Lou Ferrigno Separates Fact From Fiction: Behind The Scene Stories Of 'Pumping Iron' | GI Vault

[@markl1617]

Out of all the characters from that period, Lou has emerged as the best: health wise, humility and all round likability

[@Harrison5ived]

Of course Arnold gets all the recognition, but the scene with Lou grimacing in pain, yelling "No more!" while still squeezing another one or two reps is burned into my brain and probably inspired me more than anything else in the documentary.

[@nicksanchez8751]

Lol yea then give me another bar to curl and he kept going hell yeah it was awesome

[@bkohler89]

i agree, that one is one of my favorites :) there's SO many wonderful memories that are burned in my brain from that movie. That scene being one of them :)

[@bkohler89]

@@nicksanchez8751 lol i know right, "here here's a birthday present (gives lou the ez curling bar after he already did 15 reps) Lou: What are you crazy???" Guy: COME ON LOU, LET THOSE ARMS GROW!" lmfao XD

[@nicksanchez8751]

@@bkohler89 lol yup

[@Basilisk4119]

"10lbs any side?"

[@robjohnson212]

Lou's 100% correct. There's a lot of great Bodybuilding Documentaries out, but NONE come close to Pumping Iron. Bodybuilding really was a close knit family.

[@tyroneshoelaces9742]

You got it. Juice Nation.

[@bkohler89]

Generation Iron WISHES their movie was like Pumping Iron LOL It's a pumping iron ripoff

[@thegentlemanscoundrelcafe88]

And the old timers looked incredible. Haney, Nubret, Paris, Zane, not to mention all the legends from earlier ages...

[@WSNight-]

I don't know Ronnie Coleman documentary was better to me.

[@stevenspilly]

It's because it was made by talented film makers who created a script, drama, tension, characters etc. Generation iron does none of that.

[@RFNOFFICIAL]

Few years back my wife and I were at a comic convention and we hit the Tiny hotel gym prior to ping to the floor and Lou was in there. He noticed us taking photos for Flex Friday after he was doing his first round of cardio and walked over started chatting with us, took photos with us and invited us to his table on the con floor, 2 years later we went to another convention he saw us walk by, waved us down and said “I remember you guys, flex Friday and took more photos with us” amazing guy and literally made our weekend 2 different times.

[@richardbryson915]

That’s awesome nice guy

[@chrisg9615]

Lou is almost 70 and he looks about 45. Incredible

[@jameshunt3504]

Holy shit right.

[@dr.dingidforester2935]

Hgh

[@chrisg9615]

@@dr.dingidforester2935 I think it may have something to do with his lifestyle too

[@patrickrutherford5553]

When did this interview take place? Lou does seem to look in even better shape

[@videom1]

Great hair!!!

[@currencytrader4389]

I always loved Lou Ferrigno. The Hulk was one of my favorite TV shows as a kid. The dude has always been a class act. This was a great interview.

[@frankieelvisbarbieri5495]

I was 10 when the Incredible Hulk pilot came out on tv, and was picked up as a weekly show...I had just lost my dad in an accident. Without a doubt Lou Ferrigno( The Incredible Hulk series) become my escape from sadness. Lou Ferrigno will always be my idol( along with Elvis Presley) for so many reasons. God Bless big Louie and his family 🙏

[@SAXONWARLORD1000AD]

SO SORRY TO HEAR THAT - BLESS YOU SIR

[@Pitbulljeffie66]

Awesome interview with lou. Great to see him in great spirits. Lou is a legend he deserves more exposure 👍

[@fnordeon1013]

Totally agree whit you. But look at him opening up - and I mean beyond just bodybuilding - yes it is his passion, but the person? That is fascinating to me. That is definately what deserves exposure. A family man, a loving and caring father, the business man - what he has achieved in life beyond bodybuilding alone. Meeting Lou was a pleasure. That is definately just as interesting to me. While being a top athlete is a proof of passion, the many sides of his personality is

[@justindover859]

I agree.He has it the days though.Ive seen him in movies.Im.sure he isn't having to do sheet metal anymore:)

[@abdiver12]

What a fantastic interview. Lou was my hero as the Hulk growing up as a kid and I still have the Hulk toy I bought around 1980 in my room today! It was only many years later that I watched Pumping Iron. Lou is just as responsible for getting me into weights as Arnold was. A true legend, a class act, and man does he still look good today at almost 70!

