View source for Lou Ferrigno

{{Short description|American actor and bodybuilder (born 1951)}}
{{redirect|Ferrigno|the Italian wine grape also known as Ferrigno|Cesanese Comune|other people with the same surname|Ferrigno (surname)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2025}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Lou Ferrigno
| image              = Lou Ferrigno (54859613711).jpg
| caption            = Ferrigno in 2025
| 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 Ferrigno Jr.|Lou Jr.]]
{{Infobox bodybuilder|child=yes
|height           = {{convert|6|ft|5|in|m|sigfig=3|abbr=on}}<ref name=BBP>{{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}}</ref>
|weight           = {{convert|315|lb|kg|abbr=on}} <ref name=BBP/>
|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}} {{respell|fə|RIG|noh}}, {{IPA|it|ferˈriɲɲo|lang}}; born November 9, 1951)<ref>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}}.</ref> is an American actor and retired [[Professional bodybuilding|professional]] [[Bodybuilding|bodybuilder]]. He won an [[International Federation of BodyBuilding & Fitness|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 [[Hulk|title role]] in the [[CBS]] television series ''[[The Incredible Hulk (1978 TV 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 film)|Hercules]]'' (1983) and ''[[Sinbad of the Seven Seas]]'' (1989), and as himself in the [[situation comedy|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]].<ref>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.</ref> He is of Italian, specifically [[Campania]]n, descent, with his mother hailing from [[Conca dei Marini]] and his paternal grandparents from [[Amalfi]] and [[Cava de' Tirreni]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ilportico.it/it/storia-e-storie-19/lou-ferrigno-l-incredibile-hulk-ha-origini-amalfi-57871/article|title=Lou Ferrigno, l'incredibile Hulk ha origini amalfitane e cavesi|language=it|work=Il Portico|date=2021-03-02|access-date=2025-09-16}}</ref> 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.<ref name=Disaboom>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.</ref><ref>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 (American magazine)|People]]''. Vol. 29, No. 19.</ref> Hearing loss and his [[speech impediment]] caused Ferrigno to be bullied by peers during his childhood who called him "deaf" and "[[Muteness|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,"<ref name=":0">{{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}}</ref> 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".<ref>[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]</ref>

Ferrigno started weight training at the age of 13, citing bodybuilder and ''[[Hercules (1958 film)|Hercules]]'' star [[Steve Reeves]] as one of his role models.<ref name=RetFan1>{{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]]}}</ref> Because he could not afford to buy weights, he made his own using a broomstick and pails which he partially filled with cement.<ref name=RetFan1/> Ferrigno attended St. Athanasius Grammar School<ref name=BrooklynEagle>Parker, 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</ref> and [[Brooklyn Technical High School]], where he learned metal working.<ref name=BrooklynEagle/>

==Bodybuilding career==
After graduating from high school in 1969, Ferrigno won his first major title, [[International Federation of BodyBuilding & Fitness|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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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.<ref name="OfficialSite">[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)</ref>

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.<ref>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 (California)|Daily Press]]''. May 2011. Accessed September 19, 2011.</ref> Ferrigno left the world of Canadian football after he broke the legs of a fellow player during a scrimmage.<ref>Inman, David. ''The TV Encyclopedia''. New York: Perigree, 1991. Print.</ref>

Ferrigno, weighed by during competition at {{convert|275|lb|kg|abbr=on}} in 1973 and {{convert|285|lb|kg|abbr=on}} in 1976.

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

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,<ref>{{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}}</ref> where his attempt to beat Robbie Robinson and Boyer Coe was the subject of the 1996 [[Documentary film|documentary]] ''[[Stand Tall (film)|Stand Tall]]''. After this, he retired from competition.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

==Acting career==
===1977–2008===
In 1977, Ferrigno was cast as [[Hulk|the Hulk]] in ''[[The Incredible Hulk (1978 TV series)|The Incredible Hulk]]''. Though they were rarely on camera together,<ref name=RetFan1/> 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.<ref>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</ref> 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 movie]]s.

In November 1978 and again in May 1979 Ferrigno appeared in ''[[Battle of the Network Stars]]''.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> He portrayed the titular character in the 1983 science fantasy adventure film ''[[Hercules (1983 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]]'',<ref>{{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}}</ref> and Andy Brack of ''Charleston City Paper''.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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".<ref>{{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}}</ref> In 2014, ''[[New York Post#Website|Decider]]'' named Ferrigno the tenth "hottest onscreen Hercules ever".<ref>{{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=[[New York Post#Website|Decider]]|publisher=[[News Corp|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}}</ref>

In 1983, Ferrigno appeared as John Six in the short-lived medical drama ''[[Trauma Center (TV series)|Trauma Center]]''.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

