Lou Ferrigno

Lou Ferrigno
Ferrigno in 2016
Born Louis Jude Ferrigno
(1951-11-09) November 9, 1951
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Occupation Bodybuilder, actor, personal trainer
Years active 1971–present
Spouse(s)
Susan Groff
(m. 1978; div. 1979)

Carla Green (m. 1980)
Children 3

Louis Jude Ferrigno (/fəˈrɪɡnoʊ/; born November 9, 1951)[1] is an American actor, fitness trainer, fitness consultant 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 bodybuilding documentary Pumping Iron. As an actor, he is best known for his title role in the CBS television series The Incredible Hulk and vocally reprising the role in subsequent animated and computer-generated incarnations. He has also appeared in European-produced fantasy-adventures such as Sinbad of the Seven Seas and Hercules, and as himself in the sitcom The King of Queens and the 2009 comedy I Love You, Man.

Early life

Lou Ferrigno was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Victoria and Matt Ferrigno, a police lieutenant.[2] He is of Italian descent. Soon after he was born, Ferrigno says he believes he suffered 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.[3][4] Hearing loss caused Ferrigno to be bullied by peers during his childhood: "They used to call me 'deaf Louie, deaf mute', because of my hearing and because of the way I sounded."[5]

Ferrigno started weight training at age 13, citing body builder and Hercules star Steve Reeves as one of his role models. He was also a fan of the Hercules films that starred Reeves. Ferrigno's other personal heroes as a child were Spider-Man and the Hulk.[6] Ferrigno attended St. Athanasius Grammar School[7] and Brooklyn Technical High School, where he learned metal working.[7]

Lou Ferrigno
Bodybuilder
Personal info
Height 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)[8]
Weight 285 lb (129 kg) (1975)[9]
315 lb (143 kg) (1992)[8]
Professional career
Pro-debut NABBA Mr. Universe, 1972
Best win IFBB Mr. Universe, 1973–1974, two years consecutively
Active Retired 1995

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 Arnold Schwarzenegger was the subject of the 1975 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 one day.[9]

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.[11] Ferrigno left the world of Canadian football after he broke the legs of a fellow player during a scrimmage.[12]

During competition, Ferrigno at 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) weighed 268 lb (130 kg) in 1975, and 315 lb (142 kg) in 1992.[8]

Ferrigno competed in the first annual World's Strongest Man competition in 1977, where he finished fourth in a field of eight competitors.[13]

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,[14] 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.[15]

Acting career

1977–2008

In 1977, Ferrigno was cast as the Hulk in The Incredible Hulk. Ferrigno and Bill Bixby – who played the Hulk's "normal" alter ego – became 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.[16] 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.[17][18]

In 1983, Ferrigno appeared as John Six on the short-lived medical drama Trauma Center.[19]

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. Because of his role as the title character on The Incredible Hulk, he is often the target of Hulk jokes by Doug and his friends.

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.[20]

2009–present

At 2009 Dragon Con Parade

Ferrigno appeared as himself in the 2009 feature film comedy I Love You, Man.

Ferrigno trained Michael Jackson on and off beginning in the early 1990s, and in 2009, he helped Jackson get into shape for a planned series of concerts in London,[21] which were ultimately cancelled due to Jackson's untimely 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.[22]

In 2010, Ferrigno appeared in "My Two Chads", an episode of Sonny with a Chance, appearing as himself in an episode of the fictional series MacKenzie Falls. He also voices the character Billy the Hero in the animated series Adventure Time.

Ferrigno's voice was used (in composite)[23][24] for the Hulk in the 2012 film The Avengers[23][24] and its 2015 sequel Avengers: Age of Ultron.[25]

In 2014, Ferrigno appeared as Zaminhon, the Orion slave trader, in the Star Trek Continues episode "Lolani".[26]

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

Non-acting endeavors

In February 2006, Ferrigno was sworn in as a Los Angeles County, California, reserve sheriff's deputy, Level II.[27]

In November 2010, Ferrigno was sworn in as a member of a Maricopa County, Arizona, volunteer sheriff posse, which also includes actors Steven Seagal and Peter Lupus, in order to help control illegal immigration in the Phoenix Valley area.[28]

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.[29] He was fired in episode nine, "Ad Hawk", which involved creating a 60-second commercial for Entertainment.com.[30]

In June 2012, Ferrigno was sworn in as a reserve deputy to the San Luis Obispo County, California, Sheriff's Department.[31] 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.[32]

Personal life

Due to ear infections suffered soon after birth, Ferrigno lost 75 to 80% of his hearing and has been using hearing aids since the age of five.[33] 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."[3]

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 movie 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.[34]

In late 2014, Carla was one amongst many women accusing Bill Cosby of sexual assault.[35]