[@lazur1]

Is this interview 2021? Lou looks incredible.

[@gianluciano]

This man never ages...

[@Jedi_MasterGX]

@@UnpluggedMasculinity He is 69..

[@broad405]

And Arnold looks like he's 90 🤦

[@dejonnaissed1236]

What a gentleman Lou is, and so appreciative of it all. Great inside scope about what was happening behind the scenes.

[@keithjames8118]

No he's not, he gives bodybuilding a bad name. Check your history if him first.

[@mpp7010]

I ran into Lou in a night club in LA in the mid 70’s. I introduced myself and spoke with him for a minute or so. He was very polite, very gracious.

[@taxfree4]

Nicest guy in the world, he used to train at Juley Levine's place on Avenue U and East 26th St. in Brooklyn. I was filling in for a friend, who used to put the weights away at night there, and Lou walks in and starts training. After he was done I locked up and was leaving and Lou asked "Hey, you need a ride home?" I was so intimidated by him I said "No, but thanks" jerk that I am. I think it was a Green Buick Riviera, long time ago. We used to hang out on Ocean Ave. He used to come by a corner luncheonette we used to hang out at called Cheap Charlie's and sit at the counter and drink milk shakes. Biggest thing I ever saw.

[@Regularguy1798]

Lou Ferrigno is still in great shape, what a Testimony!

[@Spudmuffin00]

Gotta love Big Louie. He's the real deal. Thanks for a great interview where you let him talk uninterrupted. Refreshing to watch.

[@stephenbuckley6917]

7:30 that story with the woman in the jungle, I'd like to hear that 😅

[@patrickdormeus8453]

"The Lion sleeps tonight" INTENSIFIES

[@johnd8607]

All the way Louie, you’ll never get this chance again....... classic film.

[@everready2903]

Lol then afterwards when he lost to Arnold he told him he's just a baby!

[@bkohler89]

as much of a dick his dad was in the movie, at the same thing he was one hell of a motivator lmao. He didnt let up XD

[@bobjohn1234]

No lou father was a horrible man.he never trained the scene with him and lou in the gym was just for pumping iron.to think he was telling his son "all the way lou you never get this chance again" The competition was held once a year?? Lou said when he came 3 his father kicked him out he was so disgusted.what a horrible man who does that to his son?? Lou still looking great and healthy.

[@everready2903]

@@bobjohn1234 Says here he was the "driving force behind his bodybuilding career" lol www.findagrave.com/memorial/181810784/matthew-p.-ferrigno

[@bobjohn1234]

@@everready2903 no offence but i dont need to open the link is i know from lou ferrignos book"lou ferrigno guide to personal power" what a horrible piece of work his father was he was a tyrant who even made his son(lou) feel ashamed for being born almost deaf.the bullshit was just for the movie.his father never trained with him except for in the movie where he just stood there saying all the way lou u never get this chance again when the Olympia is once a year the stupid old man .arnold also never missed his fathers funeral. If you google PUMPING IRON lou ferrigno sets the record straight.theres quotes there from lou on what an arseole his father was.

[@fpridgeway]

Lou is in much better shape than Arnold today!

[@seanmckell5573]

Huge age difference and also arnie can’t keep up anymore because of heart surgeries. Buffoon lol

[@77FEMIA]

@@seanmckell5573 lol huge age difference of 4 years

[@cloudman8911]

@@77FEMIA haahha

[@broad405]

Arnold looks like he's in his 90s

[@actionfigurescollectionssu7854]

Yes he is

[@katherinemcdonnell6333]

I just watched Pumping Iron. Arnold was an arrogant jerk. I could tell by the way Lou looked during filming that he wasn't feeling it, he appeared so brooding ..even angry. I could tell that his father was very strict and had so I wasn't suprised when Lou admitted that he had a volatile relationship with his father.

