The secret health condition that claimed the life of this Hollywood icon.

Born in 1934, this versatile actor and TV director enjoyed a career that lasted over three decades. He became a household name for portraying the character David Banner during the late ’70s and early ’80s. If you remember his role, you’ll know that you definitely wouldn’t want to see him angry! Tragically, he passed away at a young age in 1993.

For more than 30 years, this American television legend made his mark with both his on-screen performances and work behind the camera.

His natural charm didn’t go unnoticed. Actor Ray Walston, a colleague of his, credited this as a major factor in his widespread appeal, remarking:

“I believe that was the reason people liked him — instantly and completely.”

So, who are we talking about? None other than the unforgettable Bill Bixby!

Breakthrough in 1963

Bill Bixby, born Wilfred Bailey Everett Bixby III on January 22, 1934, in San Francisco, was an actor and TV director beloved by many. His career spanned over three decades.

As an only child, Bixby’s passion for performance emerged early on. He joined the speech and debate team at Lowell High School and later studied at City College of San Francisco and UC Berkeley. However, he eventually left school to follow his acting dreams, supporting himself through modeling and commercial work before securing regular TV roles.

Bixby’s big break came in 1963 with My Favorite Martian, where he portrayed reporter Tim O’Hara, opposite Ray Walston’s mischievous alien character.

The show ran for three seasons, catapulting Bill Bixby to fame. He later starred as widowed father Tom Corbett in The Courtship of Eddie’s Father, earning three Emmy nominations. He also played stage magician Anthony Blake in The Magician, which gained a cult following despite its brief run of just one season.

However, for many fans, Bixby is most fondly remembered for his portrayal of Dr. David Bruce Banner in The Incredible Hulk (1978–1982). He reprised the 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 appeared in films like Lonely Are the Brave and guest-starred on popular series such as Fantasy Island and Murder, She Wrote, further demonstrating his wide range as an actor.

Tragedy Struck Off-Screen

Off-screen, Bixby faced immense personal tragedy. In 1980, he divorced his first wife, actress Brenda Benet. A year later, their six-year-old son, Christopher, tragically passed away from a rare throat infection. Then, just a year after that, Brenda Benet took her own life. Despite these profound losses, Bixby continued his career, transitioning into directing in the 1980s with shows like Goodnight, Beantown and Sledge Hammer!, and eventually becoming a regular director for Blossom.

During the 1970s, Bixby was one of Hollywood’s most eligible bachelors. He had a reputation for being quite the ladies’ man, though he never married. He once explained, “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, go to the beach, and enjoy the beauty of the beach and the lady.”

Finding Love and Battling Illness

In 1990, Bixby married Laura Michaels, but they divorced the following year. It was in 1991 that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Despite the diagnosis, Bixby was open about his illness, hoping to raise awareness and encourage others to seek treatment. He shared his personal thoughts, admitting, “My prayer was that I would die in my sleep.”

Months before his death, Bixby married Judith Kliban on October 3, 1993. However, his health continued to decline rapidly. While directing Blossom in November of that year, he was so weak that he had to direct from a sofa. Kliban cared for him at their home in Century City for six days until he peacefully slipped into a coma and passed away on November 21, 1993, at the age of 59. Kliban later recalled, “I prayed for some extra time, but what we got was really intense and quite fabulous.”

His Lasting Legacy

Bixby’s legacy lives on through his iconic roles, such as in My Favorite Martian alongside Ray Walston, as the human side of The Incredible Hulk, and in early TV work like The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis and The Joey Bishop Show. His first Emmy nomination came for The Courtship of Eddie’s Father. Over time, he made his mark not only as an actor but also as a director. In 1983, he shifted his focus to directing, working on projects like Wizard and Warriors, Goodnight, Beantown, and Sledge Hammer!, showcasing his multifaceted talent.

Beyond his career, Bixby had interests in Chinese cooking, playing bridge, listening to music, and gardening. Today, fans can still enjoy his work on streaming platforms: My Favorite Martian is available on Xumo, Pluto TV, Tubi, and the Roku Channel, The Courtship of Eddie’s Father is on Amazon Prime, and The Incredible Hulk series can be purchased on Apple, Amazon, and other digital platforms.