Bill Bixby: A Legendary Actor Remembered

Who was actor Bill Bixby? Bill Bixby was an American actor, director, and producer. He is best known for his roles as Dr. David Banner in the CBS television series The Incredible Hulk, and as Tim O'Hara in the NBC television series My Favorite Martian.

Bixby was born in San Francisco, California, on January 22, 1934. He began his acting career in the early 1960s, appearing in small roles in films and television shows. In 1966, he landed his breakthrough role as Dr. David Banner in The Incredible Hulk. The series was a huge success, and Bixby became a household name.

After The Incredible Hulk ended in 1978, Bixby continued to act in films and television shows. He also directed several films and television episodes. In 1989, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He died on November 21, 1993, at the age of 59.

Bixby was a talented actor who brought a lot of heart and humor to his roles. He will always be remembered for his iconic performance as Dr. David Banner in The Incredible Hulk.

Actor Bill Bixby

Bill Bixby was an American actor, director, and producer. He is best known for his roles as Dr. David Banner in the CBS television series The Incredible Hulk, and as Tim O'Hara in the NBC television series My Favorite Martian.

• Versatile performer: Bixby played a wide range of roles, from dramatic to comedic.
• Television icon: Bixby starred in two of the most popular television series of the 1970s and 1980s.
• Talented director: Bixby directed several films and television episodes, including the pilot episode of The Incredible Hulk.
• Private life: Bixby was married three times and had two children.
• Legacy: Bixby is remembered as one of the most popular and versatile actors of his generation.

Bixby's versatility as an actor was evident in his ability to play both dramatic and comedic roles. He was equally convincing as the tortured Dr. David Banner in The Incredible Hulk and as the bumbling Tim O'Hara in My Favorite Martian. Bixby's talent as a director was also evident in his work on The Incredible Hulk. He directed several of the show's most memorable episodes, including the pilot episode.

Bixby's personal life was often in the news. He was married three times and had two children. His first marriage was to actress Brenda Benet. They had one child together, a daughter named Christina. His second marriage was to actress Judith Kahan. They had one child together, a son named Christopher. His third marriage was to actress Lisa Gerritsen. They had no children together.

Bixby died of prostate cancer on November 21, 1993, at the age of 59. He is remembered as one of the most popular and versatile actors of his generation.

Versatile performer

Bill Bixby was a versatile actor who could play a wide range of roles, from dramatic to comedic. This versatility was evident in his work on both television and film.

• Television roles: Bixby starred in two of the most popular television series of the 1970s and 1980s: The Incredible Hulk and My Favorite Martian. In The Incredible Hulk, he played the tortured Dr. David Banner, who turns into the Hulk when he gets angry. In My Favorite Martian, he played the bumbling Tim O'Hara, who befriends an alien who has crash-landed on Earth.
• Film roles: Bixby also starred in a number of films, including The Apartment (1960), Irma la Douce (1963), and The Apple Dumpling Gang (1975). In these films, he played a variety of roles, from a young businessman to a con man to a kindly sheriff.

Bixby's versatility as an actor was due in part to his natural talent and in part to his hard work. He was always willing to take on new challenges and to experiment with different roles. As a result, he was able to create a body of work that is both impressive and diverse.

Television icon

Bill Bixby is best known for his roles as Dr. David Banner in the CBS television series The Incredible Hulk, and as Tim O'Hara in the NBC television series My Favorite Martian. These two roles made Bixby a household name and cemented his status as a television icon.

• The Incredible Hulk: The Incredible Hulk was a huge success, and it made Bixby a star. The show ran for five seasons and spawned two made-for-TV movies. Bixby's portrayal of Dr. David Banner was both sympathetic and believable. He made the audience care about Banner's struggle to control his anger and to keep his secret from the world.
• My Favorite Martian: My Favorite Martian was a lighthearted comedy about an alien who crash-lands on Earth and befriends a human journalist. Bixby played Tim O'Hara, the journalist who helps the alien, Martin, adjust to life on Earth. Bixby's comedic timing was perfect for this role, and he made Tim O'Hara a lovable and relatable character.

Bixby's success on television was due in part to his versatility as an actor. He was able to play both dramatic and comedic roles with equal ease. He was also able to connect with audiences on a personal level. Bixby's characters were always relatable and sympathetic, and audiences could always see a part of themselves in him.