[@vincentrisponti5209]

Gotta tell ya that was a very informative interview. Still have my Ferrigno weights I’ve had for decades. Great to see you never fell away from being fit. Your always inspiring! Bensonhurst forever! Although not what it once was. Nothing is....

[@antoniocotton8758]

Love you, Big Lou. You was my hero during my childhood when I watched the Hulk.

[@tomk3620]

We love you Lou! WINNER!

[@kimberlymurray5293]

BIG LOU!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jeanbaumgartner4052]

BIG LOUIE!We ALL Agree That Your PHYSICALY APPEALING PHISQUE IS SO SEXYBEAUTIFULLY 🔥 👌 😍 👍 💯 %!

[@Vandan9166]

I use to see Louie in "Community Gym" in Hollis Queens, NY and I never saw his father at all. I passed that gym a million times and slammed on my breaks with I saw Erik Hunter's arms and 6' 2" one night. I was 19 and I joined that gym the same night. A few weeks later I would see Lou come into the gym 8am every Tuesday alone. He made Erik look like a string bean. Lou was always a gentlemen. A little loud in the gym, but who was going to tell him to be quiet???

[@jeanbaumgartner4052]

Thanks For Sharing This Info With Us About LouFerrigno!

[@franciscoxavierpardo1338]

timeless interview. great job !

[@roadstar499]

i was just getting into training more seriously when a friend i worked with gave me the book pumping iron... this interview brings back many fond memories... thanks Lou for sharing...

[@vlada]

It's about time when got to hear this from Big Lou. I remember a few months ago Gregg Valentino had supposedly angered Lou for the things he said about Lou & his father. The great writer Jerry Brainum who actually trained at R&J, knows Lou and is well connected did a great job explaining why Valentino (who got his info from Lou's family) was wrong saying that maybe Lou will one day decide to talk about very hard subject that was his relationship with his father because too much of Lou's own personal history & experiences is viewed by the public/media thru the tint of Pumping Iron. How it portrayed him and others is how we've thought if them for 40yrs. It a documentary after all. Lou may not want to open personal wounds hes carried since youth (which is totally understandable) but any talk about Pumping Iron HAS to ask. We all grew up thinking that Lou's father was a driving force in his bodybuilding career. Brainum and other old timers say differently. Katz and even Waller are known only thru the sphere of that film too. Would love to hear reflect Katz reflect on the film.

[@jeanbaumgartner4052]

Thanks For Sharing These Videos 📹 🙌 ❤ 🙏 💕 😊!About LouFerrigno!

[@malcolmarnsdorff6782]

Arnold was Conan but Lou Ferrigno was “THE HULK!!!” Mr. Ferrigno’s still my favorite...Who could forget him?

[@thomashamilton7611]

Lou ma respect has literally grew for you definitely one of thee greats

[@RomarioFouardo]

I love and respect this gentleman "Lou Ferrigno".

[@supersonic9450]

It's cool that he had a side hustle in his youth as a Journeyman, even while he was as big as he was. Makes me feel more secure at 25 and still being in school while working out

[@p-dub7422]

This interview was a very surprising find. I enjoyed the back story of Pumping Iron. It was and is one of my favorite documentaries. It was historical and impactful particularly for someone like me who was a young body builder who saw all of those legends in the film. It was an amazing era to be a part of body building at that time. Thanks for doing this interview.

[@MrTrenttness]

God Bless you Lou. Thanks for doing this interview.

[@gfiweb3]

Great man. Always the gentle hulk and bodybuilding served this legend well.

[@samuelbasye3508]

Lou is an icon 🙌🏼

[@leonelramos5094]

Luo is the best, no fake he love the challenge, he never pretended. My respect for my hulk

[@jeanbaumgartner4052]

DEFINITELY Lou Is!TheBest!LouFerrigno Is The Incredible Hulk 🙌 PHYSICALY!HOT MALE!Without The Green Makeup 💄 👌 😍 👏 🙌 AND Body paint 🎨 😍 😀 😄 👌 😉 ALL OVER HIS Face And THOSE BODYBUILDING BEEFCAKE MUSCULAR Manly BULGING Muscles!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤!

