The Incredible Hulk star looks half his age at 74 as fans do a double take at latest appearance

Lou Ferrigno had fans doing a double take this week after stepping out looking remarkably youthful at the age of 74.

The actor and former bodybuilding champion made a special appearance at Niagara Falls Comic Con in Ontario, Canada, where he delighted fans with his signature smile, impressive physique and a series of classic Hulk poses that proved he hasn’t lost any of the strength and charisma that made him a household name.

Dressed casually in a fitted brown polo shirt and jeans, Lou looked decades younger than his years as he greeted fans and celebrated the character that changed his life.

For many attendees, it was a nostalgic moment. Lou became a global star playing the green-skinned superhero in The Incredible Hulk television series from 1977 to 1982, starring opposite the late Bill Bixby’s Dr Bruce Banner. The show became a pop culture phenomenon and cemented Lou’s place in television history.

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More than four decades later, he still cuts an imposing figure, at the event Lou proudly flexed his muscles and struck boxing-style poses, showcasing the physique that first caught the attention of casting directors nearly 50 years ago.

His appearance sparked admiration from fans who couldn’t believe how youthful and fit he continues to look.

While Lou is now synonymous with the Hulk, he recently revealed that he wasn’t originally the first choice for the role.

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Speaking to Free Press Houston, the actor explained that producers initially planned to cast Richard Kiel, the towering actor best known for playing the villain Jaws in the James Bond franchise.

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“It was 1977. They were filming the Incredible Hulk pilot. Richard Kiel was supposed to play the Hulk, but the director came on the set one day and said it’s not the Hulk,” Lou recalled.

“Richard Kiel was tall, but he wasn’t muscular enough.”

The producers soon realised they needed someone who embodied the character’s extraordinary physical power.

“The Hulk was supposed to be muscular. They did a nationwide casting call and found me. I did a screen test to show emotion and the rest is history.”

The role would transform Lou’s career and introduce him to millions of viewers around the world.

For Lou, the Hulk was always more than just a comic book superhero. The star has previously spoken openly about overcoming significant challenges during his childhood, including severe hearing loss caused by an ear infection when he was just a baby.

Reflecting on why he connected so deeply with the character, Lou explained that the Hulk represented strength, resilience and overcoming adversity.

“It’s about power. Every one of us has a little Hulk inside,” he said.

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“I was introverted as a child, picked on and beat up. I was frustrated because I was weak and couldn’t fight back. I thought if I were powerful like the Hulk I could defend myself.”

He added: “The Hulk is not just a monster, he’s sensitive and I identified with that.” That emotional connection helped bring a humanity to the character that resonated with audiences around the world and remains part of the reason the series is still fondly remembered today.

Although modern audiences now associate the Hulk with Marvel’s blockbuster films and actor Mark Ruffalo’s motion-capture performance, Lou remains an important part of the franchise’s history.

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He even made cameo appearances in both the 2003 film Hulk, starring Eric Bana, and 2008’s The Incredible Hulk alongside Edward Norton. In the latter, he also provided the voice for the Hulk.

While technology has transformed how the character is portrayed on screen, Lou maintains a sense of humour about the changes. “I know that CGI is expected in today’s movies, but the CGI Hulk can’t sign autographs,” he joked. “I feel great about voicing the Hulk.”

Despite entering his mid-70s, Lou has no plans to retire. The actor revealed that he recently wrapped filming on Scorpion King 4, which is expected to be released in November 2026, and is also set to appear in the upcoming Warner Bros. comedy Moms’ Night Out.