his friends from that era except for maybe Robbie R. (Lou has proven that a man can stay in that same kind of massive shape well into his 60's and possibly beyond.) Behind Arnold, he is definitely one of the classic men of iron that will be remembered 100 years from now.
Samir is also looking good
Al DeTrolio saw him in San Antonio a few weeks ago. Dude is in phenomenal shape! Looks 30 years younger than what he really is.
You may not think Arnold looks great now, but honestly I wouldn't mind looking like him at his age or Stallone or Ronnie Coleman. I'm in my late 30s and those guys gives me hope that I can still workout into my 70s
You realize all these famous guys are on trt after 40 right?
*While using steroids
2:33 Look at the stomachs. What in the hell is going on today?
Vinchenzo C serge litteraly has a reverse stomach
Vinchenzo C im thinking more about that millipede stomach lol.
Vinchenzo C yeah. Serge was king
These are still big compared to prime Lou.
Preach.
A Great Ambassador Of Bodybuilding. His comeback w/Dorian and that was so so close. Gotta love big Lou!!🏋️♂️🏋️♀️
Arnold always admired Ferrigno's massive frame and said if only he had that kind of foundation to build on. And I still think many of those Olympia contests were fixed. Ferrigno knew it and had better more lucrative things to do after the 70's: THE INCREDIBLE HULK!
One of the few comebacks that tremendously improved
Dude. Your info is spot on, but he's most known as the Incredible Hulk!
I remember Louie training every Tuesday morning in ‘Community’
gym in Hollis Queens NY. I would try
hard not to stare at him directly and would look at his reflection in the
mirrors. You can see the gym in this
video with him doing a front double bicep pose.
A still from the movie “Pumping Iron”.
Lou was 24 and I was 20 back then. I also remember how loud he would scream in
the gym that would ruin my concentration, but no one was going to complain…
Besides being a great BB, he was even a nicer person. Great video!
I wouldve made conversation when he was resting , thats a huge opportunity to talk to a living legend
I met him in person just a few years ago and he was a super nice guy and still at this age incredibly massive and I am not a small guy. Unlike Arnold Lou has kept himself in shape to this day. Dorian was amazing at that time but Lou's comeback and overall health at his age is just....crazy.
70’s. Bodybuilding work ethic still paid off years later. His chest development is a clear sign of that compared to today’s BB!
One of my favorites... I wish he stayed in it and brought back a few Olympia titles. He made money, started a carrier, but he'll never have the recognition that he should have as one of the all-time greats.
I was waiting for someone to charge me 20$ for watching this video...
lex1247 , and today you win the internet. Too true.
OK, that's fucking funny...
You have apparently met Lou at a show.
lou ferrigno will track you down and send you a bill...
Christine Aukusitino go meet him at the Arnold Classic and ask for a picture. See what happens! 💵
I totally agree. I think Lou looked insane and he is well deserving of his place in bodybuilding history.
He'll always be one of the biggest "what if"s in the sport. I am glad he played Hulk, but I wonder if he could've done both at the same time.
Ripplin exactly!! He could have got everything Arnold had got if his timing was as good as him
what kinda prize money did u get back then from winning the olympia? it wasnt much, right? thats why I imagine he'd go for acting instead
Ripplin There's a video on youtube, I think it's a behind the scenes from Pumping Iron, well Arnold goes on record saying that if Lou had stayed in the sport then Lou would have definitely been a several time Olympia Winner. Lou seems to quit while he's ahead, he just cancelled the Lou Legacy which is stupid as hell. It was getting almost as popular as the Arnold Classic. It was growing fast. There's a pattern of Lou ruining big things for himself and quitting before he's about to win big time.
He was too busy playing Hulk. Often he worked out from 1am to 3am because the shooting schedule was so hectic. Once he was in make up, he couldn’t work out, hence the late nights.
Ripplin I wouldn't call bodybuilding a sport, but I get your point.
