Louis Jude Ferrigno Sr. (/fəˈrɪɡn/; born November 9, 1951)[2] is an American actor and retired professional bodybuilder. As a bodybuilder, Ferrigno won an IFBB Mr. America title and two consecutive IFBB Mr. Universe titles; and appeared in the documentary film Pumping Iron (1977). As an actor, he is best known for his title role in the CBS television series The Incredible Hulk (1978–1982) and vocally reprising the role in subsequent animated and computer-generated incarnations. He has also appeared in European-produced fantasy-adventures such as Hercules (1983) and Sinbad of the Seven Seas (1989), and as himself in the sitcom The King of Queens and the 2009 comedy I Love You, Man.

Quick Facts Born, Occupations ...
Lou Ferrigno
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Ferrigno in 2018
Born
Louis Jude Ferrigno

(1951-11-09) November 9, 1951 (age 72)
New York City, U.S.
Occupations
Years active1971–present
Spouses
Susan Groff
(m. 1978; div. 1979)
Carla Green
(m. 1980; sep. 2023)
Children3, including Lou Jr.
Bodybuilder
Personal info
Height6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)[1]
Weight315 lb (143 kg) [1]
Professional career
Pro-debut
  • NABBA Mr. Universe
  • 1972
Best win
  • IFBB Mr. Universe
  • 1973–1974, two years consecutively
ActiveRetired 1995
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Early life

Ferrigno was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Victoria and Matt Ferrigno, a police lieutenant.[3] He is of Italian descent. Soon after he was born, Ferrigno says he believes he had a series of ear infections and lost 75% to 80% of his hearing, though his condition was not diagnosed until he was three years old.[4][5] Hearing loss and his speech impediment caused Ferrigno to be bullied by peers during his childhood who called him "deaf" and "mute". He began reading comic books such as Hulk and Spider-Man at this time, later saying "I was obsessed with power", and "I wanted to be strong enough so that I could be able to defend myself",[6] which eventually made him take up bodybuilding: "My father rejected me because I was not the perfect son, so I fantasised about being like The Hulk and that’s what led to bodybuilding".[7]

Ferrigno started weight training at the age of 13, citing bodybuilder and Hercules star Steve Reeves as one of his role models.[8] Because he could not afford to buy weights, he made his own using a broomstick and pails which he partially filled with cement.[8] He was also a fan of the Hercules films that starred Reeves. Ferrigno attended St. Athanasius Grammar School[9] and Brooklyn Technical High School, where he learned metal working.[9]

Bodybuilding career

After graduating from high school in 1969, Ferrigno won his first major title, IFBB Mr. America. Four years later, he won the title IFBB Mr. Universe. Early in his career he lived in Columbus, Ohio and trained with Arnold Schwarzenegger. In 1974, he came in second on his first attempt at the Mr. Olympia competition. He came in third the following year, and his attempt to beat Schwarzenegger was the subject of the 1977 documentary Pumping Iron. The documentary made Ferrigno famous.[10]

These victories, however, did not provide enough income for him to earn a living. His first paying job was as a $10-an-hour sheet metal worker in a Brooklyn factory, where he worked for three years. He did not enjoy the dangerous work, and left after a friend and co-worker accidentally cut off his own hand.[11]

Following this, Ferrigno left the competition circuit for many years, a period that included a brief stint as a defensive lineman for the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League. He had never played football, and was cut after two games.[12] Ferrigno left the world of Canadian football after he broke the legs of a fellow player during a scrimmage.[13]

Ferrigno, who stands at almost 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m),[1] weighed in during competition at 268 lb (130 kg) in 1975 and 315 lb (142 kg) in 1992.[1]

Ferrigno competed in the first annual World's Strongest Man competition in 1977, where he finished fourth in a field of eight competitors.[14]

In the early 1990s Ferrigno returned to bodybuilding, competing for the 1992 and 1993 Mr. Olympia titles. Finishing 12th and 10th, respectively, he then turned to the 1994 Masters Olympia,[15] where his attempt to beat Robbie Robinson and Boyer Coe was the subject of the 1996 documentary Stand Tall. After this, he retired from competition.[16]

Acting career

1977–2008

In 1977, Ferrigno was cast as the Hulk in The Incredible Hulk. Though they were rarely on camera together,[8] Ferrigno and Bill Bixbywho played the Hulk's "normal" alter egobecame friends; Ferrigno has described Bixby as a "mentor" and "father figure" who took him under his wing. Ferrigno also singles out the instances in which Bixby directed Ferrigno in some episodes as particularly memorable.[17] Ferrigno continued playing the Hulk role until 1981, although the last two episodes were not broadcast until May 1982. Later, he and Bixby co-starred in three The Incredible Hulk TV movies.

