It’s been almost 50 years since Lou Ferrigno first transformed into the green-skinned superhero in The Incredible Hulk, but the legendary actor is still looking as strong as ever as he prepares to celebrate his 75th birthday.
The former bodybuilding champion, who turns 75 on Monday, November 9, became a household name in the late 1970s when he starred opposite Bill Bixby in the hugely popular CBS series.
Now, nearly five decades later, Lou continues to impress fans with his muscular physique and dedication to fitness, regularly sharing photographs and videos of himself working out.
© CBS via Getty ImagesIn October, the star demonstrated that age hasn’t slowed him down, posting footage of himself lifting weights and declaring: “Still enjoying pumping iron, after all these years.”
Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1951, Lou began lifting weights at 13 after experiencing bullying as a child because of his hearing loss.
By his early twenties, he had become one of the world’s most accomplished bodybuilders, winning the Mr. Universe title twice and competing against Arnold Schwarzenegger.
© Getty ImagesTheir rivalry was famously captured in the 1977 documentary Pumping Iron, which helped bring bodybuilding to mainstream audiences.
But it was his role in The Incredible Hulk that made Lou an international star.
While Bill Bixby portrayed scientist David Banner, Lou played his enormous green alter ego, undergoing hours of makeup to transform into the Marvel superhero.
© Getty ImagesThe series ran until 1982, and Lou later reprised the character in several television movies, including The Death of the Incredible Hulk in 1990.
He also appeared in Hulk in 2003 and The Incredible Hulk in 2008, maintaining his connection to the franchise long after the original series ended.
Despite approaching his milestone birthday, Lou has shown no signs of abandoning the fitness routine that made him famous.
© Ron Galella Collection via GettySpeaking to CBS 6 earlier this year, he revealed that consistency is the secret to maintaining his impressive physique.
“Be very consistent. I try to exercise four or five days a week because I watch what I eat. I do everything in moderation,” he explained.
The actor also continues to make appearances at fan conventions, where he enjoys meeting generations of viewers who grew up watching his famous television character.