I attended the Mr Olympia in Atlanta as a spectator where Lou competed in the Master group (1994?). I was in line at a buffet at the host hotel when I turned around and bumped into a chest (or maybe a bellybutton). Looking up, i saw "Big Lou." There he was, a perfectly sculpted human more than 50% my size. I would have been about 38 years old and in the best shape of my life at 5'11" and 200 lb. But I felt really small and in awe. I'm not sure but I think my jaw dropped a bit. Lou was probably used to that reaction from people as he went on through the line without uttering a word. I met several great bodybuilders that year including Dorian. But none can inspire more than than chance moment.
Watching pumping iron I cant help but feel his father sucking his energy.
Lou took off in 1976 to compete in the Superstars competition. He was primed and training very hard to win the 77 Olympia but was offered the Hulk role.
When I watched pumping iron when I was a kid I always thought he was more impressive then everyone else because of his massive size.
I totally agree! That takes some stong mental disposition to do that. He will ensure in the memories if Bodybuilding, forever!
Met Lou 10 yrs ago, im 5;8, he made me look like a hobbit
Unbelievable that this man-mountain never won the Mr. "O." Even his aesthetics were excellent especially given his size. To live an entire life never winning what lesser men have won must grate on him to no end.
Absolute giant, wish he never retired so early though. Agreed, could have been 4,5 or 6 x Mr 0.
David Waters Finally Lou gets the respect he deserves. Allot of jealous Aholes in his sport that never gave him respect.
I agree with both of you. I always thought that Lou was very under appreciated. Another terrific video Nick!
May be 2 nd, or 3rd place.
@nick in the movie Pumping Iron, after Lou gets off stage, he weighs himself. His Dad asks him how much he weighs and Lou responds "268" he whispers, but it's pretty clear he says that. Check it out Nick.
Big LOU they always hating on him because of his height , One of my favorite bodybuilders, enormous arm's
Spot on Nick. I agree with you 100%. Thanks for this great video. I had the privilege of meeting big Louie in 1980 when I worked for Jim Manion at Manion's Gym in the Pittsburgh area. It was one of the biggest highlights of my life talking with big Louie and getting a picture with him. Great memories.
What an absolute freakish monster of muscle Lou was, especially at that height and still being able to look so massive is just so impressive it’s nuts!
Respect to Lou who has the balls to do that at 40 plus... from the UK
Lou had 50lbs+ on Dorian that’s insane
And is it just me or does Lou also look younger than Dorian?
He was also 7+ inches taller lol so taking that into consideration, that’s still crazy
User Does Not Exist Over 100 pounds on Zane
User Does Not Exist and 7 inches it’s all relative
Dorian is much more depleted looking from being so much leaner
Loved it when he was on king of queens
His most muscular shot was insane!
Lou should've won an Olympia. He really deserved it. And out of the guys on stage there that I saw, Lou was by far the best built.
he also conditioned in his family basement.
Arnold used the best services available.
yeah....Lou should have won.
@@TheSighphiguy Wow really? That's beyond impressive.
He was just at an apex ultra prime at 41, size and conditioning speaks for itself, those calves are seriously note worthy
I think the reason for Lous retirement in 1975 is because of his father. Lous father set him under a lot of pressure in terms of the sport and i think he tried to get rid of that. ( Sry for bad english not my foreign language)
mxbr996 There's a video on youtube, I think it's a behind the scenes from Pumping Iron, well Arnold goes on record saying that if Lou had stayed in the sport then Lou would have definitely been a several time Olympia Winner. Lou seems to quit while he's ahead, he just cancelled the Lou Legacy which is stupid as hell. It was getting almost as popular as the Arnold Classic. It was growing fast. There's a pattern of Lou ruining big things for himself and quitting before he's about to win big time. Lou's a quitter. I'm a fan of Lou because he's a tall bodybuilder and it's twice as hard for a tall guy to build muscle. He could have attained so much more in his lifetime. But, considering everyone thinks Lou won the Olympia and he is the second most well known bodybuilder of all time, then maybe he did something right...
That was partly the reason for his early retirement. Another reason is that his father had put in his mind that he had to beat Arnold. When Arnold wasn't in competition anymore, Lou lost his drive.
You know the bits in pumping iron with his father were staged I swear he wasn't actually as involved in his training as they portrayed I think in the behind the scenes they talk about it they added it to make it more dramatic/better story
mxbr996 your English is very good, don’t worry about it man!