[[File:Trauma Center 1983 Promo (cropped).webp|thumb|upright=1.1|Ferrigno (right) with [[James Naughton]], [[Alfie Wise]] and [[Katia Christine]] in ''Trauma Center'', 1983]]
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 (film)|Hulk]]'' and the 2008 film ''[[The Incredible Hulk (film)|The Incredible Hulk]]'', in which he also voiced the Hulk.<ref name=dh>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.</ref> 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.<ref name=RetFan1/><ref name="avengers">{{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://collider.com/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 (website)|Collider]]}}</ref><ref name="IGN.com">{{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]]}}</ref> He voiced the Hulk until 2015's ''[[Avengers: Age of Ultron]]''.<ref name="nukethefridge">{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> Mark Ruffalo has voiced Hulk in subsequent films.<ref>{{cite web |title=Avengers: Endgame (2019) - IMDb |website=[[IMDb]] |url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4154796/characters/nm0749263 |access-date=October 20, 2022}}</ref>

===2009–present===
[[File:Lou Ferrigno at 2009 Dragon Con Parade.jpg|thumb|Ferrigno 2009 [[Dragon Con]] 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 [[This Is It (concert residency)|concerts]] in London,<ref>{{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}}</ref> which were ultimately cancelled due to [[Death of Michael Jackson|Jackson's death]].

Ferrigno took part in a [[Smosh]] sketch, titled "I Love Lou Ferrigno", in which he is tracked down by one of Smosh's members, [[Anthony Padilla]], in [[Hollywood, Los Angeles|Hollywood]]. The skit ends with Ferrigno knocking Padilla unconscious, in response to [[Ian Hecox]]'s claim that Padilla 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 (U.S. game show)|The Price Is Right]]'' for use as a [[The Price Is Right (U.S. game show)#One Bid|One Bid]] prize, and demonstrated the equipment himself.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

In 2016, Ferrigno appeared as a playable Lego version of himself in ''[[Lego Marvel's Avengers]]''.<ref name="behindthevoiceactors_com">{{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}}</ref>

==Non-acting endeavors==
In February 2006, Ferrigno was sworn in as a [[Los Angeles County, California]], reserve [[Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department|sheriff's]] deputy, Level II.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

Ferrigno was a contestant on [[The Apprentice (U.S. season 12)|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.<ref>{{cite episode|series=[[The Celebrity Apprentice]]|title=I'm Going to Mop the Floor With You|season=[[The Apprentice (U.S. season 12)|12]]|number=5|network=[[NBC]]|airdate=March 18, 2012}}</ref> He was fired in episode nine, "Ad Hawk", which involved creating a 60-second commercial for Entertainment.com.<ref>{{cite episode|series=The Celebrity Apprentice|title=Ad Hawk|season=12|number=9|network=NBC|airdate=April 8, 2012}}</ref>

In June 2012, Ferrigno was sworn in as a reserve deputy to the [[San Luis Obispo County, California]], [[Sheriff]]'s Department.<ref>{{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 (San Luis Obispo)|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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

In 2017, Ferrigno was inducted into the [[International Sports Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{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}}</ref>

In May 2018, President [[Donald Trump]] appointed Ferrigno to be a member of his [[President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition|Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition]].<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

==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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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."<ref name=Disaboom/> Later in life, he received a [[cochlear implant]] which restored much of his hearing.<ref name=":0" />

[[File:Lou and Carla Ferrigno on Lifestyle.org.jpg|right|thumb|Lou and Carla Ferrigno in 2012]]
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<!--Official site name is Shanna: (or Shawns, accounts differ)--> (born 1981), [[Lou Ferrigno Jr.|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 (TV 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<ref>[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.</ref> and later became an actor, with recurring roles in TV series such as ''[[S.W.A.T. (2017 TV series)|S.W.A.T.]]''<ref>{{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}}</ref> and ''[[Outer Banks (TV series)|Outer Banks]]''.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

Ferrigno has filed suit against his younger brother, Andrew, on two occasions over the use of the name Ferrigno in business ventures.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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 (U.S. TV program)|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}}</ref>

==Competitions==
*1971: Pro Mr. America – WBBG, Teen 1st<ref name="schwarz">[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.</ref>
*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<ref name="schwarz"/>
*1973: IFBB Mr. Universe, Tall 1st, Overall Winner<ref name="schwarz"/><ref name="ifbb">"[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.</ref>
*1974: IFBB Mr. International<ref name="schwarz"/>
*1974: IFBB Mr. Universe, Tall 1st, Overall Winner<ref name="schwarz"/><ref name="ifbb"/>
*[[1974 Mr. Olympia]], Heavyweight 2nd
*[[1975 Mr. Olympia]], Heavyweight 3rd place<ref name="schwarz"/>
*[[1992 Mr. Olympia]], 12th<ref name="schwarz"/>
*[[1993 Mr. Olympia]], 10th<ref name="schwarz"/>
*1994: Olympia Masters, 2nd<ref name="schwarz"/>

