November Brings Memories and Tribute to the Men of The Incredible Hulk

It's time once again to pay tribute to those who have contributed to geek culture. November brings us two memorable dates for two men who, ironically enough, made their contribution in the same way. They both brought a beloved Marvel character from the comic book pages into the real world. Today we salute Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno who played David Banner and The Hulk in The Incredible Hulk television series.

Bill Bixby brought to life the scientist who's bad side you did not want to see. Bixby's big contribution to geek culture was The Incredible Hulk, but he also made a couple other contributions as well. Bixby was also in the sci-fi sitcom My Favorite Martian with Ray Walston. It was a very I Dream of Jeanie basis only the genie was a martian. Then there was The Magician who used his magic tricks to get people out of trouble.

Sadly Bixby lost his battle with prostate cancer November 21, 1993. He was no longer acting, but he worked behind the camera for as long as he was able. Bixby was directing the series Blossom as he tried to hide his illness, but one of the crew found out and he publicly announced his ailment.

Lou Ferrigno was a body builder who was friends with Arnold Schwarzenegger. They even made a film together called, Pumping Iron in 1977. Ferrigno has always been a fan of the Hulk and says that Hulk inspired him to get into body building. The interesting part is that Ferrigno almost never got the part. Richard Keel was originally cast, but when the director's son saw him said that the Hulk was bigger, more muscular. Now Keel was tall, but he didn't have the physique. After that Ferrigno got the part and the rest is history. Ferrigno is still very active where the Hulk is concerned. He voiced the Hulk in the 1997 animated series, in the Hulk movie, as well as The Incredible Hulk, and he's even slated to do the Hulk's voice again in The Avengers. Ferrigno also got to play another famous strongman when he played Hercules in the movie Hercules in 1983.

November 9 of this year marked Lou Ferrigno's 60th birthday. The man is 60, looks 40, and can still lift around 400 pounds. If any of you have the stones you can tell him he gets a senior citizen's discount now.

Bixby and Ferrigno were each one side of a coin playing Banner and the Hulk. In interviews both men spoke highly of each other and Ferrigno looked to Bixby as a mentor. To Bill Bixby we say you are sorely missed, but thank you for your contributions. To Lou Ferrigno we say happy birthday and many happy returns!