Lou Ferrigno#Personal life
{{Short description|American actor and bodybuilder (born 1951)}}
{{redirect|Ferrigno|the Italian wine grape also known as Ferrigno|Cesanese Comune|the surname|Ferrigno (surname)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Lou Ferrigno
| image = Lou Ferrigno 2018.jpg
| caption = Ferrigno in 2018
| birth_name = Louis Jude Ferrigno
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1951|11|9}}
| birth_place = New York City, U.S.
| occupation = {{hlist|Bodybuilder|actor|personal trainer}}
| years_active = 1971–present
| spouse = {{plainlist|
- {{marriage|Susan Groff|1978|1979|reason=div}}
- {{marriage|Carla Green|1980|2023|end=separated}}
}}
| children = 3, including Lou Jr.
{{Infobox bodybuilder|child=yes
|height = {{convert|6|ft|5|in|m|sigfig=3|abbr=on}}{{cite web|title=ALL ABOUT LOU FERRIGNO|url=http://www.bodybuildingpro.com/louferrigno.html|publisher=BodybuildingPro.comApril 9, 2013|access-date=April 9, 2013|archive-date=February 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130206215524/http://bodybuildingpro.com/louferrigno.html|url-status=dead}}
|weight = {{convert|315|lb|kg|abbr=on}}
|firstproshow = NABBA Mr. Universe
|firstproshowyear = 1972
|bestwin = IFBB Mr. Universe
|bestwinyear = 1973–1974
|yesorretiredyear = Retired 1996
}}
}}
Louis Jude Ferrigno Sr. ({{IPAc-en|f|ə|ˈ|r|ɪ|ɡ|n|oʊ}}; born November 9, 1951)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 ([http://www.ifbb.com/contestresults/mensworld/index.html "History of the Men's World Amateur Championships"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717063550/http://www.ifbb.com/contestresults/mensworld/index.html |date=July 17, 2012}}, IFBB.com, Accessed January 1, 2007). The results were reported in the July 1973 issue of Muscle magazine ([http://www.ifbb.com/contestresults/mensworld/1973mrU.html "Lou Ferigno, Mr Universe, 1973"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060624071832/http://www.ifbb.com/contestresults/mensworld/1973mrU.html |date=June 24, 2006}}. IFBB.com); see also [http://www.schwarzenegger.it/mro/ferrigno.html "History of Mr. Olympia: Lou Ferrigno"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629070753/http://www.schwarzenegger.it/mro/ferrigno.html |date=June 29, 2017}}. is an American actor and retired professional bodybuilder. He 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 (1977–1982) 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.
Early life
Ferrigno was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Victoria and Matt Ferrigno, a police lieutenant.Jim Schmaltz (February 2004). [https://archive.today/20120708114015/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0KFY/is_12_21/ai_112350859 Matt Ferrigno: 1925-2003]. Flex. Accessed August 1, 2008. 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.Mabe, Catherine [http://www.disaboom.com/deaf-and-hearing-loss/lou-ferrigno-living-acting-and-bodybuilding-with-hearing-loss "Lou Ferrigno: Living, Acting, and Bodybuilding with Hearing Loss"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126061259/http://www.disaboom.com/deaf-and-hearing-loss/lou-ferrigno-living-acting-and-bodybuilding-with-hearing-loss|date=January 26, 2012}}. Disaboom. Retrieved February 8, 2012.Doughterty, Margot (May 16, 1988). [http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20098954,00.html "Green with Indignation, Lou Ferrigno Is Back in Bulk as the Incredible Hulk"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110310112708/http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20098954,00.html |date=March 10, 2011}}. People. Vol. 29, No. 19. 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",{{cite news|last=Mazziotta|first=Julie|date=May 20, 2021|title=Incredible Hulk's Lou Ferrigno Is Fixing His Lifelong Hearing Problem: 'A Dream Come True'|work=People|url=https://people.com/health/incredible-hulk-lou-ferrigno-is-fixing-his-lifelong-hearing-problem-a-dream-come-true/|access-date=June 18, 2021|archive-date=May 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531100425/https://people.com/health/incredible-hulk-lou-ferrigno-is-fixing-his-lifelong-hearing-problem-a-dream-come-true/|url-status=live}} which eventually made him take up bodybuilding: "My father rejected me because I was not the perfect son, so I fantasized about being like The Hulk and that’s what led to bodybuilding".[https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2022/may/30/beautiful-how-we-made-the-incredible-hulk-lou-ferrigno-green-paint ‘I thought I looked beautiful’ – how we made The Incredible Hulk]
Ferrigno started weight training at the age of 13, citing bodybuilder and Hercules star Steve Reeves as one of his role models.{{cite journal|last=Eury|first=Michael|date=Summer 2018|title=The Hulk Speaks!: An Interview with Lou Ferrigno|journal=RetroFan|issue=1|pages=3–8|publisher=TwoMorrows Publishing}} Because he could not afford to buy weights, he made his own using a broomstick and pails which he partially filled with cement. Ferrigno attended St. Athanasius Grammar SchoolParker, Vernon. [http://www.brooklyneagle.com/categories/category.php?category_id=23&id=47290 "On This Day in History: November 9That Incredible Hulk"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111210083300/http://www.brooklyneagle.com/categories/category.php?category_id=23&id=47290 |date=December 10, 2011}}. Brooklyn Eagle. November 9, 2011 and Brooklyn Technical High School, where he learned metal working.
