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 An internationally famous and well respected bodybuilder / actor, Lou Ferrigno first appeared on TV screens in 1977 as the musclebound title character of The Incredible Hulk (1977), the alter ego of meek scientist David Banner. Ferrigno was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1951 and as a child suffered from an ear infection that resulted in permanent partial hearing loss. Undeterred by what some may have perceived as a disadvantage, Lou threw himself into athletics (predominantly weightlifting and body building) and at the age of 21 won his first Mr. Universe title. For good measure, he came back and won it again the following year!He also played professional football in the Canadian Football League, before coming to the attention of producer Kenneth Johnson, who was seeking just the right person to portray on screen the comic book superhero, The Incredible Hulk. With his 6' 4", 285 lb. frame, Lou was the biggest professional bodybuilder of the time, and had recently starred in the documentary Pumping Iron (1977), about the 1975 Mr. Olympia contest in South Africa. He successfully auditioned for the part of the green-skinned Goliath, and that is the role with which he is most closely identified."The Hulk" was a huge ratings success and spawned several telemovies after the initial TV series completed its run. Lou continued to remain busy in films and TV with appearances often centered around his remarkable physique. His films included Hercules (1983), Sinbad of the Seven Seas (1989) and Frogtown II (1992). Lou has additionally guest-starred on several TV shows including The Fall Guy (1981) and The New Mike Hammer (1984) and had a recurring role on The King of Queens (1998). In 1997 he was featured in the dynamic documentary about his sensational return to professional bodybuilding at age 43, Stand Tall (1997). The film detailed how he returned to compete in the Masters category of the Mr. Olympia contest against several familiar bodybuilding foes. In more recent years, he has appeared in several films, including The Misery Brothers (1995), Ping! (2000), From Heaven to Hell (2002) and a cameo as a security guard in the big-budget remake of Hulk (2003).Big Lou is also a successful author with two books detailing his bodybuilding knowledge, and his life behind the scenes playing the Incredible Hulk on TV in the 1970s, plus he has a popular website frequented by his many fans worldwide.
Bio:
An internationally famous and well respected bodybuilder / actor, Lou Ferrigno first appeared on TV screens in 1977 as the musclebound title character of The Incredible Hulk (1977), the alter ego of meek scientist David Banner. Ferrigno was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1951 and as a child suffered from an ear infection that resulted in permanent partial hearing loss. Undeterred by what some may have perceived as a disadvantage, Lou threw himself into athletics (predominantly weightlifting and body building) and at the age of 21 won his first Mr. Universe title. For good measure, he came back and won it again the following year!He also played professional football in the Canadian Football League, before coming to the attention of producer Kenneth Johnson, who was seeking just the right person to portray on screen the comic book superhero, The Incredible Hulk. With his 6' 4", 285 lb. frame, Lou was the biggest professional bodybuilder of the time, and had recently starred in the documentary Pumping Iron (1977), about the 1975 Mr. Olympia contest in South Africa. He successfully auditioned for the part of the green-skinned Goliath, and that is the role with which he is most closely identified."The Hulk" was a huge ratings success and spawned several telemovies after the initial TV series completed its run. Lou continued to remain busy in films and TV with appearances often centered around his remarkable physique. His films included Hercules (1983), Sinbad of the Seven Seas (1989) and Frogtown II (1992). Lou has additionally guest-starred on several TV shows including The Fall Guy (1981) and The New Mike Hammer (1984) and had a recurring role on The King of Queens (1998). In 1997 he was featured in the dynamic documentary about his sensational return to professional bodybuilding at age 43, Stand Tall (1997). The film detailed how he returned to compete in the Masters category of the Mr. Olympia contest against several familiar bodybuilding foes. In more recent years, he has appeared in several films, including The Misery Brothers (1995), Ping! (2000), From Heaven to Hell (2002) and a cameo as a security guard in the big-budget remake of Hulk (2003).Big Lou is also a successful author with two books detailing his bodybuilding knowledge, and his life behind the scenes playing the Incredible Hulk on TV in the 1970s, plus he has a popular website frequented by his many fans worldwide.