[@stevepick9527]

Great interview!

[@johnofemslie]

Great interview. Honest and perceptive.

[@AngelOliva302]

Arnold was the king back in the Golden age on killing comradery among the Bodybuilders every time. He finalized it at the 1980 Olympia. Lou was way more popular in the 70's than Arnold I remember because of the Incredible Hulk! Arnold was only know in some muscle magazines.

[@cbreeze5279]

What a great imterview. So glad he is doing well.

[@legionarybooks13]

Even in the film, which tried to show their relationship in a positive light, it's pretty obvious Lou's dad was a complete ass. While he's pretty diplomatic about it here, in his autobiography Lou holds nothing back. Nothing was ever good enough for his dad, not even when Lou became the Incredible Hulk. It says a lot to his character that he was able to rise above that, especially with his hearing issues on top of it all. He was also quite young, having turned twenty-four during the Mr Olympia 1975.

[@petpuu]

I want to hear the jungle story!! 🤩

[@Snorky_88]

Everyone loves Arnold but Lou is the best all around guy! Very humble and not arrogant like Arnold.

[@josephnobile7451]

I knew Lou n Arnold 50yrs ago4a few yrs we all played paddle ball in queens ny at 121st Street playground where I lived n south ozone park those was the days ok!

[@Somchai007]

It would have been great to see Lou continue his bodybuilding career in 1976 and return to the Olympia in his best shape.

[@PosiVibes_Hub]

We need more of this. Where's the full interview?

[@Santos-u5o]

I love you Lou Ferrigno 💪💚🤩👍💪💪💪💚

[@nicholaschacon6503]

Man Lou made the right choice with the hulk ! Because he become a star to millions .We may not have known who he was just because bodybuilding wasn't so mainstream. The hulk opened I feel so many more Avenues !

[@eltadashi1]

Arnold was always my favorite bodybuilder, but Lou is also a top professional bodybuilder, and it is a sad that he didt´t win a Mr.Olympia at least one time. I think he had the physic, genetic potential and looked really good, even compared to Arnold. In the documentary Stand Tall he should have won the competition contest. He looked so much better than the other competitors. I don´t get it why he didn´t won... Bless you Lou!

[@prattspits]

I agree, none of the new Bodybuilding Documentaries have the same effect as pumping Iron did, I think maybe because Bodybuilding is not such a cult type thing anymore, I think to have a Documentary have that kind of impact they would need to show the real deal, like the drug use and the dark side of the suffering these guys put themselves through to do a show, that would be something!

[@savingmoney5604]

Anyone know where we can get that FerrignoFit Tshirt?

[@snacks2241]

Respect Big Lou. Period

[@jeanbaumgartner4052]

BIG LOUIE!!Definitely Deserves Respect! LouFerrigno Is So MUSCULAR 🔥 👌 😍 💯 %!Love The BODYBUILDING BEEFCAKE MUSCULAR Manly PHYSICALY PHISQUE HOT 🔥 BOD HERCULES PHYSICALY APPEALING Is So Awesome 👌 👏 👍 😍 💖 😎 👌 👏 👍 😍 💖 😎!

[@vlada]

I love how Vlad called him the antihero while Lou calls his role the underog. Which is what Lou was portrayed as: the upncomer, the underdog going up against the GOAT. The timid rookie vs the wily veteran. But not the antihero. Maybe Waller but he was the villain.

[@septv9995]

Yeah not an anti hero at all.

[@ninjablack4347]

Vlad is the worst interviewer yet somehow gets stars on lol

[@AngeloPerez23983]

Is Vlad’s first language English?

[@jeanbaumgartner4052]

LouFerrigno Is The The Hero!And VladWaller!Is!The!Villain!

[@erxfav3197]

Wow.. amazing... he’s almost 70?!?!?