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.{{cite web|title=How Pumping Iron Gave Birth to the Incredible Hulk|url=http://arnoldbodybuilding.info/lou-ferrigno|publisher=Arnold Body Building|access-date=April 5, 2013|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121226005541/http://arnoldbodybuilding.info/lou-ferrigno|archive-date=December 26, 2012}}
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.[http://louferrigno.com/about/ "About"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120519201207/http://louferrigno.com/about/ |date=May 19, 2012}} at LouFerrigno.com (official site)
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.Grech, Ron. [http://www.thedailypress.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?archive=true&e=3100179 "Lou Ferrigno to Hulk up at the Mac"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401202531/http://www.thedailypress.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?archive=true&e=3100179 |date=April 1, 2012}}. Daily Press. May 2011. Accessed September 19, 2011. Ferrigno left the world of Canadian football after he broke the legs of a fellow player during a scrimmage.Inman, David. The TV Encyclopedia. New York: Perigree, 1991. Print.
Ferrigno, who stands at almost {{convert|6|ft|5|in|m|sigfig=3|abbr=on}}, weighed in during competition at {{convert|285|lb|kg|abbr=on}} in 1975 and {{convert|316|lb|kg|abbr=on}} in 1992.
Ferrigno competed in the first annual World's Strongest Man competition in 1977, where he finished fourth in a field of eight competitors.Bonnie Siegler. [http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/investing/20080613-fame-fortune-Lou-Ferrigno-a1.asp Fame & Fortune: Lou Ferrigno] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110602075000/http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/investing/20080613-fame-fortune-Lou-Ferrigno-a1.asp |date=June 2, 2011}}. Accessed August 1, 2008.
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,{{cite news|url=https://www.greatestphysiques.com/lou-ferrigno/|title=Lou Ferrigno - Age {{!}} Height {{!}} Weight {{!}} Images {{!}} Bio|date=October 11, 2016|work=Greatest Physiques|access-date=June 21, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=June 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621145057/https://www.greatestphysiques.com/lou-ferrigno/|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/1997/film/reviews/stand-tall-1200449717/|title=Stand Tall|last=Harvey|first=Dennis|date=April 6, 1997|work=Variety|access-date=June 21, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=June 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621170703/https://variety.com/1997/film/reviews/stand-tall-1200449717/|url-status=live}}
Acting career
=1977–2008=
In 1977, Ferrigno was cast as the Hulk in The Incredible Hulk. Though they were rarely on camera together, Ferrigno and {{nowrap|Bill Bixby{{tsp}}{{mdash}}{{tsp}}}}who played the Hulk's "normal" alter {{nowrap|ego{{tsp}}{{mdash}}{{tsp}}}}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.Murphy, Matt. [http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=12922 "WWLA: "The Incredible Hulk" Retrospective with Lou Ferrigno"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015170537/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=12922 |date=October 15, 2012}}. Comic Book Resources. March 16, 2008 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.{{citation|title=Battle of the Network Stars V|date=November 18, 1978|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0375590/|author=Jacque Lueth |others=Howard Cosell, Frank Gifford, Richard Hatch|access-date=November 9, 2017|archive-date=February 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208043302/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0375590/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/gallery/battle-network-stars-photos-tvs-432750/1-lou-ferrigno-and-billy-crystal|title='Battle of the Network Stars': Photos of TV's First Reality Competition|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=November 9, 2017|archive-date=November 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110013437/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/gallery/battle-network-stars-photos-tvs-432750/1-lou-ferrigno-and-billy-crystal|url-status=live}} 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,{{cite web|url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/Gnf11|title='Hercules' is just ludicrous|work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|publisher=Block Communications|first=Marylynn|last=Uricchio|date=August 27, 1983|access-date=March 20, 2022}} and Andy Brack of Charleston City Paper.