“If My Show Wasn’t Successful, You Wouldn’t See the Superheroes Today”: Lou Ferrigno Took Credit for Being the Foundation of Billion Dollar Superhero Industry in 2018

Bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno is one of the legendary athletes in the United States. He has won two straight IFFB Mr. Universe titles and is also a winner of the IFFB Mr. America title. Although Ferrigno has not won any Mr. Olympia titles, he is still considered one of the legendary bodybuilders in the US.

The bodybuilder-turned-actor is worldwide famous for his role as “The Hulk” in The Incredible Hulk TV series. Once during a candid interview with a person dressed up as The Terminator, Ferrigno made a bold statement regarding his role as the green superhero.

Did Ferrigno claim to be the pioneer of Marvel heroes?

It is no secret that, nowadays, every superhero movies require a lot of behind-the-scenes efforts to make the scenes look genuine and incredible. Even the Marvel movie Hulk uses CGI techniques to turn the character Bruce Banner into the angry green superhero.

However, back when legendary bodybuilder Ferrigno played the role of the Hulk, he was painted green and made to do most of the action scenes on his own. During a 2018 Comic Con event, an interviewer dressed as the Terminator asked about Ferrigno’s days as the Hulk. Recalling the tiring shoot days, Ferrigno said, “Oh yeah, you talk about the makeup 3-4 hours, I had to wear the makeup for 12-14 hours a day sometimes and then take it off.”

As the two further talked about this topic, Ferrigno claimed that his efforts and the success of the Hulk TV series had made the other superheroes famous. “If my show wasn’t successful, you wouldn’t see the superheroes today,” stated a confident Ferrigno.

Read More: “Had to Wake and Work 12 to 14 Hours a Day”: Original Hulk Lou Ferrigno Candidly Took Credit for All Superhero Franchises’ Billion Dollar Success Story

Although Ferrigno never physically played the role of Hulk in any Marvel movies, he still made cameo appearances and lent his voice to the character in several films. Avengers: Age of Ultron was the last movie where Ferrigno voiced the angry superhero. Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo now plays Hulk’s alter ego character – Dr. Banner.

Where is Lou “The Hulk” Ferrigno now?

After a successful bodybuilding career, Ferrigno retired from bodybuilding in 1996. During his bodybuilding time, Ferrigno acted in front of the camera for the Pumping Iron and Stand Tall documentaries, where he played himself.

The Hulk series and Hercules movie were Ferrigno’s biggest successes as an actor. Although Ferrigno retired from bodybuilding long back, he is still as fit as ever.

Watch This Story: Bodybuilding legend Lou Ferrigno’s three secrets to staying in top shape

The 71-year-old former bodybuilder had also revealed his secret to staying healthy at his age. Ferrigno is one of the most inspiring stars for young athletes, and he often spends his time training them. Even Ferrigno himself has not stopped working out in the gym yet.