[@broad405]

He looks Amazing!!! Not like Arnold

[@jibril2473]

70 is the new 50 bro. I see a lot of 70 y/o guys in peak shape. Of course, all due to androgynous hormones like HRT & GH

[@bkohler89]

He'll be 70 November 9th

[@keemoify]

Looks 55

[@miker5233]

Way ahead of his time

[@jeanbaumgartner4052]

I!Agree With You About This One Of LouFerrigno!Mike R !

[@ryanpolanco8770]

The great Lou Ferrigno amazing one of my many heroes

[@nicholaschase768]

I love how Lou said after the competition he ran into the jungle with a woman lmao. Fucken primal haha

[@smilsmff]

He should have been Mr O, he retired too early but Hulk was where he made super hero shows possible

[@nicholaschacon6503]

Lou is a decent human being!

[@Regularguy1798]

Lou Ferrigno still in great shape - a great mentor choice...! Never Realized his Full Potential, if he had - Nobody would have caught him...!

[@SteveGarcia-uc6nd]

My favorite Lou Ferrigno 😃 Hercules 💪

[@broad405]

How the fuk does Arnold looks like an old man and Lou looks the same as he did back then ,, hasn't aged a bit,,, 💯💪👍

[@ninjablack4347]

Genetics. Sad but true. This guy will turn 70 this year!

[@actionfigurescollectionssu7854]

He’s Italian Lou Aged but Arnold aged a lot more and Lou is 4 years younger then Arnold and Arnold had open heart Surgery so many times he had a heart attack so many times they both took lots of steroids 💉💉💊💊 but it infected Arnold a lot more looks like he’s System is Weaker then Lou’s System, that’s life that’s Genetics 🧬

[@mg659er]

Italianooooo!! Olive oil :-)

[@mg659er]

Darth Vader 1980 The dark side Arnold lived a lot more than Lou and smoked more cigars

[@bkohler89]

@@ninjablack4347 and lou STILL looks incredible

[@ALT3REDB3AST]

Big Louie. Still looking jacked!😲

[@jeanbaumgartner4052]

DEFINITELY AWESOME MUSCLES 👌 👏 👍 😍 💖 😎 👌 👏 👍 😍 💖 😎!Great BODYBUILDING BEEFCAKE MUSCULAR Manly BULGING Powerful PHYSICALY PHISQUE And THOSE DIMPLES Are Very CUTE WHEN HE SMILES 😃 😊 🙂 😀 😄 😁!

[@russellcyr4867]

I was going into a men's room at O'Hare Airport in Chicago one time and this big guy comes walking out fast and bangs into me....Lou Ferrigno.

[@jeanbaumgartner4052]

Lucky You Russell!LouFerrigno Is A Big Guy 👦 🙄 😳 👏 😀 😂!

[@patrickrutherford5553]

When did this interview take place?

[@peternagy-im4be]

God knows pal

[@WeSkatePN]

Legend

[@belok177]

I wander what was the year of this interview

[@theshootindutchman]

LOVE LOU😄👍

[@jeanbaumgartner4052]

Me To!What A HOTBODY HUNK Of A MAN!

[@TunedRAMS]

Big Louieeee

[@mrdealx]

$20 for the interview?

[@Rugbyleaguefan]

Surprised Lou didn’t ask the guy taking pictures for $20

[@jimsy7al]

Indeed, I know having met him at his table at a convention, he's a jerk.

[@rajeshkiccha6626]

My life bodybuilding 💪

[@jeanbaumgartner4052]

Your Life IS BODYBUILDING!?WOW!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤!

[@STEVEREEVES4444]

robbie robbinson still looks great he's older than Arnold robbie is a legend !

[@amazingman5493]

Did Lou ever meet Andre?

[@ericl7435]

Go for the big fish lou

[@Noutchka]

6:51

[@chrismoll6862]

Lou doesnt age.. ever

[@jeanbaumgartner4052]

LouFerrigno Looks Great 👍 👌 😀 👏 😍 😄 👍 👌 😀 👏 😍 😄!

[@rocket_pi]

his body better than arnold now

[@jibril2473]

The Weiders wronged so many bodybuilders from The Golden Era.

