Born in 1934, Bill Bixby became one of America’s most beloved television actors and directors, with a career spanning more than three decades. He is best remembered as Dr. David Banner in The Incredible Hulk (1978–1982) — a role that made him a TV icon. Sadly, he passed away in 1993 at just 59. Bixby was born Wilfred Bailey Everett Bixby III in San Francisco and discovered his passion for performing early. After leaving college to pursue acting, he found his big break in 1963 starring as Tim O’Hara on My Favorite Martian opposite Ray Walston.
The show ran three seasons and made him a household name. He later earned three Emmy nominations for The Courtship of Eddie’s Father and starred in cult favorites like The Magician. For many fans, however, his most enduring role remained the compassionate human side of The Incredible Hulk, which he later revisited in TV movies — directing two himself.
Behind the scenes, Bixby endured profound personal tragedy. His six-year-old son Christopher died suddenly in 1981, and his former wife Brenda Benet died by suicide the following year. Despite this, Bixby continued working and transitioned successfully into directing, contributing to shows like Goodnight, Beantown, Sledge Hammer!, and Blossom.
Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1991, Bixby spoke openly about his illness to raise awareness. He married Judith Kliban shortly before his death in November 1993. Bill Bixby’s legacy lives on through his iconic roles, quiet humanity, and lasting impact on television — both in front of and behind the camera.