I felt quite sorry for Louie his Father bless his soul was living his own dreams through his son Louie realised this and I believe they ultimately parted ways both family and as business partners Louie was not as hungry as Arnold I believe he charges 10 dollars for his signature nowadays just to get by
I wish he had won some Mr. Olympia titles. He made an amazing come back in 1992. Lou looked like a beast, or more of a Hulk. He was one of the best.
Great video thank you ferigno looks so impressive I did not know about his comeback until watching this, wonderful inspiration
This is a great video! Ive always had a great deal of respect for Lou Ferrigno and this was a great history lesson to watch.
Hulk FAN here. I used to watch when I was a kid. Always followed body building. I think Lou looked strong AF in '92. Should have gotten more respect.
Super impressive it breaks my heart💔that he didn't get the OLYMPIA🥇title how ever he's a champion in my book and I do agree with a 💯% with you when you mentioned he would have won them 4 titles
Mike Katz said it in "Stand Tall". Although he never won an Olympia, Lou is arguably more famous than any Olympia winner except Arnold. He is one of my personal favorite body builders.
Coleman?
I had the pleasure to meet him about 20 years ago at a trade show and he was one really nice guy. It was hard to talk to him because you can't realize how BIG he is, until you see him in person, and I just stood there in awe.
Honestly your channel is the best one on bodybuilding (comments are better than the channel of luimarco) you going into so much detail that you should be a judge at mr olympia.very very serious work
Lou, truly an icon of the body building. In his 40s and 60s with such massive looks he's still in proportion. An ignored Angel I'd say...
*That waist on Serge Nubret!!!!*
IntotheFire exactly!! What an amazing physique.
Yepp, to me, He looked better than any others.
Perhaps except for Frank Zane, it's debatable.
IntotheFire Serge is my freaking guy!
the waist on Oliva!
Right ...Zane and Serge.....the WASP WAIST.
Lou Ferrigno is an awesome guy. Got the chance to meet him a couple times and he's a very down-to-earth person. Took time to talk to my kids and sign autographs for them when he didn't have to. As for his size I have to admit surprised even me. I'm not a small guy at 6 3 260 and body build myself but he dwarfed me LOL. I feel he should have had one of the mr. Olympia's
I was lucky enough to meet Lou in UK in 1994 he told me he stood on stage at 308lbs and at that time was the heaviest competitor ..great guy.. huge polite and humble ...thanks for the vid cool stuff and a great presentation
Glad ur channel is doing so well congrats
Nick's Ferrigno and smalls
@@peterbradburn6332 lmao 😂
Please dress up as a 🐢
4:51 look at Dorian thou, geez...
2 basketballs instead of lats LOL...
Surprize Toyz Collector Lou is bigger
The real Ninja turtle
I don't like short lats
@@aleksandardjordjevic2729 Redefining the side boob
Overall everything considered Lou will always be known as 1 of the best with no doubt about it all I can say is Go sweet Lou
Sad that they never gave him a Mr. Olympia title, he more than deserves it.
1975 ferrigno, arnold, oliva ... what a trio!
edit : nebre sorry wasnt olive:)
Maybe the most gifted skeletal structure of all time
I think it's amazing he could come back after 17 years and look like that
Chris Aceto said that Lou 1 week prior to the contest was one of the most impressive bodies he has ever seen. And he has seen all
In the pictures shown, he looks like the winner! Truly this was a fantastic achievement for him. Wow he looked great!
Lou looked better in 1992 than most bodybuilders today. He had massive size without the bloat bellys you see today
Always loved Lou. It's a Brooklyn thing.
Russell Lomando ...most people wouldn't understand stand that...BROOKLYN STRONG
yeah, totally agree! Biggest and the only come back from a bodybuilder. Total legend!
0:53 I had that picture on the wall. :)
Arguably the biggest bodybuilder ever to walk the stage! I met him in person at Golds gym in New Jersey. He asked the owner for a t- shirts guy says sure what size ? Big Lou says XXXXL.HE is or was gigantic in person!
Thanks Nick, very informative.