TUCSON, Ariz. — Internationally famous actor, businessman and former professional body builder Lou Ferrigno will compete for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in the fifth installment of NBC’s “The Celebrity Apprentice.” The season premiere is Sunday, Feb. 19 at 9 p.m. ET.

Ferrigno, best known for his role in the television classic “The Incredible Hulk,” will compete against 17 other celebrities as they vie for the top prize of a $250,000 bonus check for their respective charities in the weekly task-driven television series.

“I’m going to win because I play with heart, and I care about MDA,” Ferrigno said in preparing for the show’s first episode. “I’m going to show everyone that I’m a great businessman, and I always make it a priority to give back. I’m going for the gold.”

Ferrigno, 60, a two-time Mr. Universe and the youngest to hold the title at age 21, has worked hard to perfect a strong, determined mind and a strong, physically fit body. He plans to use a solid business background, a strong work ethic and sheer determination to reach the finale and win.

Ferrigno, who also is a motivational speaker, has participated in MDA-related functions in the Los Angeles area. He is a member of MDA’s Muscle Team and is featured in the Association’s national award-winning Make a Muscle, Make a Difference® public service campaign.

“We’re looking forward to the new season and are honored that Lou chose MDA as his charity,” said MDA Executive Vice President of Business Development Kevin Moran. “He’s a tough competitor and a natural advocate when it comes to helping the Association raise awareness in our fight against muscle diseases.”

“I’m going to show everybody how smart I am because everyone assumes that when I played ‘The Hulk’ I was (just) an actor,” Ferrigno said. “People don’t know me as an entrepreneur. I’m intelligent and honest. I have a lot of character.”

In recent years, Ferrigno had recurring roles on “King of Queens” and “My Wife and Kids.” In 2009, he appeared in the DreamWorks romantic comedy “I Love You, Man” and has voiced several characters for the Cartoon Network.

He lives in California with his family.

About MDA

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.

In addition to funding some 300 research teams worldwide, MDA maintains a national network of approximately 200 medical clinics; facilitates hundreds of support groups for families affected by neuromuscular diseases; and provides local summer camp opportunities for thousands of youngsters fighting progressive muscle diseases. For more information, visit mda.org.

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About Celebrity Apprentice

“The Celebrity Apprentice” airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.

Please visit NBC.com's official show site: http://www.nbc.com/the-apprentice/.

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“The Celebrity Apprentice” is produced by Mark Burnett Productions in association with Trump Productions LLC. Mark Burnett, Donald Trump, Page Feldman and Nancy Gunn are executive producers. Sadoux Kim, Johnny Petillo and George Sealey are co-executive producers.