Lou Ferrigno is a retired bodybuilder who is known for winning the IFBB Mr. Universe title twice in a row. Although Ferrigno started his career with bodybuilding, he later shifted to acting. Born in Brooklyn, the actor’s debut in acting was when he starred as the big green monster in the titular role for the TV series The Incredible Hulk.

In an interview with Express UK back in 2013, Ferrigno shared his two cents about what it was like to play such a famous comic book character. The series was released from 1978 to 1982. Additionally, it was originally distributed by CBS.

The Hulk did not like being green

The Mr. America title holder stated how difficult he would find his makeup sessions to be. Filmed during a time when visual effects were at their nascent stage, Lou needed to undergo a four-hour-long visual makeover before every shoot. 

“Being painted green was a pain,” said the athlete. “I also had to sit still for the make-up team to apply prosthetics on my forehead and nose. The whole thing took almost four hours,” he continued. 

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Playing Hulk surely kick-started his career as an actor. Although, Ferrigno described it as “the most uncomfortable experience.”

Read More > ‘The Hulk’ Lou Ferrigno Described His Never-Seen-Before Role in an Upcoming Film in 2022: “Like Dracula and Frankenstein”

In a 2022 interview, Lou also shared his two cents about the more recent adaptation of the comic book character. “Though I appreciate the amazing visual work these artists are producing, it’s missing the raw human performance qualities that I believe only an actor can play,” he told The Washington Times.

Lou Ferrigno was a natural actor

The strong, silent type character of Bruce Banner fitted with Lou’s personality like a jigsaw. He played the role to perfection. Also, it helped him gain a strong fanbase and reach out to a wider audience in various age brackets. His experience with children was especially fascinating. 

“When I auditioned for The Hulk, I remember thinking, ‘Wow, I am born to play this role!’ said the actor. “Children would come to the set and feel scared, but as I walked away, I’d turn and they would shout, ‘I love you, Hulk.’

Watch this story: Bodybuilding legend lou ferrigno gained a whooping 6x profit on his 325 million mansion he bought in 1980

Arnold Schwarzenegger had also once applied for the part. But he was rejected because of his height. Lou Ferrigno was later cast as Bruce Banner, and fans, new and old alike, were ecstatic to see one of their favorite Marvel characters come to life.