I’m still surprised that the actor who played theHulkthe most isn’t who I expected. When people think of the Hulk in theMarveluniverse, three names likely come to mind: Edward Norton, Lou Ferrigno, and, of course, Mark Ruffalo. However, what might surprise people, is that none of these actors hold the title for most Hulk credits.
Over the decades, the Hulk has appeared in animated shows, video games, live-action movies, and streaming content, both inside and outsidethe MCU timeline. Each performance requires a performer to capture the essence of his rage and strength. Among these, one actor towers over the rest in terms of sheer volume, and surprisingly, it’s not Mark Ruffalo.
Fred Tatasciore Has Played The Hulk More Than Anyone Else
Over 50 Credits, Including Hulk And The Agents Of SMASH
The actor who has played the Hulk more than anyone else is none other than Fred Tatasciore. A veteran voice actor with an extensive resume in animation and gaming, Tatasciore has voiced the Hulk inover 50 projects since first taking on the rolein 2005’sUltimate Avengers. Most notably, Tatasciore appeared inAvengers: Earth’s Mightiest HeroesandHulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H..
Tatasciore also played the Jade Giant in countless LEGO Marvel games, mobile titles, and Marvel cartoons. Indeed, Tatasciore has become the go-to voice for the mighty Marvel bruiser. His performancestrikes the perfect balance between primal fury and emotional vulnerability, capturing the Hulk’s brute power and misunderstood nature.
Tatasciore’s Hulk has appeared consistently for nearly two decades, far outlasting any of the live-action portrayals in terms of time and quantity. Though he may not be a household name, Fred Tatasciore is the voice of the Hulk for an entire generation of Marvel audiences. He consistently provided a fearsome and compelling performance as the most prolific Hulk actor ever.
Lou Ferrigno Has The Second-Most Hulk Credits
The Incredible Hulk TV Series & The Animated Series
Before CGI turned the Hulk into a digital behemoth, Lou Ferrigno was the Hulk. Cast in the 1977 live-action television seriesThe Incredible Hulk, Ferrigno played the green-skinned alter ego of Dr. David Banner (played by Bill Bixby). The series lasted for five seasons and had multiple follow-up TV movies.
Ferrigno didn’t speak in the series; his presence was all physical, but ithelped define the character in pop culture for decades. In fact, Ferrigno’s performance was so iconic it became a cultural touchstone. Ferrigno’s Hulk became a shorthand for intense rage, appearing in several bizarre cameos years after hanging up the green paint.
Later, Ferrigno returned to provide the Hulk’s growls and vocalizations inThe Incredible Hulk animatedseries, Ang Lee’sHulk, and the early MCU. Altogether, Ferrigno has played the Hulk in over a dozen projects, making himthe second most prolific Hulk actor. His musclebound portrayal remains one of the most iconic and is still revered by longtime Marvel audiences.
Mark Ruffalo Has The Third-Most Hulk Credits
Ruffalo Has Been The MCU’s Hulk Since The Avengers (2012)
Despite being the face of the Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe for over a decade, Mark Ruffaloranks third in terms of the total Hulk credits. Since debuting inThe Avengers, Ruffalo has playedBruce Banner in several major MCU films, including eachAvengersmovie andThor: Ragnarok.Ruffalo has also played Hulk inWhat if…?andShe-Hulk: Attorney At Law.
Ruffalo is likely the most famous Hulk performer in contemporary society, and for good reason. Ruffalo broughta tragic sincerity to the role, with a quiet awkwardness that made Bruce Banner especially endearing. Moreover, Ruffalo’s comedic chops were perfect for when Smart Hulk became the de facto comic relief.
Unlike many others before him, Ruffalo is in a rare position ofplaying both Bruce Banner and Hulk. FromAvengers: Age of Ultrononwards, Ruffalo replaced Ferrigno as the voice of the Hulk. Ruffalo’s nuanced performance has been widely praised; still, his total number ofHulkappearances hovers under 10, far less than Fred Tatasciore’s animated record or Ferrigno’s legacy run.