{{cite web|url=https://charlestoncitypaper.com/chatting-with-a-childhood-hero-lou-ferrigno/|title=Chatting with a childhood hero, Lou Ferrigno|work=Charleston City Paper|publisher=City Paper Publishing, LLC|first=Andy|last=Brack|date=May 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305134024/https://charlestoncitypaper.com/chatting-with-a-childhood-hero-lou-ferrigno/|archive-date=March 5, 2022|access-date=March 5, 2022|url-status=live}} 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".{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ihaBCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA114|title=Epic Films: Casts, Credits and Commentary on More Than 350 Historical Spectacle Movies|publisher=McFarland & Company|author=Smith, Gary Allen|date=2009|page=114|isbn=9781476604183 |access-date=April 29, 2022}} In 2014, Decider named Ferrigno the tenth "hottest onscreen Hercules ever".{{cite web|url=https://decider.com/2014/07/24/who-is-the-hottest-hercules-of-them-all/|title=Who Is The Hottest Hercules Of Them All?|work=Decider|publisher=NYP Holdings, Inc.|first=Meghan|last=O'Keefe|date=July 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305180455/https://decider.com/2014/07/24/who-is-the-hottest-hercules-of-them-all/|archive-date=March 5, 2022|access-date=March 5, 2022|url-status=bot: unknown}}
In 1983, Ferrigno appeared as John Six in the short-lived medical drama Trauma Center.{{cite book|title=The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows, 1946-Present|year=2003|publisher=Ballantine Books|isbn=0-345-45542-8|pages=1227}}
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.Jeff Otto (May 27, 2008). [https://archive.today/20120728165322/http://www.darkhorizons.com/news08/080527a.php Special Report: "Hulk" Edit Bay Visit]. Dark Horizons. Accessed May 27, 2008. 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.{{cite web|last=Messer|first=Ron|date=October 10, 2010|title=NY Comic Con: Lou Ferrigno Interview – Opens Up About The Avengers, Mark Ruffalo as The Hulk, and Chuck|url=https://www.collider.com/2010/10/10/lou-ferrigno-interview-the-hulk-the-avengers-nycc/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101011193655/http://www.collider.com/2010/10/10/lou-ferrigno-interview-the-hulk-the-avengers-nycc/|archive-date=October 11, 2010|access-date=October 10, 2010|website=Collider}}{{cite web|last=Collura|first=Scott|date=May 8, 2012|title=So Ferrigno *Is* in The Avengers|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/05/08/so-ferrigno-is-in-the-avengers|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527180010/https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/05/08/so-ferrigno-is-in-the-avengers|archive-date=May 27, 2019|access-date=May 27, 2019|website=IGN}} He voiced the Hulk until 2015's Avengers: Age of Ultron.{{cite web|date=April 22, 2014|title=Exclusive: Lou Ferrigno Says He's Back To Voice the Hulk in Avengers: Age of Ultron|url=http://nukethefridge.com/2014/04/22/exclusive-lou-ferrigno-says-hes-back-voice-hulk-avengers-age-ultron/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140425234059/http://nukethefridge.com/2014/04/22/exclusive-lou-ferrigno-says-hes-back-voice-hulk-avengers-age-ultron/|archive-date=April 25, 2014|access-date=April 22, 2014|publisher=Nuke The Fridge}}{{Cite web|date=April 22, 2014|title=The Avengers: Age Of Ultron To Bring Back Lou Ferrigno As Hulk's Voice|url=https://www.cinemablend.com/new/Avengers-Age-Ultron-Bring-Back-Lou-Ferrigno-Hulk-Voice-42697.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415045147/https://www.cinemablend.com/new/Avengers-Age-Ultron-Bring-Back-Lou-Ferrigno-Hulk-Voice-42697.html|archive-date=April 15, 2021|access-date=April 15, 2021|website=CINEMABLEND}} Mark Ruffalo has voiced Hulk in subsequent films.{{cite web |title=Avengers: Endgame (2019) - IMDb |url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4154796/characters/nm0749263 |access-date=October 20, 2022}}
=2009–present=
File:Lou Ferrigno at 2009 Dragon Con Parade.jpg 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,{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Michael David |title=Lou Ferrigno: Michael Jackson Was Energetic and Happy in Training |url=http://www.aolnews.com/2009/07/01/lou-ferrigno-michael-jackson-was-energetic-and-happy-in-trainin/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719081831/http://www.aolnews.com/2009/07/01/lou-ferrigno-michael-jackson-was-energetic-and-happy-in-trainin/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 19, 2012 |publisher=AOL News |access-date=June 19, 2009}} 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.{{cite web|title=Lou Ferrigno Biography and Bodybuilding Stats|url=http://www.about-muscle.com/profiles/lou-ferrigno.php|website=About-Muscle.com|access-date=June 2, 2015|archive-date=October 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001064852/http://www.about-muscle.com/profiles/lou-ferrigno.php|url-status=live}}
