Lou Ferrigno Jr

What attracted you to begin a career as an actor?

Lou: When I was 8 years old, my father was filming a movie and asked me if I’d like to play a small role in his 1994 film “Cage 2.” I had never made any mention of wanting to act, so it was quite the surprise to my parents that I said “yes.” At this point in my life, the glorious years leading to puberty, I started to become self-aware and was hyper aware that I was quickly an afterthought once anyone had learned of my father’s celebrity. I wanted to be acknowledged, I wanted to be seen, especially by my father. During the filming of my first, very brief on-screen acting encounter, I knew that one day I was going to become a professional actor.

When did you decide that you want to become an actor?

Lou: I had thought about acting ever since my first bit part in Cage 2, that I was hooked at getting another chance to perform as a actor. But as puberty reared its ugly head, my acting dreams were to be put on hold. During those years, I became obsessed with comic books, and graphic novels, focusing on school and my passion for art, creating characters that I would develop and create. I became overweight and was frequently bullied for my size, forcing me to develop a sense of humor in order to avoid ridicule from my classmates and neighboring kids around town. I was a very athletic child, typically the physically largest (height & weight) in each of my classes, and I noticed that success in sports afforded me a higher status in the social framework of my school so I leaned all the way, playing football, baseball, track & field, weightlifting, and had success in each of them, but football was my passion. It wasn’t until I had graduated from college, exhausting roughly a dozen alternative career paths, that I figured I’d better start getting good at being an actor, and that’s when I began training in the world of Meisner Dramatic acting, and long-form improvisational comedy.

What was your big break?

Lou: My first real big break was the small role, of a key character to the plotline of “How I Met Your Mother.” Unaware of the fandom of the show, I auditioned for a small part in the 9th season of the program. Once I booked the role of Louis, I learned that my character was the last person that “the mother” would date before meeting and falling in love with Ted Mosby, the series’ main character. I was brought back twice more on the show, the second time for a full episode as a weekly guest-star on what proved to be one of the most highly anticipated episodes of the series, the first time the audience learns the backstory of the “mother.”
 
Which was the most challenging character you have ever performed?

Lou: One of the most challenging characters I’ve ever played was in a LIFETIME film named, “Old Flames Never Die.” My character Weston, once the high school boyfriend of the film’s main protagonist, never fully recovered from their break-up which consequently turned him into a calculated, sociopathic killer. I give everything I can to a character, in order to produce the most 3-dimentioinal representation of the role for the screen. Of the several people Weston kills throughout this film, I wanted to really understand why he chose to kill as a means to return to his former flame’s good graces, as opposed to moving on or taking another route in life. At one point toward the end of the film. My character had just killed the protagonist’s best friend at her house, leaving me alone, finally, mounted over the object of my affection. Given the reality of the circumstances, alone in a house in the woods at the end of my rope, prepared to murder the love of my life, the whole situation was so real to me that I chose to return to therapy just to decompress from the psychological wear that was left on my psyche. It was intense but I loved it nonetheless.

What would you recommend to a person that wants to start working in the entertainment industry?

Lou: I would recommend finding an accredited acting program that has been teaching for a long time, have produced talents that currently work in today’s current TV & Film landscape. Ask lots of questions and read as much as you can about the craft of acting. Don’t wait to “jump” until the waters of chance lay still, but rather leap and the net will appear. Take risks, be brave, and stay true to oneself!

What is your dream role?
Lou: Lead on a big budget Netflix action series, or to have the honor of playing a historical figure with some sort of physical disability. I’m not sure which historical person I favor, so that would definitely be a challenge.

Who inspires you the most?

Lou: Honestly, every time I witness a 3-Legged dog hopping along, carrying non with their day as if they had all for limbs, I almost get emotional. I love animals and especially dogs for their unique abilities and how they effortlessly live in the present moment. Dogs don’t stress about the future, or worry about the past, the just live. So, to see a 3-legged dog acting the same way any 4-legged dog would, It really hits deep in my heart, especially for the fact that they seem like they don’t allow their disability to hinder their spirit and especially they’re appetite.

What has been the best performance of your career so far?

Lou: At this point in my career, I feel that some of my best work was the Passionflix.com romantic comedy, “Resisting Roots.” I play a fictional major league baseball superstar, Trent Fox, who suffers a debilitating hamstring injury, reluctantly turning to yoga to aid in his recovery and get his career back on the right track.  He is immediately captivated by his instructor Genevieve, played Elizabeth Posey, as she helps get him back to full-strength and also steals his heart. This adapted novel was my first feature-length opportunity to show my vulnerability on screen opposite a female love interest, while remaining true to the original character. Knowing this part would be a challenge for many reasons, I was very happy with how the final product turned out, bringing Audrey Carlan’s wonderful novel to life!

Which part of your job do you enjoy the most?


Lou: Besides all the delicious craft service snacks on set, my favorite aspect of this career is the opportunity to work with interesting people from all walks of life. As an artist I love collaborating with talented actors and directors, bringing a script to life. As a professional I enjoy interesting getting to know the crew members of each set, constantly learning new things, and making new friends
 
Tell us about your character Ryan from Outer Banks?

Lou: Ryan is a trained mercenary who carries out the misdeeds of his ominous employer “Mr. Singh.” From the backstory that I created for the character, his work is the most important aspect of his life, and he will stop at nothing to accomplish his task in order to please his boss, and further his involvement in Mr. Singh’s criminal enterprise. Ryan views Mr. Singh as not only an employer but also as a father-figure who has provided him an alternative lifestyle to his former career, which essentially saved him from getting into real trouble.     
 
What is the first thing you do to research and approach a role?

Lou: The first thing I do once I finish the script, is to research my character’s professional pursuits and learn as much as I can as to why an individual would pursue their profession. If I’m provided limited character back story, I create a backstory of my own with whatever bits of knowledge I’m able to acquire from the creators, while utilizing my imagination and extensive visualization techniques in order to put myself in the character’s shoes during the pivotal moments in his life. Sometimes I play out certain scenarios (i.e. prison time, criminal history, relationship squabbles, etc.) just for fun but to manufacture a real, living embodiment of that particular character.

What message would you want to give to your fans?

Lou: I’d have to first say THANK YOU for the support and kind words from so many fans throughout this complicated and often emotionally painful journey of working as a professional actor in Los Angeles. There are so many challenges and uncertainties which beget innumerable sacrifices that must be made in order to have a successful career. I aim to always give my entire being to a performance so if my fans have enjoyed what they’ve seen thus far; I can promise that it will only get better and better!

What are your plans for your future career?

Lou: I would like to continue working on meaningful projects with talented, committed artists. The future is unknown so any plans I have at this point are still in development, but I intend to commit fully to all the adventures that lie ahead so stay tuned! Thank you so much 🙂