Tivia:
In October 1981 he was in Egypt, scheduled to be one of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat's personal guests at a public event. However, at the last minute Sadat canceled his appearance. A few days later Muslim fundamentalists killed Sadat, along with 12 others, at an annual military parade. It was later discovered that Sadat's killers had originally planned to assassinate him at the event where Ferrigno would have been seated next to him. Ferrigno believes that he would have been killed along with Sadat if Sadat had not canceled his appearance.Stated that his father was very critical of and negative towards him when he was growing up due to his hearing disability. Though Lou respected his father, he was very hurt when his father expressed his belief that Lou would never achieve success.2/11/06: He was sworn in as a Los Angeles County Reserve Deputy Sheriff. He will serve for at least 20 hours each month. His duties will include helping recruit new deputies and working with the sheriff's Youth Activities League and the Special Victims Bureau.Declares The Incredible Hulk (1977) episode "King of the Beach" (in which he played a bodybuilder, in addition to the Hulk) his favorite episode of the series.Bench-pressed 560 lbs in his prime (age 25). Now, at the age of 50, he benches 400 lbs.Although Lou played "The Hulk" in the TV series, the growls and snarls heard in it aren't his. They were made by actor Ted Cassidy (Lurch in The Addams Family (1964)) until 1979 (first two seasons). Then, after Cassidy's death in that year, the Hulk was voiced by actor Charles Napier for the remaining three seasons and the three movies made in later years.Along with Stan Lee, he is one of only two actors to appear in both Hulk (2003) and The Incredible Hulk (2008).He is partially hearing-impaired due to an ear infection he suffered as a child.In the late '80s he decided to tone down his massive body so that people would be more likely to see him as a person and not just as his "monster" alter ego "The Hulk".Acting mentor was Bill Bixby.Beat out Arnold Schwarzenegger for the role of the Hulk on the TV series The Incredible Hulk (1977). Ferrigno won reportedly because Arnold, at 6' 2", was deemed not tall enough, while Lou was 6' 5".Has appeared in four different adaptations of "The Incredible Hulk". The first was the live-action television series of the late 1970s and early 1980s (The Incredible Hulk (1977)), in which he played the Hulk--and does not speak. In the 1990s he played the role again in an animated series for the UPN network, The Incredible Hulk (1996) -- this time providing the creature's voice. In Ang Lee's 2003 film Hulk (2003) the Hulk is computer-generated, so Lou plays a completely different part - that of a security guard (along with Stan Lee) at the lab where Bruce Banner works. In the 2008 film The Incredible Hulk (2008), he plays a security guard again, this time one who allows Bruce Banner to enter with a pizza -- and also, once again, voices the Hulk.The youngest bodybuilder ever to hold the "Mr. Universe" title (age 20).Professional bodybuilder. Played professional football in Canada.There was supposed to be another TV movie after The Death of the Incredible Hulk (1990) showing the Hulk's return, but the death of Lou's co-star Bill Bixby ended that possibility.Growing up, he was a fan of the '50s "Hercules" films that starred bodybuilder Steve Reeves and a fan of the Incredible Hulk comic books. He went on to play both the Incredible Hulk (both live action and providing the voice of the Hulk for an animated series) and Hercules.Was originally cast as 'Tigris of Gaul' in Gladiator (2000), but was replaced during production by Sven-Ole Thorsen who had been trying hard for over a year to get the part.In his book "My Incredible Life As The Hulk", he stated that he has never been compensated for any merchandising related to The Incredible Hulk (1977) TV series. He said it was because no such deals existed for him during the show's prime-time run.In his peak body-building days, he could bench press nearly 500 pounds.His parents, Matty Ferrigno and Victoria Ferrigno, appeared with him in the documentary Pumping Iron (1977).Weighs 275 pounds - with 59" chest - 34" waist - 22. 5" bicep - 29" thighs and 19" neck.Former personal trainer for Michael Jackson. Jackson invited him to be his personal trainer to prepare for the This is It concerts. Ferrigno had appeared in Jackson's "Liberian Girl" short film in 1989 and they remained friends until Jackson's death in 2009.With the death of Jack Colvin on December 1, 2005, he is the only surviving star of The Incredible Hulk (1977). Bill Bixby died on November 21, 1993.Has three children with Carla Ferrigno: Shanna Ferrigno (b. 1981), Lou Ferrigno Jr. (b. 1984) and Brent Ferrigno (b. 1990).1974: Won the bodybuilding title, "Mr. Universe".1973: Won the bodybuilding title, "Mr. America".Like so many of the bodybuilders who starred in the "Hercules" films of the late '50s and early '60s, his voice was dubbed for his own "Hercules" films.Appeared, with Erik Estrada, in a commercial for "Butterfinger". (2010)Sybil Danning had a huge crush on him when the two filmed their 1983 fantasy film "Hercules." Ferrigno was in peak physical condition at the time.1970: Won the bodybuilding title, "Teenage Mr. America".Best known by the public for his starring role as The Incredible Hulk (1977).Once refereed a professional wrestling match.1973: Won the bodybuilding title, "Mr. Universe".He stood 6' 5" and he was the tallest professional body builder of the 1970s. Due to natural aging, he now stands 6'3 1/2".Attended Brooklyn Technical High School in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, NY--the same neighborhood where director Spike Lee now resides.In 1986 he was set to star in an unnamed war-action movie, heavily inspired by "Rambo: First Blood Part II". Playing a Vietnam veteran on a mission, similar to John Rambo, he would impress the viewers with his stunning physical condition. The movie was cancelled.Used to be a sheet metal worker.Twice won the Mr Universe title which led him to be asked to play The Incredible Hulk, which led to a part in the film Sinbad the Sailor (1986).He just once appeared shorter and lesser muscular than a wrestler named Terry Boulder. Since then the wrestler got the nickname "Hulk" and is better known as Hulk Hogan. |
| Name: |
Lou Ferrigno |
Type: |
Actor,Producer,Additional Crew (IMDB) |
| Area: |
All World |
Platform: |
IMDB |
| Category: |
|
Business scope: |
Actor,Producer,Additional Crew |
| Products for sale: |
Actor,Producer,Additional Crew |
| Last update: |
2024-07-01 05:04:29 |
| Height: |
6' 4' (1.93 m) |
| Biography: |
An internationally famous and well respected bodybuilder / actor, Lou Ferrigno first appeared on TV screens in 1977 as the musclebound title character of The Incredible Hulk (1977), the alter ego of meek scientist David Banner. Ferrigno was born in B |
| Trivia: |
In October 1981 he was in Egypt, scheduled to be one of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat's personal guests at a public event. However, at the last minute Sadat canceled his appearance. A few days later Muslim fundamentalists killed Sadat, along with 12 others, at an annual military parade. It was later discovered that Sadat's killers had originally planned to assassinate him at the event where Ferrigno would have been seated next to him. Ferrigno believes that he would have been killed along with Sadat if Sadat had not canceled his appearance.Stated that his father was very critical of and negative towards him when he was growing up due to his hearing disability. Though Lou respected his father, he was very hurt when his father expressed his belief that Lou would never achieve success.2/11/06: He was sworn in as a Los Angeles County Reserve Deputy Sheriff. He will serve for at least 20 hours each month. His duties will include helping recruit new deputies and working with the sheriff's Youth Activities League and the Special Victims Bureau.Declares The Incredible Hulk (1977) episode "King of the Beach" (in which he played a bodybuilder, in addition to the Hulk) his favorite episode of the series.Bench-pressed 560 lbs in his prime (age 25). Now, at the age of 50, he benches 400 lbs.Although Lou played "The Hulk" in the TV series, the growls and snarls heard in it aren't his. They were made by actor Ted Cassidy (Lurch in The Addams Family (1964)) until 1979 (first two seasons). Then, after Cassidy's death in that year, the Hulk was voiced by actor Charles Napier for the remaining three seasons and the three movies made in later years.Along with Stan Lee, he is one of only two actors to appear in both Hulk (2003) and The Incredible Hulk (2008).He is partially hearing-impaired due to an ear infection he suffered as a child.In the late '80s he decided to tone down his massive body so that people would be more likely to see him as a person and not just as his "monster" alter ego "The Hulk".Acting mentor was Bill Bixby.Beat out Arnold Schwarzenegger for the role of the Hulk on the TV series The Incredible Hulk (1977). Ferrigno won reportedly because Arnold, at 6' 2", was deemed not tall enough, while Lou was 6' 5".Has appeared in four different adaptations of "The Incredible Hulk". The first was the live-action television series of the late 1970s and early 1980s (The Incredible Hulk (1977)), in which he played the Hulk--and does not speak. In the 1990s he played the role again in an animated series for the UPN network, The Incredible Hulk (1996) -- this time providing the creature's voice. In Ang Lee's 2003 film Hulk (2003) the Hulk is computer-generated, so Lou plays a completely different part - that of a security guard (along with Stan Lee) at the lab where Bruce Banner works. In the 2008 film The Incredible Hulk (2008), he plays a security guard again, this time one who allows Bruce Banner to enter with a pizza -- and also, once again, voices the Hulk.The youngest bodybuilder ever to hold the "Mr. Universe" title (age 20).Professional bodybuilder. Played professional football in Canada.There was supposed to be another TV movie after The Death of the Incredible Hulk (1990) showing the Hulk's return, but the death of Lou's co-star Bill Bixby ended that possibility.Growing up, he was a fan of the '50s "Hercules" films that starred bodybuilder Steve Reeves and a fan of the Incredible Hulk comic books. He went on to play both the Incredible Hulk (both live action and providing the voice of the Hulk for an animated series) and Hercules.Was originally cast as 'Tigris of Gaul' in Gladiator (2000), but was replaced during production by Sven-Ole Thorsen who had been trying hard for over a year to get the part.In his book "My Incredible Life As The Hulk", he stated that he has never been compensated for any merchandising related to The Incredible Hulk (1977) TV series. He said it was because no such deals existed for him during the show's prime-time run.In his peak body-building days, he could bench press nearly 500 pounds.His parents, Matty Ferrigno and Victoria Ferrigno, appeared with him in the documentary Pumping Iron (1977).Weighs 275 pounds - with 59" chest - 34" waist - 22. 