Talented director

In addition to his successful acting career, Bill Bixby was also a talented director. He directed several films and television episodes, including the pilot episode of The Incredible Hulk.

• Early directing work: Bixby began his directing career in the early 1970s, directing episodes of television shows such as The Courtship of Eddie's Father and The Brady Bunch.
• The Incredible Hulk: In 1977, Bixby directed the pilot episode of The Incredible Hulk. The pilot was a huge success, and it launched the series that would make Bixby a household name.
• Later directing work: After The Incredible Hulk ended in 1978, Bixby continued to direct films and television episodes. He directed episodes of shows such as Magnum, P.I. and Simon & Simon.

Bixby's success as a director was due in part to his understanding of actors and acting. He was able to create a comfortable and supportive environment for his actors, which allowed them to give their best performances.

Private life

Bill Bixby's private life was often in the news. He was married three times and had two children. His first marriage was to actress Brenda Benet. They had one child together, a daughter named Christina. His second marriage was to actress Judith Kahan. They had one child together, a son named Christopher. His third marriage was to actress Lisa Gerritsen. They had no children together.

Bixby's marriages and children were an important part of his life. He was a devoted husband and father, and he enjoyed spending time with his family. His marriages and children also provided him with a sense of stability and happiness.

Bixby's private life also had an impact on his professional career. His marriages and children gave him a sense of purpose and motivation. He wanted to be a good husband and father, and he worked hard to provide for his family. His marriages and children also gave him a sense of perspective. He knew that there was more to life than just acting, and he was grateful for the love and support of his family.

Bixby's private life is an important part of his story. It helped to shape him into the man and actor that he became.

Legacy

Bill Bixby's legacy as one of the most popular and versatile actors of his generation is due in part to his natural talent, his hard work, and his dedication to his craft. Bixby was able to play a wide range of roles, from dramatic to comedic, and he always brought a sense of authenticity and believability to his performances.

Bixby's legacy is also due to the fact that he was a pioneer in the field of television. He was one of the first actors to star in a successful television series that dealt with serious issues such as mental illness and addiction. Bixby's work on The Incredible Hulk helped to break down the stigma surrounding these issues and made it possible for other actors to tackle similar roles.

Bixby's legacy continues to inspire actors and audiences today. He is remembered as one of the most talented and versatile actors of his generation, and his work continues to entertain and move audiences around the world.

FAQs about Actor Bill Bixby

This section answers common questions about the renowned actor Bill Bixby, providing concise and informative responses.

Question 1: What roles is Bill Bixby most famous for?

Answer: Bill Bixby is best known for his portrayal of Dr. David Banner in the television series The Incredible Hulk and Tim O'Hara in My Favorite Martian.

Question 2: What was Bill Bixby's directing experience?

Answer: In addition to acting, Bixby directed several films and television episodes, including the pilot episode of The Incredible Hulk.

Question 3: How many times was Bill Bixby married?

Answer: Bill Bixby was married three times.

Question 4: What was Bill Bixby's cause of death?

Answer: Bill Bixby died of prostate cancer on November 21, 1993, at the age of 59.

Question 5: What was Bill Bixby's legacy in the entertainment industry?

Answer: Bill Bixby is remembered as one of the most versatile and talented actors of his generation, leaving a lasting impact on television and film.

Question 6: What personal struggles did Bill Bixby face?

Answer: Bill Bixby was open about his struggles with alcoholism and depression, which he overcame through therapy and support.

In summary, Bill Bixby's notable roles, directing contributions, personal life, and legacy as an esteemed actor continue to inspire audiences and fellow actors alike.

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Bill Bixby

Bill Bixby's journey as an actor, director, and producer left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His ability to portray diverse characters with authenticity and emotional depth showcased his exceptional talent. Bixby's iconic roles in The Incredible Hulk and My Favorite Martian cemented his status as a beloved television star.

Beyond his acting prowess, Bixby's directorial contributions revealed his keen understanding of storytelling and his ability to guide actors to memorable performances. His personal struggles and triumphs added layers to his artistry, making his performances resonate with audiences on a profound level.

Bill Bixby's legacy extends far beyond his time on screen. He remains an inspiration to aspiring actors and a reminder of the transformative power of storytelling. His versatility, dedication, and commitment to his craft continue to captivate and entertain generations of fans.