In 2016, Ferrigno appeared as a playable Lego version of himself in Lego Marvel's Avengers.{{cite web|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/Lego-Marvel-Avengers/Lou-Ferrigno/|title=Lou Ferrigno|publisher=Behind the Voice Actors|access-date=May 27, 2019|archive-date=May 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527201530/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/Lego-Marvel-Avengers/Lou-Ferrigno/|url-status=live}}
Non-acting endeavors
In February 2006, Ferrigno was sworn in as a Los Angeles County, California, reserve sheriff's deputy, Level II.{{cite news|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2006/02/13/entertainment/e215324S89.DTL|title=Lou Ferrigno becomes reserve LA County sheriff's deputy|date=February 13, 2006|agency=Associated Press|access-date=August 1, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220201049/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fn%2Fa%2F2006%2F02%2F13%2Fentertainment%2Fe215324S89.DTL|archive-date=December 20, 2008|url-status=dead}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/lou-the-hulk-ferrigno-joins-posse-fighting-illegal-immigration/|title=Lou 'The Hulk' Ferrigno Joins Posse Fighting Illegal Immigration|date=November 18, 2010|publisher=Fox News|agency=Associated Press|access-date=January 2, 2011|archive-date=January 24, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110124221900/http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2010/11/18/lou-hulk-ferrigno-joins-posse-fighting-illegal-immigration/|url-status=live}}
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.{{cite episode|series=The Celebrity Apprentice|title=I'm Going to Mop the Floor With You|season=12|number=5|network=NBC|airdate=March 18, 2012}} He was fired in episode nine, "Ad Hawk", which involved creating a 60-second commercial for Entertainment.com.{{cite episode|series=The Celebrity Apprentice|title=Ad Hawk|season=12|number=9|network=NBC|airdate=April 8, 2012}}
In June 2012, Ferrigno was sworn in as a reserve deputy to the San Luis Obispo County, California, Sheriff's Department.{{cite web|last=Linn|first=Sarah|title=Lou Ferrigno sworn in as reserve deputy for Sheriff's Office|date=June 15, 2012|url=http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2012/06/15/2106806/lou-ferrigno-hulk-sheriffs-deputy.html|work=The Tribune|access-date=November 15, 2013|archive-date=December 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202221427/http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2012/06/15/2106806/lou-ferrigno-hulk-sheriffs-deputy.html|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|last=Salsman|first=Tara|title=Lou Ferrigno is sworn in as Delaware County's newest Special Deputy|url=http://delawareo.com/2013/09/20/lou-ferrigno-is-sworn-in-as-delaware-countys-newest-special-deputy/|access-date=November 15, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131124154648/http://delawareo.com/2013/09/20/lou-ferrigno-is-sworn-in-as-delaware-countys-newest-special-deputy/|archive-date=November 24, 2013}}
In 2017, Ferrigno was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame.{{cite web |title=2017 International Sports Hall of Fame Inductees |url=https://sportshof.org/2017-hall-of-fame/ |website=www.sportshof.org |author=Dr. Robert Goldman | date=March 13, 2017 | access-date=July 14, 2023}}
In May 2018, President Donald Trump appointed Ferrigno to be a member of his Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition.{{cite news |title=Lou Ferrigno Appointed by President Trump to the President's Council on Sports Fitness and Nutrition |url=http://mediaoneentertainment.com/lou-ferrigno-appointed-by-president-trump-to-the-presidents-council-on-sports-fitness-and-nutrition/ |date=May 9, 2018 |website=Media One Entertainment |access-date=January 15, 2019 |archive-date=January 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116100518/http://mediaoneentertainment.com/lou-ferrigno-appointed-by-president-trump-to-the-presidents-council-on-sports-fitness-and-nutrition/ |url-status=live }}
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.{{cite web|url=http://www.audiologyonline.com/interview/interview_detail.asp?interview_id=297|title=Interview with Lou Ferrigno Mr. Universe, and TVs "The Hulk"|publisher=Audiology Online|date=January 17, 2005|access-date=May 13, 2012|first=Doug|last=Beck|archive-date=April 8, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070408072555/http://www.audiologyonline.com/interview/interview_detail.asp?interview_id=297|url-status=live}} 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." Later in life, he received a cochlear implant which restored much of his hearing.