5" bicep - 29" thighs and 19" neck.Former personal trainer for Michael Jackson. Jackson invited him to be his personal trainer to prepare for the This is It concerts. Ferrigno had appeared in Jackson's "Liberian Girl" short film in 1989 and they remained friends until Jackson's death in 2009.With the death of Jack Colvin on December 1, 2005, he is the only surviving star of The Incredible Hulk (1977). Bill Bixby died on November 21, 1993.Has three children with Carla Ferrigno: Shanna Ferrigno (b. 1981), Lou Ferrigno Jr. (b. 1984) and Brent Ferrigno (b. 1990).1974: Won the bodybuilding title, "Mr. Universe".1973: Won the bodybuilding title, "Mr. America".Like so many of the bodybuilders who starred in the "Hercules" films of the late '50s and early '60s, his voice was dubbed for his own "Hercules" films.Appeared, with Erik Estrada, in a commercial for "Butterfinger". (2010)Sybil Danning had a huge crush on him when the two filmed their 1983 fantasy film "Hercules." Ferrigno was in peak physical condition at the time.1970: Won the bodybuilding title, "Teenage Mr. America".Best known by the public for his starring role as The Incredible Hulk (1977).Once refereed a professional wrestling match.1973: Won the bodybuilding title, "Mr. Universe".He stood 6' 5" and he was the tallest professional body builder of the 1970s. Due to natural aging, he now stands 6'3 1/2".Attended Brooklyn Technical High School in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, NY--the same neighborhood where director Spike Lee now resides.In 1986 he was set to star in an unnamed war-action movie, heavily inspired by "Rambo: First Blood Part II". Playing a Vietnam veteran on a mission, similar to John Rambo, he would impress the viewers with his stunning physical condition. The movie was cancelled.Used to be a sheet metal worker.Twice won the Mr Universe title which led him to be asked to play The Incredible Hulk, which led to a part in the film Sinbad the Sailor (1986).He just once appeared shorter and lesser muscular than a wrestler named Terry Boulder. Since then the wrestler got the nickname "Hulk" and is better known as Hulk Hogan. |
| Trademarks: |
Vocal slur
Is most live action feature filmmakers' preferred choice to voice the Hulk.
Huge muscular physique
Towering height
The only human to ever be cast as the hulk without CGI. |
| Quotes: |
Everyone has his own "little Hulk" inside him.
<br />
<hr>
If I hadn't lost my hearing, I wouldn't be where I am now. It forced me to maximize my potential. I had to be better than the average person to succeed. That's why I chose bodybuilding. If I became a world champion, if I could win admiration from my peers, I could do anything.
<br />
<hr>
[his response (in 1979) to an indication that he shared the spotlight with Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977) villain Darth Vader, played by David Prowse, another muscle-bound actor] Anybody could play Darth Vader. Vader is basically just a big guy behind a costume. The character shows no emotion, no nothing! If you really showed the emotional side of The Hulk he could be even hotter than "Star Wars". Battlestar Galactica (1978) didn't show any feelings and that's the big reason why I think it was canceled.
<br />
<hr>
[regarding then competing series Wonder Woman (1975)] And as for "Wonder Woman" . . . there's nothing there . . . nothing to show at all but a "beautiful body", and that's it. You never get a chance to find out anything about the person at all. What a bore! I can't understand why that show ran as long as it did.
<br />
<hr>
[Of Bill Bixby]: Bill was a great guy. He was a great mentor, great director, great producer and all the things that were great. Bill had a lot on him, because he loved his son, Christopher. When he lost his son, 2 days later, he came on the set and continued filming, and I knew he did that! |
| Job title: |
Actor,Producer,Additional Crew |
| Others works: |
Print ads for Joe Weider's Dynamic Muscle Builder drink (1991)
Author of the 2003 autobiography, "My Incredible Life As the Hulk".
January 2006 - cameo in a Longhorn Steakhouse commercial with dubbed voice
Appeared in Michael Jackson |
| Spouse: |
Carla Ferrigno (May 3, 1980 - present) (3 children)Susan Groff (May 27, 1978 - 1979) (divorced) |
| Children: |
Shanna FerrignoBrent FerrignoLou Ferrigno Jr. |
| Parents: |
Matty Ferrigno
Victoria Ferrigno
Victoria Ferrigno |
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