Watch out, folks โ the Hulk's in town.
Veteran actor and bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno, most famous for his portrayal of "The Incredible Hulk" muscular monster in the 1977-1982 TV series, will be one of 85 stars from the pop culture world in the house for the inaugural Cajun Con. It's happening at Lamar-Dixon Expo Center, 9039 S. St. Landry Ave., Gonzales, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
And fans, there's no need to be green with envy. Golden tickets are still available for download online at ,ย and they're free. Don't like standing in lines? There's also a $150 VIP fast pass good for both days.
Lou Ferrigno
Cajun Con takes on a "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" theme as three cast members from the original film will reunite at the event.
From actors to animators, Power Rangers to pro wrestlers, fans can meet the special guests and, usually for an extra fee, take a photo or grab an autograph. Plus, shop from 200 vendors, compete in a cosplay contest at 3 p.m. Sunday, or check out a few star cars.
In advance of his appearance, Ferrigno, 74, discusses his place in pop culture and more.
The interview has been edited for clarity and length.
Actor and bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno, right, who played in 'The Incredible Hulk,' walks around Comic Con in New Orleans in 2014.
Do you do a lot of these types of events?
I do when I can. I travel all over the world, but between filming, I enjoy doing the Comic Cons. They're a lot of fun. It gives me a chance to connect with my fans, especially this weekend. You know, I've never been down to that area โ Gonzalesย โ and I am excited to see my fans.
Do you sign autographs, pose for photos or do both?
Yes. I sign autographs, take selfies and then (take photos) with the fans. It is funny because I'm excited because a lot of the celebrities are friends of mine.
As far as your fans, are there both adults and kids?
Well, it's three generations of fans, grandparents, parents and kids. Especially, you know, being the bodybuilder, and the "Hulk" series for many years. We always have a great time, especially now, because it's three generations.
Acting-wise, any upcoming projects we can look forward to?
My horror film is going to open in the theaters March 6, called "Hermit." It's a pretty intense film.
And this Friday, they're having a premiere for my other film called "Forgotten Fortune," about these three friends, older men, they deal with Alzheimer's. So I've been very busy and very blessed. It's a great story. When people see it, they learn a lot about Alzheimer's, how it affects someone's life and it affects other people. It's very interesting, a dark comedy.
With fans at these kind of events, have you had any crazy experiences?
A lot of times fans, what they do now, they have me autograph their leg or their arm and they have it tattooed. It's a great honor for me as an actor.
It looks like you're still in great shape. What kind of workout do you do these days?
I still train the same, but I train much lighter. I do cardio maybe like four times a week. I weight-train five times a week just to maintain what I have now because I don't need to train heavy, but I'm very consistent.
When people do come see me, they get motivated because of my physicality. It's great because they have a chance to talk to me. They learn a lot about nutrition, about getting yourself in shape. That's why I enjoy meeting people from all walks of life.
And what kind of diet do you try to follow?
I'm on a good heart/protein diet, carbohydrates. I try to stay away from saturated fat, like cake, pastries. I try to eat clean.ย
What does 74 mean for you?
It means a lot to me because when I was very young, I saw people 55, 60, they just fell apart because they didn't take care of themselves. But today's 74, it's almost young because a lot of people now live to be 80, 90, especially if you take care of your body. โฆ I'm very happy at the age of 74 because mentally I feel like I'm 35.
