Born in 1934, this gifted actor and television director enjoyed a career that lasted more than thirty years. He is most recognized for his role as David Banner during the late ’70s and early ’80s — and believe us, you really wouldn’t want to see him when he’s angry! Unfortunately, he left us too soon in 1993…
For over three decades, this American television legend thrived thanks to his skills, both in front of the camera and behind it.
His laid-back charisma certainly didn’t go unnoticed. Colleague Ray Walston pointed this out as a major factor in his appeal, stating:
”I believe that was the reason people liked him — instantly and completely.”
Who are we referring to? Naturally, it’s Bill Bixby!
A major breakthrough in 1963
Bill Bixby, whose full name is Wilfred Bailey Everett Bixby III, was born on January 22, 1934, in San Francisco. He was a cherished actor and television director whose career spanned over thirty years.
As an only child, he found his passion for performing at an early age, joining the speech and debate team at Lowell High School. He later enrolled at City College of San Francisco and UC Berkeley but decided to leave school to chase his acting dreams, supporting himself through modeling and commercial gigs before securing consistent television roles.
Bixby’s significant breakthrough occurred in 1963 with My Favorite Martian, where he portrayed reporter Tim O’Hara alongside Ray Walston’s playful alien.
The series aired for three seasons, turning him into a household name. He later took on the role of widowed father Tom Corbett in The Courtship of Eddie’s Father, which earned him three Emmy nominations, and portrayed stage illusionist Anthony Blake in The Magician, a show that gained a cult following even though it only lasted one season.
However, for many fans, Bixby is best remembered as Dr. David Bruce Banner in The Incredible Hulk (1978–1982). He went on to reprise this role in three made-for-TV movies, two of which he directed himself: The Trial of the Incredible Hulk and The Death of the Incredible Hulk.
Bixby also featured in films like Lonely Are the Brave and made guest appearances on popular shows such as Fantasy Island and Murder, She Wrote, demonstrating his versatility.
Tragically, his son passed away at the age of six.
Off-screen, Bixby endured significant personal tragedies. He divorced his first wife, actress Brenda Benet, in 1980. The following year, their six-year-old son Christopher died unexpectedly from a rare throat infection.
Just a year later, Benet took her own life. Despite these challenges, Bixby kept working, transitioning into directing in the 1980s with shows like Goodnight, Beantown and Sledge Hammer!, eventually becoming a regular director on Blossom.
In the 1970s, he was one of Hollywood’s most sought-after bachelors — he had a fondness for women, and they adored him in return. Yet, he never tied the knot.
“I’m quite a private individual. I seldom attend cocktail parties as I find the mindless chatter of intoxicated people unbearable. My weekends are usually spent in Malibu, where I take a lady to the beach to appreciate the beauty of both the shore and her,” he shared.
However, ultimately, he would discover the love of his life.
He wed Laura Michaels in 1990, but they separated in 1991, the same year he received a prostate cancer diagnosis.
Bixby was candid about his condition, aiming to raise awareness and motivate others to pursue treatment. Reflecting on his aspirations, he confessed:
“My wish was to pass away peacefully in my sleep.”
Months prior to his death, Bixby married Judith Kliban on October 3, 1993. His health deteriorated swiftly, and on November 15, he was so frail while directing Blossom that he had to direct from a sofa. Kliban looked after him at their home near Century City for six days until he gently fell into a coma and passed away on November 21, 1993, at the age of just 59. She later remembered:
“I wished for a little more time, but what we experienced was incredibly intense and truly wonderful.”
Legacy
Bixby’s legacy endures through his memorable performances alongside Ray Walston in My Favorite Martian, as the human counterpart of The Incredible Hulk, and in his early appearances on shows like The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis and The Joey Bishop Show.
He received his first Emmy nomination for The Courtship of Eddie’s Father and made a significant impact as both an actor and a director.
In 1983, he shifted his focus to directing, taking on projects like Wizard and Warriors, Goodnight, Beantown, and Sledge Hammer!, showcasing that his abilities went well beyond just acting. In addition to his acting career, Bixby had a passion for Chinese cooking, enjoyed playing bridge, loved listening to music, and had a green thumb for gardening.
Nowadays, fans can enjoy his work on various streaming platforms: My Favorite Martian can be found on Xumo, Pluto TV, Tubi, the Roku Channel, and others; The Courtship of Eddie’s Father is available on Amazon Prime; and The Incredible Hulk series can be bought on Apple, Amazon, and several other sites.