==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 (magazine)|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|right|thumb|220px|Ferrigno's handprints at [[Disney's Hollywood Studios]] theme park]]

===Film===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ {{Screen reader-only|Film roles}}
|-
! scope=col | Year !! scope=col | Title !! scope=col | Role !! scope=col class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
| 1977 || ''[[Pumping Iron]]'' || Himself || [[Docudrama]]
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1983 || ''[[Hercules (1983 film)|Hercules]]'' || [[Hercules]] ||
|-
| ''[[The Seven Magnificent Gladiators]]'' || Han ||
|-
| 1985 || ''[[The Adventures of Hercules]]'' || [[Hercules]] || Sequel to ''Hercules''
|-
| 1988 || ''Desert Warrior'' || Zerak ||
|-
| rowspan="4" | 1989 || ''[[Sinbad of the Seven Seas]]'' || [[Sinbad the Sailor|Sinbad]] ||
|-
| ''[[Cage (film)|Cage]]'' || Billy Thomas ||
|-
| ''[[All's Fair (film)|All's Fair]]'' || Klaus||
|-
| ''[[Liberty & Bash]]'' || Bash ||
|-
| 1993 || ''And God Spoke''|| Cain ||
|-
| 1993 || ''[[Return to Frogtown]]''|| Ranger John Jones ||
|-
| 1994 || ''Cage II'' || Billy Thomas ||
|-
| 1996 || ''[[Stand Tall (film)|Stand Tall]]'' || Himself || [[Docudrama]]
|-
| 1998 || ''[[The Godson (film)|The Godson]]'' || Bugsy ||
|-
| 2003 || ''[[Hulk (film)|Hulk]]'' || | Security Guard ||
|-
| 2008 || ''[[The Incredible Hulk (film)|The Incredible Hulk]]'' || | Security Guard <hr> [[Hulk (Marvel Cinematic Universe character)|Hulk]] || Cameo<hr>Voice collaboration
|-
| 2009 || ''[[I Love You, Man]]'' || Himself ||
|-
| 2012 || ''Liberator'' || Ed Migliocetti/Liberator || Short film
|-
| 2012 || ''[[The Avengers (2012 film)|The Avengers]]'' || rowspan="3" | Hulk || Voice collaboration (uncredited)<ref name=avengers/>
|-
| 2014 || ''[[Moms' Night Out]]'' || Cameo
|-
| rowspan="3" | 2015 || ''[[Avengers: Age of Ultron]]'' || Voice collaboration (uncredited)<ref name=avengers/>
|-
| ''[[The Scorpion King 4: Quest for Power]]'' || Skizurra || Direct-to-video
|-
| ''[[Avengers Grimm]]'' || [[Iron John]] || 
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2017 || ''Instant Death'' || John Bradley || Lead Role
|-
| ''[[Thor: Ragnarok]]'' || Hulk || Voice collaboration (uncredited)<ref name="deadline">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/04/tessa-thompson-joins-the-marvel-universe-thor-ragnarok-1201735551/|title=Tessa Thompson Joins The Marvel Universe In 'Thor: Ragnarok'|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=April 11, 2016 |access-date=April 11, 2016|archive-date=April 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412084533/http://deadline.com/2016/04/tessa-thompson-joins-the-marvel-universe-thor-ragnarok-1201735551/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|2019
|''[[Ring Ring (2019 film)|Ring Ring]]''
|Mr. Daniels
|
|}

===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
|-
| ''[[1977 World's Strongest Man|World's Strongest Man]]'' || Himself / competitor || 4th place
|-
| 1978–82 || ''[[The Incredible Hulk (1978 TV series)|The Incredible Hulk]]'' || rowspan="2" | Hulk || 82 episodes
|-
| 1979 || ''[[Billy (1979 TV series)|Billy]]'' || Cameo
|-
| 1980 || ''[[Mister Rogers' Neighborhood]]'' || Himself || 2 episodes
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1983 || ''[[Trauma Center (TV series)|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 (1985 TV series)|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 (1996 TV series)|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 (TV series)|Chuck]]'' || [[Volkoff Industries#Sofia Stepanova|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 || ''[[The Apprentice (U.S. season 12)|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]]"<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
|-
| 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
| ''[[Lego Marvel's Avengers]]''
| Himself / Hulk (Lou Ferrigno)
| Can transform into the Hulk
| style="text-align:center;" |.<ref name="behindthevoiceactors_com" />
|}

==See also==
*[[List of male professional bodybuilders]]

==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:1951 births]]
[[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:People of Campanian descent]]
[[Category:American strength athletes]]
[[Category:Brooklyn Technical High School alumni]]
[[Category:California Republicans]]
[[Category:Deaf sportspeople]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Male actors from Brooklyn]]
[[Category:New York (state) Republicans]]
[[Category:Participants in American reality television series]]
[[Category:American professional bodybuilders]]
[[Category:Sheet metal workers]]
[[Category:20th-century American sportsmen]]