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 has also appeared in the NBC series Windfall, the television film Within, and the E! reality television series Filthy Rich: Cattle Drive. Louis Jr. was a linebacker for the University of Southern California Trojans football team[http://usctrojans.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/ferrignojr_lou00.html Player Bio: Lou Ferrigno Jr.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090330082008/http://usctrojans.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/ferrignojr_lou00.html |date=March 30, 2009 }} USCTrojans.cstv.com. Accessed January 1, 2007. and later became an actor, with recurring roles in TV series such as S.W.A.T.{{cite web |title=Who Is Rocker on 'S.W.A.T.'? That's Hulk Lou Ferrigno's Son |url=https://2paragraphs.com/2017/11/who-is-rocker-on-s-w-a-t-thats-hulk-lou-ferrignos-son/ |website=2Paragraphs |date=October 11, 2017 |access-date=November 3, 2021}} and Outer Banks.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2022/06/outer-banks-andy-mcqueen-fiona-palomo-lou-ferrigno-jr-season-3-1235050711/ |title='Outer Banks': Andy McQueen, Fiona Palomo & Lou Ferrigno Jr Board Season 3|date=23 June 2022 }}
Ferrigno has filed suit against his younger brother, Andrew, on two occasions over the use of the name Ferrigno in business ventures.{{cite news|url=https://www.tmz.com/2015/03/03/lou-ferrigno-brother-exercise-equipment-store-lawsuit/|title=Lou Ferrigno Exercises His Right to Threaten to Sue His Brother|work=TMZ|date=March 3, 2015|access-date=May 27, 2019|archive-date=July 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707042543/http://www.tmz.com/2015/03/03/lou-ferrigno-brother-exercise-equipment-store-lawsuit/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.today.com/id/11764919/ns/today-today_entertainment/t/ferrigno-files-suit-over-brothers-fitness-store/|title=Ferrigno files suit over brother's fitness store|date=March 10, 2006|access-date=May 27, 2019|agency=Associated Press|work=Today|archive-date=May 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523144033/http://www.today.com/id/11764919/ns/today-today_entertainment/t/ferrigno-files-suit-over-brothers-fitness-store|url-status=live}}
Competitions
- 1971: Pro Mr. America – WBBG, Teen 1st[http://www.mrofansite.com/ferrigno.html History of Mr. Olympia: Lou Ferrigno] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304035545/http://www.mrofansite.com/ferrigno.html |date=March 4, 2016 }}. Schwarzenegger.it Accessed January 1, 2007.
- 1971: Teen Mr. America – AAU, 4th, Most Muscular 5th
- 1972: Pro Mr. America – WBBG, 2nd
- 1972: NABBA Mr. Universe, Tall 2nd
- 1973: IFBB Mr. America, Overall Winner
- 1973: IFBB Mr. Universe, Tall 1st, Overall Winner"[http://www.ifbb.com/contestresults/mensworld/index.html History of the Men's World Amateur Championships] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717063550/http://www.ifbb.com/contestresults/mensworld/index.html |date=2012-07-17 }}". IFBB.com. Accessed January 1, 2007.