In November 1978 and again in May 1979 Ferrigno appeared in Battle of the Network Stars.[18][19] He portrayed the titular character in the 1983 science fantasy adventure film Hercules, and received mixed-to-negative reviews for his performance. He was, however, praised by Marylynn Uricchio, a film critic for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette,[20] and Andy Brack of Charleston City Paper.[21] Gary Allen Smith, author of the book Epic Films, complimented Ferrigno's physical strength and aesthetics in the film: "At 6'5" and 262 pounds, he is a massive and thoroughly convincing Hercules".[22] In 2014, Decider named Ferrigno the tenth "hottest onscreen Hercules ever".[23]

In 1983, Ferrigno appeared as John Six in the short-lived medical drama Trauma Center.[24]

Ferrigno played himself during intermittent guest appearances on the CBS sitcom The King of Queens, beginning in 2000 and continuing until the program's conclusion in 2007. He and his wife Carla were depicted as the main characters' next-door neighbors, enduring their jokes about him being the Hulk.

He made cameo appearances as a security guard in both the 2003 film Hulk and the 2008 film The Incredible Hulk, in which he also voiced the Hulk.[25] In the latter film, Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) bribes him with a pizza to gain entry into a university building. He voiced the Hulk in other Marvel Cinematic Universe films, uncredited.[8][26][27] He voiced the Hulk until 2015's Avengers: Age of Ultron.[28][29] Mark Ruffalo has voiced Hulk in subsequent films.[30]

2009–present

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Ferrigno 2009 Dragon Con Parade

He trained Michael Jackson intermittently beginning in the early 1990s, and in 2009, he helped Jackson get into shape for a planned series of concerts in London,[31] which were ultimately cancelled due to Jackson's death.

Ferrigno took part in a Smosh video, titled "I Love Lou Ferrigno", in which he is tracked down by one of Smosh's members, Anthony, in Hollywood. The skit ends with Ferrigno knocking Anthony unconscious, in response to Ian's claim that Anthony stole Ferrigno's Butterfinger.

Ferrigno has his own line of fitness equipment called Ferrigno Fitness. In January 2009, he provided equipment to The Price Is Right for use as a One Bid prize, and demonstrated the equipment himself.[32]

In 2016, Ferrigno appeared as a playable Lego version of himself in Lego Marvel's Avengers.[33]

Non-acting endeavors

In February 2006, Ferrigno was sworn in as a Los Angeles County, California, reserve sheriff's deputy, Level II.[34] In November 2010, Maricopa County, Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio swore Ferrigno in as a member of a volunteer sheriff posse, which also included actors Steven Seagal and Peter Lupus, in order to help control illegal immigration in the Phoenix Valley area.[35]

Ferrigno was a contestant on season five of the NBC reality television series The Celebrity Apprentice, which premiered in February 2012. He appeared on the program in order to raise money for his charity, the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Ferrigno was Team Unanimous' project manager for the task depicted in the fifth episode, "I'm Going to Mop the Floor With You," which was to create a viral video to promote O-Cedar's ProMist Spray Mop, placing him in competition with actress Tia Carrere, the project manager of the women's team, Forte. In addition to the usual $20,000 awarded to the charity of the project manager of the winning team, O-Cedar pledged an additional $30,000 for that task. Team Unanimous' video—in which Ferrigno appeared dancing while mopping—won the task, winning the $50,000 for Muscular Dystrophy Association.[36] He was fired in episode nine, "Ad Hawk", which involved creating a 60-second commercial for Entertainment.com.[37]

In June 2012, Ferrigno was sworn in as a reserve deputy to the San Luis Obispo County, California, Sheriff's Department.[38] There he completed his level I law enforcement academy, bringing his training up to full peace officer status. In September 2013, Ferrigno was sworn in as a special deputy to the Delaware County, Ohio, Sheriff's Department.[39]

In 2017, Ferrigno was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame.[40]

In May 2018, President Donald Trump appointed Ferrigno to be a member of his Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition.[41]

Personal life

Due to ear infections he had soon after birth, Ferrigno lost 75 to 80% of his hearing and has been using hearing aids since the age of five.[42] Ferrigno says his hearing loss helped shape his sense of determination in his youth, saying, "I think that if I wasn't hard of hearing I wouldn't be where I am now. Early on, as a youngster it was difficult, but I'm not ashamed to talk about it because many people have misconceptions about hearing loss; like who has hearing loss and what it's like not to hear, so I do talk about it. I think my hearing loss helped create a determination within me to be all that I can be, and gave me a certain strength of character too. Anytime I do a movie or a TV show, I make them aware of my hearing loss at the beginning, and that makes it much easier for all of us to communicate and get the job done."[4] Later in life, he received a cochlear implant which restored much of his hearing.[6]

