For a boy who grew up with a disability, barely being able to hear (80% loss of hearing) the odds to succeed and amount to a hill of beans could have gone against him. But the strapping, Italian boy from Brooklyn whose dad was a police lieutenant overcame any self-doubt and pity to become one of the most recognized actors in history. Known for his role as the green Incredible Hulk on a TV series with Bill Bixby, Lou Ferrigno fittingly performed that famous role from 1977 to 1981. His years of body building and training prepared him for the part, as well as his love of fictional heroes--Hercules, Spider-man and Hulk.

Ferrigno began working out at the age of 13. By high school graduation in 1969 he had his eyes on a bigger prize--hopes of winning titles for his physique and strength. He took the title of IFBB Mr. America and IFBB Mr. Universe, trained with Arnold Schwarzenegger, and in 1974 came in second in Mr. Olympia contest. Trying to beat Arnold Schwarzenegger for coveted awards put him in the spotlight in "Pumping Iron", a documentary that brought him recognition and jobs.

Credits:

• 3 years as sheet metal worker
• 4th place in World's Strongest Man 1977
• Defensive lineman, Toronto Argonauts (Canadian Football League)
• Incredible Hulk 1977-1981
• John Six on Trauma Center 1983
• Neighbor on King of Queens 2007-2007
• Michael Jackson's trainer 1990s-2009
• Many movie credits, voice credits - current
• Ferrigno Legacy Competition 2014

Advertisement