- 1974: IFBB Mr. International
- 1974: IFBB Mr. Universe, Tall 1st, Overall Winner
- 1974 Mr. Olympia, Heavyweight 2nd
- 1975 Mr. Olympia, Heavyweight 3rd place
- 1992 Mr. Olympia, 12th
- 1993 Mr. Olympia, 10th
- 1994: Olympia Masters, 2nd
Magazine covers
{{BLP unreferenced section|date=August 2020}}
- 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
File:Lou Ferrigno (handprints in cement).jpg theme park]]
=Film=
=Television=
| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ {{Screen reader-only|Television roles}} | |||
| scope=col | Year | scope=col | Title | scope=col | Role | scope=col class="unsortable" | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="2" | 1977 | The Incredible Hulk | Hulk | Pilot movie |
| World's Strongest Man | Himself / competitor | 4th place | |
| 1978–82 | The Incredible Hulk | rowspan="2" | Hulk | 82 episodes |
| 1979 | Billy | Cameo | |
| 1980 | Mister Rogers' Neighborhood | Himself | 2 episodes |
| rowspan="2" | 1983 | Trauma Center | John Six | 13 episodes |
| The Fall Guy | John Six | Episode: "Trauma" | |
| 1984 | Matt Houston | Steve Otto | Episode: "Blood Ties" |
| rowspan="2" | 1985 | Night Court | The Klondike Butcher | Episode: "The Battling Bailiff" |
| Amazing Stories | rowspan="5" | Hulk | Episode: "Remote Control Man"; uncredited{{citation needed|date=July 2015}} | |
| 1988 | The Incredible Hulk Returns | rowspan="3" | Movie | |
| 1989 | The Trial of the Incredible Hulk | ||
| 1990 | The Death of the Incredible Hulk | ||
| 1996–1997 | The Incredible Hulk | Voice role | |
| 2000–07 | The King of Queens | Himself | 20 episodes |
| 2002 | Raw Iron: The Making of 'Pumping Iron | Himself | Documentary |
| rowspan="2" | 2004 | My Wife and Kids | Big Guy | Episode "Illegal Smile" |
| Reno 911! | Deputy Cletus Senior | Episode: "Department Investigation: Part 2" | |
| rowspan="2" | 2010 | Chuck | Sofia Stepanova's bodyguard | Episode: "Chuck Versus the Suitcase" |
| Sonny with a Chance | Himself | Episode: "My Two Chads" | |
| 2010–16 | Adventure Time | Billy / Bobby | 4 episodes |
| rowspan="2" | 2012 | Celebrity Apprentice | Himself | 8 episodes (9th fired) |
| Next Great Baker | Guest judge | Episode: "Cake Powers, Activate!" | |
| 2014 | Star Trek Continues | Zaminhon | Web series; episode: "Lolani"{{cite web |last=Crandall |first=Steve |url=http://www.startrekcontinues.com/2014/01/26/star-trek-continues-episode-2-prepares-for-launch |title=Star Trek Continues Episode 2 Prepares For Launch |work=Star Trek Continues |date=January 26, 2014 |access-date=February 15, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225071742/http://www.startrekcontinues.com/2014/01/26/star-trek-continues-episode-2-prepares-for-launch/ |archive-date=February 25, 2014 }} |
| 2016 | We Bare Bears | Paul | Episode: "Yard Sale" |
| 2022 | The Offer | Lenny Montana | Miniseries |
Video game
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="margin-right: 0;"
|+ {{Screen reader-only|Video game credits}} ! scope=col| Year ! scope=col| Title ! scope=col| Voice role ! scope=col| Notes ! scope=col| {{abbr|Ref(s)|Reference(s)}} |
| scope=row| 2016
| Harley Keener / Hulk | Can transform into the Hulk |
|---|
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category|Lou Ferrigno}}
- {{youTube|u=FerrignoHulk|Lou Ferrigno}}
- {{IMDb name|2073|Lou Ferrigno}}
- {{tcmdb name|id=61231%7C0|name=Lou Ferrigno}}
{{Golden Raspberry Award for Worst New Star}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ferrigno, Lou}}
Category:American male bodybuilders
Category:American disabled sportspeople
Category:American male deaf actors
Category:American male film actors
Category:American male television actors
Category:American male voice actors
Category:American people of Italian descent
Category:American strength athletes
Category:Brooklyn Technical High School alumni
Category:California Republicans
Category:Male actors from Brooklyn
Category:New York (state) Republicans
Category:Participants in American reality television series