Lou has filed suit against his brother, Andy Ferrigno, on two occasions over the use of the name Ferrigno in business ventures.[36][37]

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

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

Film

YearTitleRoleNotes
1977Pumping IronHimselfDocudrama
1983HerculesHercules
1983The Seven Magnificent GladiatorsHan
1985The Adventures of HerculesHerculesSequel to Hercules
1988Desert WarriorZerak
1989Sinbad of the Seven SeasSinbad
1989CageBilly Thomas
1989All's FairKlaus
1989Liberty & BashBash
1993And God SpokeHimself
1994Cage IIBilly Thomas
1996Stand TallHimselfDocudrama
1998The GodsonBugsy
2003HulkSecurity guardCameo with Stan Lee
2008The Incredible HulkThe Hulk
Security guard		Voice
Cameo
2009I Love You, ManHimself
2012The AvengersThe HulkVoice collaboration (uncredited)[23]
2014Moms' Night OutThe HulkCameo
2015The Scorpion King: The Lost ThroneSkizurraDirect-to-video
2015Avengers GrimmIron John
2015Avengers: Age of UltronThe HulkVoice collaboration (uncredited)[25]
2017Instant DeathJohn BradleyLead Role
2017Thor: RagnarokThe HulkVoice collaboration (uncredited)[40]

Television

YearTitleRoleNotes
1977The Incredible HulkThe HulkPilot movie
1977World's Strongest ManHimself/competitor4th place
1978–82The Incredible HulkThe Hulk
1979BillyThe HulkCameo
1980Mister Rogers' NeighborhoodHimself2 episodes
1983The Fall GuySixEpisode: "Trauma"
1983Trauma CenterJohn Six13 episodes
1985Amazing StoriesThe HulkEpisode: "Remote Control Man"; uncredited
1988The Incredible Hulk ReturnsThe HulkMovie
1989The Trial of the Incredible HulkThe HulkMovie
1990The Death of the Incredible HulkThe HulkMovie
1996The Incredible HulkThe HulkVoice role
2000–07The King of QueensLou Ferrigno20 episodes
2002Raw Iron: The Making of 'Pumping IronHimselfDocumentary
2004My Wife and KidsBig GuyEpisode "Illegal Smile"
2004Reno 911!Deputy Cletus SeniorEpisode: "Department Investigation: Part 2"
2010ChuckSofia Stepanova's bodyguardEpisode: "Chuck Versus the Suitcase"
2010Sonny with a ChanceHimselfEpisode: "My Two Chads"
2010–16Adventure TimeBilly / Bobby4 episodes
2012Celebrity ApprenticeHimself8 episodes (9th fired)
2014Star Trek ContinuesZaminhonWeb series; episode: "Lolani"[41]
2016We Bare BearsPaulEpisode: "Yard Sale"

