His big break came in 1963 with My Favorite Martian, where he played the inquisitive reporter Tim O’Hara alongside Ray Walston’s unpredictable alien. The show ran for three seasons and turned Bixby into a familiar face in American living rooms. From there, his career soared: he starred as widowed father Tom Corbett in The Courtship of Eddie’s Father, earning three Emmy nominations, and played illusionist Anthony Blake in The Magician, a short-lived series that cultivated a loyal following.
Yet for most fans, his defining role remained Dr. David Banner in The Incredible Hulk (1978–1982). Bixby even returned to the character in three made-for-TV movies, directing two of them—The Trial of the Incredible Hulk and The Death of the Incredible Hulk. His work extended to guest appearances on shows like Fantasy Island and Murder, She Wrote, proving his range went far beyond a single iconic role.Personal Tragedy
Behind the scenes, Bixby endured heartbreak that would have shattered many. He divorced his first wife, actress Brenda Benet, in 1980. A year later, their six-year-old son, Christopher, tragically passed from a rare throat infection. In 1982, Benet herself died by suicide. Despite these immense losses, Bixby remained dedicated to his craft and eventually focused more on directing, contributing to series like Goodnight, Beantown, Sledge Hammer!, and later Blossom.
Though Hollywood often labeled him one of the most eligible bachelors in the 1970s, Bixby remained guarded about fame and the social scene. He once reflected:
“I’m a very private person. I rarely go to cocktail parties because I can’t stand the idle chatter of drunks. My weekends are spent at Malibu. I take a lady and go to the beach, enjoy the beauty of the beach and the lady.”
He eventually married Laura Michaels in 1990, divorced in 1991, and was diagnosed with prostate cancer that same year. Open about his illness, he hoped to inspire others to seek medical attention, quietly wishing:
“My prayer was that I would die in my sleep.”
Months before his passing, he married Judith Kliban on October 3, 1993. His health declined rapidly, and on November 21, 1993, Bixby passed away at home in Century City, cared for by Kliban. She later reflected:
“I prayed for some extra time, but what we got was really intense and quite fabulous.”Bill Bixby’s legacy is firmly woven into television history. From his chemistry with Ray Walston in My Favorite Martian, to the warmth he brought as Tom Corbett, to the grounded humanity of David Banner, he left an indelible mark on fans worldwide. As a director, he showcased his creative vision and ability to bring stories to life from behind the camera.
Outside of acting, Bixby loved simple joys—Chinese cooking, bridge, music, and gardening. These small comforts added depth to a life that balanced fame, talent, and profound personal loss. Today, his work continues to be discovered by new generations through streaming and digital platforms, proving that some stars never truly fade—they just shine in different ways.
Bill Bixby’s story reminds us of the enduring power of kindness, dedication, and authenticity. If his life inspires you, share this tribute with someone who loves classic TV legends.