[@tobiesoftstudio823]

Agreed. Then again, the Weiders were business men. If they didn't have to pay you, they wouldn't. They did hugely popularize the bodybuilding sport for sure. Sort of like Don King in the world of boxing. Everyone knows Don robbed, hurt and disrespected fighters. He was a cold business man. Death claimed the Weiders and much bad karma came to pay Don a visit in his life. You get what you put in. God bless.

[@andrewskratt9552]

lou's diarrhea farts were legendary at the ave U gym

[@bigbrooklyn]

RnJ.. Julie levine..trained there myself

[@jeanbaumgartner4052]

LouFerrigno Has A Great Since Of Humor TOO 🤣 😄 😂 😆 🙂 😀!Mama Mia That's A!Spicy Meat 🍖 😜 😄 😉 🤣 😀 ball

[@michaelnagy1990]

Damn I would love to hear the woman in the jungle.

[@jeanbaumgartner4052]

LouFerrigno As Tarzan!And His Wife Carla As Jane!Very SEXY HOT 🔥 🥵 😍 😋 😘 😜!

[@2002daverj]

Just don't make him angry

[@NightWarriorAlive]

7:26 - After the Pumping Iron competition Lou disappeared with some woman in the jungles?! Oh we need to hear THAT story, right!

[@solfeinberg437]

Aeroplane not jet?

[@erictbrown1]

I did not know him and his dad had so many problems

[@user-yv1fh3fc8y]

When Lou’s father told Arnold in front of Lou something to the effect: ‘you’re a god’, I lost all respect for Lou’s dad.

[@helthuismartin]

Lou made the right decision to stop with bodybuilding and start with the hulk series wich made him famous and rich. He never won the Olympia bud under wider he would never ever win the Olympia in the first place.Look how weider treated Olivia.And only a thousend box for the winner?????Come on.

[@thegrimspeaker8987]

Lou’s father hated his guts and kicked him out of the house after his Olympia loss to Schwarzenegger. Very sad.

[@jpdude7274]

Bodybuilding is the fountain of youth don’t believe me try it

[@fortifiedroofinggroup]

Man he looks pretty good for a guy nearly 70

BIG LOUIE

[@jimmyc6686]

$50 for a autograph? No thanks

[@juanito7395]

No sound

[@1JUSTGOTLUCKY1]

I always felt that Lou's physique was superior to Arnold's.

[@Cum007]

Even during his incredible hulk days, he was in perfect shape

[@c19commander44]

I hope Lou and other bodybuilder made money out of the book and pumping Iron Movie/video/DVD.

[@jeanbaumgartner4052]

The Same Here!

[@MrDarrelln64]

Lou Ferrigno is not a nice person. I met him in 2001 at the Mr. Olympia in Las Vegas. Everyone who has met him at one of these competitions where he is selling his photographs knows what I'm talking about. He has a bad reputation and there are many stories of him on the internet where was very rude to people. One is when he was getting ready for the 1993 Mr. Olympia he was asked to quest pose. Ferrigno wanted a good amount of money so that was agreed upon, but when he got there apparently he was unhappy that they did not put him in a top rate hotel. I think they booked him at the Holiday Inn because it was close to the competition he was guest posing at. When he came out to pose he did not get a big reaction and him not being happy with his accommodations made him angry. He did a couple of poses and kept putting his hand up to his ear to say let's get some applause going. I guess it was not enough for him and he flipped everyone the finger and said FUCK ALL OF YOU and walked off.

[@actionfigurescollectionssu7854]

I met Lou back in 2009 at megacon he was nice to me but he did asked me hey you want a Autograph and picture taken with me 60 bucks $ I said to him maybe later

[@gfunk63901]

The best he ever did was move away from his father

[@jeanbaumgartner4052]

I!Agree With You About This One Of LouFerrigno!

[@ImYourHuckleberry_29]

Does he charge people like 75 bucks to get his pic in expos? That's pretty much thievery man.

[@peternagy-im4be]

He can do what he likes.

[@ImYourHuckleberry_29]

@@peternagy-im4be sure. And I can think of him as a douchebag for it

[@CC72460]

Also Arnold four years older than lou.and Arnold was already bb many years before lou.