Incredible Hulk Becomes Real-Life Crime Fighter

By Michael Walton

Lou Ferrigno with this daughter, Shanna (left), and wife Carla.

Lou Ferrigno, the deaf actor who played the ‘Incredible Hulk’ in the 1970s TV series of the same name, is now a sheriff’s deputy. Ferrigno was sworn in by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in February 2006.

Sheriff Lee Baca called Ferrigno “an outstanding trainee. I know that he’ll be an outstanding reserve deputy sheriff,” he said. As deputy sheriff, Ferrigno will be required to serve at least 20 hours per month as a Level 3 reserve deputy.

“The whole training experience has made me a better human being,” Ferrigno said. “It was a challenge…a fantastic experience and I hope to do my best to give back to the community….”

Ferrigno, 53, became the youngest Mr. Universe in history when he won the title at 21 years old. He won the title again the following year. After Mr. Universe, Ferrigno starred in several bodybuilding films and become a professional football player in the Canadian Football League.

In the 1970s, Ferrigno was discovered by a television producer, who encouraged him to audition for a role in a new TV show. He won the role and became the Hulk, the alter ego of a modest scientist who, due to a lab experiment gone horribly wrong, turned into a green-skinned monster whenever he saw injustice. The TV show ran from 1978-1982 and is still a favorite for many people.

Since his successful performance in “The Incredible Hulk,” Ferrigno has performed in many movies and TV shows. Although he still acts, his main focus is on bodybuilding education. He has also written several books about his bodybuilding and TV careers.

For more information about Lou, visit his website.

- Information from The Entertainment IaAfrica News website

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