arts &
entertainment
The Hulk, transformed
By Dave Mendonca
MORE THAN ANYBODY, as Bill Bixby’s
destructive alter ego in the 1970s television
series The Incredible Hulk, actor Lou Ferrigno
is credited with bringing the Hulk to life.
But the former Mr. Universe was always
more than just a muscle-bound man slathered in green. And he’s continued to build
his career in the many years since, appearing
in 37 films and two other TV series, working
as a Los Angeles County deputy sheriff, serving as a role model for deaf and hard-of-hearing children, developing a business as a
“trainer for the stars” and raising kids of his
own. For a man who overcame many obstacles in his life, including suffering a severe
hearing loss due to a childhood ear infection,
he says, his career accomplishments are even
more satisfying.
The 56-year-old even had a chance to
revisit the beast that made him famous, in a
surprise appearance back on the big screen in
the new Incredible Hulk movie, released in May,
starring Edward Norton. When Ferrigno
arrived on set during his two-day shoot in
Toronto last year, it was a nostalgic experience.
“Everyone just went crazy because they
knew the real Hulk was on the set,” the married
father of three tells The Connection. “They were
very excited to see me being in the film. I recognized a couple of people on the crew from
years ago. It’s like I was back on the series.”
Since first rampaging onto TV screens as
the Hulk more than 30 years ago, Ferrigno
has been able to maintain his impressive
muscular form. He still enjoys going to the
gym and has helped many celebrities through
his personal-training sessions (www.lou
ferrigno.com), including Chuck Norris,
Randy Travis and the King of Pop himself.
“When I trained Michael Jackson, he was
very serious and very respectful.… But when
I worked with actors, besides being a trainer, I
had to be their parole officer,” he laughs.
To this day, he continues to strive for
excellence in everything he does.
Just don’t make him angry. You wouldn’t
like him when he’s angry … C
PHOTOS COURTESY OF LOU FERRIGNO
EVERET T COLLECTION
Dave Mendonca is a freelance writer in
Scarborough, Ontario.
The Costco Connection
The Incredible Hulk, starring Edward Norton,
is available at most Costco locations and on
costco.com.
Lou Ferrigno
combats the bad
guys these days
without losing his
shirt, as a Los Angeles
County deputy sheriff.
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