From 1985 to 1989, I worked part-time as an editorial assistant on Muscle and Fitness.
It wasn't as much fun as it sounds. The articles were often heterosexist, we featured female bodybuilders as often as male, and I didn't get to actually watch many photo shoots.
But I did get to meet a lot of bodybuilders, including Lou Ferrigno, Mr. America, Mr. Universe, "Hercules," and "The Incredible Hulk"
Around October 1985, he came in with Bill Bixby, his "Hulk" co-star. I thought they looked like a gay couple.
A few days later, he came in by himself for a photo shoot.
"Hi, Mr. Ferrigno." I called. "Where's Bill?"
"I left him home, chained up in the basement."
"Can I come take a look?"
He grinned, clapped a huge hand on my back, and walked on.
A couple of weeks later, I had a date with Jack Colvin, who played his nemesis on "Hulk." He told me "Ferrigno is straight, but he won't say no to a late-night hookup."
No such thing as straight but into sex with guys, I thought. He must be gay.
I kept a lookout for Ferrigno's next appearance. It came near Halloween, when I was working reception, a part of the job I hated.
"I'm a jack of all trades around here, but usually I'm in editorial."
"Then be sure to spell my name right."
"Only if you spell mine right. I'd better write it down for you."
He didn't object, so I wrote it on a piece of paper. "And my phone number, in case you have any questions."
"Good idea. I might have questions."
He put the number in his pocket and went off to his appointment. About half an hour later, he came through the lobby again and stopped at my desk. "Do you like ____?"
I didn't understand his deaf accent (Ferrigno has 80% hearing loss). "Mexican food?" Was he asking me out? "Sure. What time...."
Then someone else came in, and he mouthed "I'll call you," and left.
At least that's what I think he said.
I told all my friends that I had a date with Lou Ferrigno, and waited for his call.
It never came. I started dating Alan, and forgot about it -- I was giving my phone number to a lot of celebrities at the time.
Then one night in January shortly after our breakup, I was at home, watching tv and doing my Italian homework, when Lou knocked on my door!
The apartment was a mess -- unmade bed, dinner dishes out, books and papers everywhere. Besides, I was in my bathrobe, and I hadn't brushed my teeth since dinner. But who's going to say no?
He collapsed onto the bed. "Boy, I'm tired. I could use a nap."
"Ok, let's take a nap."
I climbed onto the bed next to him, and he wrapped a huge arm around me. I moved up and started unbuttoning his shirt and kissing his chest.
The full story, with nude photos and sexual situations, is on Tales of West Hollywood