Lou Ferrigno

Photo of Lou Ferrigno

Biography

Seen opposite future megastar-politician Arnold Schwarzenegger in the documentary "Pumping Iron" (1977), the record-setting muscleman caught the attention of the producers of "The Incredible Hulk," who were in desperate need of a suitably gigantic performer to play the green-skinned behemoth. The success of the series soon led to work in feature films playing similarly rippled superheroes, such as "Hercules" (1983) and "Sinbad of the Seven …
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Job Title

Actor, Consultants & Advisors

Born

Louis Jude Ferrigno on November 9, 1951 in Brooklyn, New York, USA

Career Milestones

1973

Became the youngest person to hold the title of Mr. Universe at age 21

1975

Attempt to beat Arnold Schwarzenegger in the Mr. Olympia competition was the subject of the documentary "Pumping Iron"

1976

Moved to California to pursue bodybuilding as a career

1977

Competed in the first World's Strongest Man

1978

Breakthrough role, Dr. Bruce Banner's green alter-ego in the CBS series, "The Hulk"

1983

Landed a regular role of a paramedic on the short-lived medical program, "Trauma Center"

1983

Played the title role in "Hercules"

1985

Reprised role for the sequel, "The Adventures of Hercules"

1988

Reprised role for the CBS TV-movie, "The Incredible Hulk Returns"

1989

Once again reprised role for the CBS TV-movie, "The Trial of the Incredible Hulk"

1989

Played the title role in the big screen, "Sinbad of the Seven Seas"

1990

Returned to role for a final time in the CBS TV-movie,"The Death of the Incredible Hulk"

1996

Lent his voice to the animated series, "The Incredible Hulk" (UPN)

2000

Played himself in a recurring role on the CBS series, "The King of Queens"

2003

Made a cameo as a security guard in Ang Lee's "Hulk"

2004

Had a cameo on Comedy Central's cult cop spoof, "Reno, 911!"

2008

Returned for a cameo in "The Incredible Hulk"