See also

References

  1. ↑ Although Ferrigno's official site does not list a year of birth, it says he was 21 when he won the first of two successive Mr. Universe titles, which occurred in 1973 ("History of the Men's World Amateur Championships" Archived 2012-07-17 at the Wayback Machine., IFBB.com, Accessed 2007-01-01). The results were reported in the July 1973 issue of Muscle magazine ("Lou Ferigno, Mr Universe, 1973" Archived 2006-06-24 at the Wayback Machine.. IFBB.com); see also "History of Mr. Olympia: Lou Ferrigno".
  2. ↑ Jim Schmaltz (February 2004). Matt Ferrigno: 1925-2003. Flex. Accessed 2008-08-01.
  3. 1 2 Mabe, Catherine "Lou Ferrigno: Living, Acting and Bodybuilding with Hearing Loss". Disaboom. Retrieved February 8, 2012.
  4. ↑ Doughterty, Margot (May 16, 1988). "Green with Indignation, Lou Ferrigno Is Back in Bulk as the Incredible Hulk". People. Vol. 29, No. 19.
  5. ↑ "How Lou Ferrigno Went From Bullied, Skinny Kid To 'Incredible Hulk' (VIDEO)". huffingtonpost.com. Jan 30, 2014. Retrieved 15 May 2016.
  6. ↑ The Incredible Lou.
  7. 1 2 Parker, Vernon. "On This Day in History: November 9That Incredible Hulk". Brooklyn Eagle. November 9, 2011
  8. 1 2 3 "ALL ABOUT LOU FERRIGNO". BodybuildingPro.comApril 9, 2013.
  9. 1 2 "About" Archived 2012-05-19 at the Wayback Machine. at LouFerrigno.com (official site)
  10. ↑ "How Pumping Iron Gave Birth to the Incredible Hulk". Arnold Body Building. Archived from the original on 26 December 2012. Retrieved 5 April 2013.
  11. ↑ Grech, Ron. "Lou Ferrigno to Hulk up at the Mac". Daily Press. May 2011. Accessed 2011-09-19.
  12. ↑ Inman, David. The TV Encyclopedia. New York: Perigree, 1991. Print.
  13. ↑ Bonnie Siegler. Fame & Fortune: Lou Ferrigno. Accessed 2008-08-01.
  14. ↑ "Lou Ferrigno - Age | Height | Weight | Images | Bio". Greatest Physiques. 2016-10-11. Retrieved 2018-06-21.
  15. ↑ Harvey, Dennis (1997-04-06). "Stand Tall". Variety. Retrieved 2018-06-21.
  16. ↑ Murphy, Matt. "WWLA: "The Incredible Hulk" Retrospective with Lou Ferrigno". Comic Book Resources. March 16, 2008
  17. ↑ Battle of the Network Stars V, Howard Cosell, Frank Gifford, Richard Hatch, 1978-11-18, retrieved 2017-11-09
  18. ↑ "'Battle of the Network Stars': Photos of TV's First Reality Competition". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2017-11-09.
  19. ↑ The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows, 1946-Present. Ballantine Books. 2003. p. 1227. ISBN 0-345-45542-8.
  20. ↑ Jeff Otto (May 27, 2008). Special Report: "Hulk" Edit Bay Visit. Dark Horizons. Accessed 2008-05-27.
  21. ↑ Smith, Michael David. "Lou Ferrigno: Michael Jackson Was Energetic and Happy in Training". AOL News. Archived from the original on 2012-07-19. Retrieved 2009-06-19.
  22. ↑ "Lou Ferrigno Biography and Bodybuilding Stats". About-Muscle.com.
  23. 1 2 3 Messer, Ron (2010-10-10). "NY Comic Con: Lou Ferrigno Interview – Opens Up About The Avengers, Mark Ruffalo as The Hulk, and Chuck". Collider. Retrieved 2010-10-10.
  24. 1 2 Collura, Scott (May 8, 2012). "So Ferrigno *Is* in The Avengers". IGN.
  25. 1 2 "Exclusive: Lou Ferrigno Says He's Back To Voice the Hulk in Avengers: Age of Ultron". Nuke The Fridge. Retrieved April 22, 2014.
  26. ↑ Scanlan, Dan. "The original 'Hulk' is back in green for Kingsland Star Trek webfilm". The Florida Times-Union Jacksonville.com. Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  27. ↑ Lou Ferrigno becomes reserve LA County sheriff's deputy (February 13, 2006) AP. Accessed 2008-08-01.
  28. ↑ "Lou 'The Hulk' Ferrigno Joins Posse Fighting Illegal Immigration". (November 18, 2010). Fox News/Associated Press. Accessed 2011-01-02.
  29. ↑ "I'm Going to Mop the Floor With You". The Celebrity Apprentice. Season 12. Episode 5. March 18, 2012. NBC.
  30. ↑ "Ad Hawk". The Celebrity Apprentice. Season 12. Episode 9. April 8, 2012. NBC.
  31. ↑ Linn, Sarah. "Lou Ferrigno sworn in as reserve deputy for Sheriff's Office".
  32. ↑ Salsman, Tara. "Lou Ferrigno is sworn in as Delaware County's newest Special Deputy". Archived from the original on November 24, 2013. Retrieved November 15, 2013.
  33. ↑ Interview with Lou Ferrigno Mr. Universe, and TVs “The Hulk” audioligyonline.com Accessed 2012-05-13
  34. ↑ Player Bio: Lou Ferrigno Jr. USCTrojans.cstv.com. Accessed 2007-01-01.
  35. ↑ "Lou Ferrigno's wife Carla Ferrigno accuses Bill Cosby of assault; more come forward". Fox News Channel. November 21, 2014. Retrieved December 6, 2014.
  36. ↑ http://www.tmz.com/2015/03/03/lou-ferrigno-brother-exercise-equipment-store-lawsuit/
  37. ↑ http://www.today.com/id/11764919/ns/today-today_entertainment/t/ferrigno-files-suit-over-brothers-fitness-store/#.WwRGXfZFzjY
  38. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 History of Mr. Olympia: Lou Ferrigno. Schwarzenegger.it Accessed 2007-01-01.
  39. 1 2 "History of the Men's World Amateur Championships Archived 2012-07-17 at the Wayback Machine.". IFBB.com. Accessed 2007-01-01.
  40. ↑ "Tessa Thompson Joins The Marvel Universe In 'Thor: Ragnarok'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 11, 2016.
  41. ↑ Crandall, Steve (January 26, 2014). "Star Trek Continues Episode 2 Prepares For Launch". Star Trek Continues. Archived from the original on February 25, 2014. Retrieved February 15, 2014.
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