Unlike Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno Clinched the Iconic Role With His Original Bodybuilding Body in 1977

Lou Ferrigno, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, are both bodybuilding icons. While Arnold put bodybuilding on the map, Lou became the first man to play the Hulk on screen. In 1977, Arnie and Lou both auditioned to play the big green monster on screen. However, the multiple-time Mr. Universe, and Mr. Olympia title winner, didn’t make the cut. Ferrigno also didn’t had any acting experience before landing the role.

So how did the two-time Mr. Universe beat his more experienced rivals? One could say that Ferrigno was born to play the Hulk.

Lou Ferrigno was already big enough to play the Hulk

Lou Ferrigno was massive during his bodybuilding days. the American was 6’5 while Arnold was 6’2. Ferrigno also weighed in at 280 lbs. The writers of, ‘The Incredible Hulk’ (1977-1982) thought Ferrigno was the perfect size to play the role of the Hulk. However, it still wasn’t easy. Ferrigno said, “I had to work damn hard on my diet and exercise for the Hulk.” The former Mr, Universe is also proud that he didn’t have to use a suit with padding to look bigger. “Today’s day I can’t think of another superhero that isn’t in costume or CGI,” Lou said.

The two-time Mr. Universe, first became famous after he starred as Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s rival in the 1977 documentary, ‘Pumping Iron’. Later in that same year, Lou appeared on television as the Hulk. While seemingly unrelated events, there was more to it. The seven-time Mr. Olympia was the first choice for the writers. However, writer-producer, Kenneth Johnson decided that Arnie was too short to be the Hulk.

Arnold was 6’2 and even during the off-season didn’t weigh over 260 lbs. However, Ferrigno had both the height and weight advantage. During the 1976 Mr. Olympia, Arnold beat Ferrigno with better conditioning and superior posing. Arnie was also five years older and had much more experience than Ferrigno. However, for ‘The Incredible Hulk” TV series, such intricacies didn’t matter. 

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The former Mr. Universe loved playing the Hulk and also said, “The Hulk was my hero as a kid as well.” Lou’s performance became so iconic that he even voiced the Hulk in ‘The Avengers (2012). Arnold Schwarzenegger got his big acting break in 1982’s ‘Conan The Barbarian.’

Ferrigno took part in the first World’s Strongest Man competition

The World’s Strongest Man competition happened for the first time in 1977, as well. Lou took part in the competition along with fellow ‘Pumping Iron’ star, Franco Columbu. Lou placed 4th behind the Olympic weightlifter, Ken Patera. Columbu had dislocated his knee while competing in the fridge run.

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While both Arnold and Lou auditioned for the iconic role, Lou edged out Arnold because he was bigger. However, the seven-time Mr. Olympia later became the biggest action star of the 90s. As of today, neither Arnold nor Ferrigno have any ill will towards each other.