Ferrigno married Susan Groff in 1978, divorcing a year later. On May 3, 1980, he married psychotherapist Carla Green, who then also began serving as his manager; she later became a personal trainer. They have three children: Shanna (born 1981), Louis Jr. (born 1984), and Brent (born 1990). Shanna has a recurring role as Nurse Janice in Days of Our Lives, and appeared in the NBC series Windfall, as well as the television film Within, and in 2005 she appeared in the E! reality television series Filthy Rich: Cattle Drive. Louis Jr. was a linebacker for the University of Southern California Trojans football team.[43] He currently plays a recurring role in the TV series S.W.A.T., airing on CBS.[44]

Ferrigno has filed suit against his younger brother, Andrew, on two occasions over the use of the name Ferrigno in business ventures.[45][46]

Competitions

Magazine covers

  • Muscle & Fitness (March 1982, September 1982, March 1983, January 1986, June 1987, July 1988, April 1989, March 1993, March 1994, April 1996)
  • Flex (November 1983, August 1985, August 1989, August 1992, October 1992, June 1993, March 1994, November 1994, November 2017)
  • Muscle Builder (May 1974, July 1974, April 1977, September 1977, July 1979, March 1980, May 1980)
  • Iron Man (July 1973, August 1988, October 1992, November 1994, April 2009)
  • Bodybuilding Lifestyle (December 1991, May 1992)
  • Muscle Mag International (March 1979, December 1983, November 1994)
  • Muscular Development (February 1981, October 1992, April 2009)
  • Muscle Training Illustrated (May 1972)
  • Natural Bodybuilding (February 1983)
  • Strength & Health (November 1983)

Filmography

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Ferrigno's handprints at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park

Film

More information Year, Title ...
YearTitleRoleNotes
1977Pumping IronHimselfDocudrama
1983HerculesHercules
The Seven Magnificent GladiatorsHan
1985The Adventures of HerculesHerculesSequel to Hercules
1987Undershorts: The MovieHulkShort: "The Incredible Bulk"[49]
1988Desert WarriorZerak
1989Sinbad of the Seven SeasSinbad
CageBilly Thomas
All's FairKlaus
Liberty & BashBash
1993And God SpokeHimself
1994Cage IIBilly Thomas
1996Stand TallHimselfDocudrama
1998The GodsonBugsy
2003HulkHulkVoice
Security guard Cameo
2008The Incredible HulkHulkVoice
Security Guard Cameo
2009I Love You, ManHimself
2012The AvengersHulkVoice collaboration (uncredited)[26]
2014Moms' Night OutCameo
2015Avengers: Age of UltronHulkVoice collaboration (uncredited)[26]
The Scorpion King 4: Quest for PowerSkizurraDirect-to-video
Avengers GrimmIron John
2017Instant DeathJohn BradleyLead Role
Thor: RagnarokHulkVoice collaboration (uncredited)[50]
2019 Ring Ring Mr. Daniels
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Television

More information Year, Title ...
YearTitleRoleNotes
1977The Incredible HulkHulkPilot movie
World's Strongest ManHimself / competitor4th place
1978–82The Incredible HulkHulk82 episodes
1979BillyCameo
1980Mister Rogers' NeighborhoodHimself2 episodes
1983The Fall GuySixEpisode: "Trauma"
Trauma CenterJohn Six13 episodes
1984Matt HoustonSteve OttoEpisode: "Blood Ties"
1985Night CourtThe Klondike ButcherEpisode: "The Battling Bailiff"
Amazing StoriesHulkEpisode: "Remote Control Man"; uncredited[citation needed]
1988The Incredible Hulk ReturnsMovie
1989The Trial of the Incredible Hulk
1990The Death of the Incredible Hulk
1996–1997The Incredible HulkVoice role
2000–07The King of QueensLou Ferrigno20 episodes
2002Raw Iron: The Making of 'Pumping IronHimselfDocumentary
2004My Wife and KidsBig GuyEpisode "Illegal Smile"
Reno 911!Deputy Cletus SeniorEpisode: "Department Investigation: Part 2"
2010ChuckSofia Stepanova's bodyguardEpisode: "Chuck Versus the Suitcase"
Sonny with a ChanceHimselfEpisode: "My Two Chads"
2010–16Adventure TimeBilly / Bobby4 episodes
2012Celebrity ApprenticeHimself8 episodes (9th fired)
Next Great BakerGuest judgeEpisode: "Cake Powers, Activate!"
2014Star Trek ContinuesZaminhonWeb series; episode: "Lolani"[51]
2016We Bare BearsPaulEpisode: "Yard Sale"
2022The OfferLenny MontanaMiniseries
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Video game

More information Year, Title ...
Lou Ferrigno's television credits
Year Title Voice role Notes Ref(s)
2016 Lego Marvel's Avengers Himself / Hulk Can transform into the Hulk .[33]
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See also

References

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