Today is the 50th birthday of Lou Ferrigno, best known to most of us as the abominable green monster, The Incredible Hulk.

Lou Ferrigno

Lou Ferrigno was born in Brooklyn and – as a child – suffered from an ear infection that resulted in partial hearing loss that remains to this day. Deciding to do the best of the situation, he began weight lifting and body building at the age of 13, and eventually got two separate Mr. Universe titles before deciding to start doing television. At the age of 20, he was the youngest ever to win the title.

His first TV appearance came in 1977 as The Incredible Hulk, the alter ego of scientist Bruce Banner. Measuring 6′ 5″ tall and weighing 285 lbs, Lou Ferrigno was probably the very biggest professional bodybuilders of the time, making his audition seem more like a formality. Another body builder-turned-actor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, was also interested in the role, but was deemed too short at 6′ 2″.

The Incredible Hulk was a huge ratings success and spawned several straight-to-television movies after the initial TV series completed its run. Lou continued to remain busy in films and TV with appearances often centered around his remarkable physique. To this date, he continues to appear in cameos for The Hulk-related movies. Apart from Stan Lee, he is the only actor to appear in both Hulk and The Incredible Hulk - playing security guards in both. He’ll also be doing voice work for The Hulk in The Avengers.

Happy birthday, Lou! HULK SMASH!