Nice Guy Lou Ferrigno

Any even semi-regular fan of comic cons has heard horror stories of celebrities in foul moods.  Some are notorious.  Fortunately, I have had only a few unpleasant encounters.  None of the bad times has involved Lou Ferrigno though.

I have heard several stories about bad experiences with Ferrigno, but I have never witnessed anything even close.  I have met Ferrigno many times over the last ten years or so and have never had anything less than a pleasant time and had a few very good experiences with him.

Back in 2014, I had the privilege of interviewing Ferrigno prior to Wizard World Chicago.  We were in a loud restaurant and Ferrigno does have hearing issues.  Additionally, there was a liong media line waiting to ask him questions.  He probably talked to the press for over two hours, sometimes answering the same question over and over, yet he showed no signs of annoyance.  He was gracius, friendly and even joking at times.

Even when we pushed our luck and asked him to do a promo for Johngy's Beat, he was agreeable.  Bel;ieve me, it wasn't easy trying to explain the pronunciation of Johngy in a loud room to a man with hearing challenges, yet Ferrigno hung tough and came through for us.  I will forever appreciate that effort.(His promo is in the left column on this page.)

Now before anyone says that he is a professionala nd he was getting paid, so he should be nice, I can relate a few not nice experiences of some others in similar positions.  The fact is that he was awesome that night and he has never been bad to me in our many meetings.

I think it is important to note this.  Many people ask about bad experiences.  Many know of the legendary "good guys" like Henry Winkler, Roddy Piper and more.  Those people are legit good guys and you could probably not find any argument to that anywhere.  However Ferrigno does have a bit of a reputation as being difficult.  I have just never seen it.  You'd think over 10 or so times seeing him, he would have been unpleasant sometime, but he has not.

I'm putting this out there, hoping it stays in cyberspace.  Maybe it will offset some of the negativity.  Maybe some others will see it and not hesitate to approach Ferrigno.  Surely I cannot be the only one who had nothing but good things to say about Ferrigno.

Either way, I stand by my opinion.  Lou Ferrigno is a good guy.

Lou Ferrigno and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2014.

Lou Ferrigno Loves Johngy's Beat

I couldn't ask for much more than to have "The Incredible Hulk" supporting Johngy's Beat.  Last year, at the Wizard World Media Session, Lou Ferrigno was kind enough to send a shout out to us.

I also had the please of interviewing Ferrigno.  I have met and talked to him at conventions many times before, but it was very cool to sit down with Ferrigno and basically just talk.  I asked him about his motivation, his acting (including his role on King of Queens) and more.  That interview can be found at On the Beat with Lou Ferrigno at Wizard World.  He followed the interview by giving us the promo below.

The promo has now taken its rightful place in the right column of Johngy promos.  Thank you Lou!

On the Beat with Lou Ferrigno at Wizard World 2014

I have had the pleasure of covering Wizard World for several years.  I have done so on my own, as an official video blogger and as a member of the credentialized press.  Previous to that, I went as a fan.

This year, the experience was taken to another level, when I was part of the media group at a pre-event gathering before the actual convention in Chicago.

The event featured two celebrity Guests of Honor, Lou Ferrigno and Jason David Frank.  I got to interview each man separately.  What a blast this was.

The question I really wanted to ask Ferrigno was how he felt about the new technology making the superheros (including the Hulk) literally larger than life.  Back when he was on The Incredible Hulk, he really was the Hulk.  That was the great part.  Aside from the green makeup, he didn't need any enhancements.

His answer was awesome.  In the end he will be the only one who can ever sign autographs!  How perfect and how fitting for a comic con.

I also asked Ferrigno about The King of Queens, his motivations, his acting and more.  It was a bit noisy at the event, but we did our best and would never pass on a chance to intervuiew Ferrigno.

Friendly Encounters at the Motor City Comic Con

This is a special series about my friends meeting celebs at the Motor City Comic Con.

This will be my fourth year covering the Motor City Comic Con for this site and for the online home of Global Traveler magazine. I am always looking for new stories and angles from the event.
While doing some research, I came across a great site for custom art by Ryan Parton. There is a lot of great and varied stuff on that site, but what initially caught my eye was the section on the MCCC.
Ryan has some great shots of his son and the various celebrities at the 2008 MCCC. This is awesome. Ryan's son is obviously having a ball at the MCCC. I'll let Ryan tell the story.
My family and I had a blast at MCCC 2008. With all of the comic artists, tv cars and celebrity guests, there was never a dull moment. All of the celebrity guests were friendly, especially Erik Estrada and Lou Ferrigno. Erik Estrada took extra time to talk to us and Lou Ferrigno posed for a photo with our son, who is a BIG Hulk fan. We can't wait to go back!
This is the essence of the MCCC. Ryan's son is having a ball with his hero Hulk and Ryan was excited to meet the celebs. There really is something for everyone.
I would like to thank Ryan for sharing his story and picture. I also encourage everyone to check out his site.

Lou Ferrigno and Ryan's son in Novi, MI-May 2008.
(Photo courtesy of Ryan Parton/Seibilhon.com)

A Hulking Presence

I have met Lou Ferrigno a few times. He's a very personable guy. He also seems to make a nice living from the celeb conventions. He is organized and stocked with a good amount and variety of photos. He puts out the right amount of energy (just enough to capture people without overwhelming them).
I like Ferrigno because he reminds me of simpler times. The Incredible Hulk was a great tv show. It was intriguing, simple and well-written. Now, mind-blowing special effects dominate the movie versions of the Hulk. Ferrigno was the special effects for the tv show.

Lou Ferrigno and me at the Motor City Comic Con in Novi, MI-May 2007.