Born in 1934, Bill Bixby became one of America’s most recognizable television actors and directors, building a career that lasted more than three decades. He is best known for his role as Dr. David Banner on The Incredible Hulk (1978–1982), a performance that made him a lasting figure in television history. His calm presence and emotional depth helped the series resonate with audiences, and he remained closely associated with the role throughout his career. Bill Bixby passed away in 1993 at the age of 59, leaving behind a respected legacy in entertainment.
Bixby was born in San Francisco as Wilfred Bailey Everett Bixby III and discovered his interest in acting at a young age. After leaving college to pursue performing, he found early success in 1963 starring in My Favorite Martian alongside Ray Walston. The show ran for three seasons and brought him widespread recognition. He later earned Emmy nominations for The Courtship of Eddie’s Father and starred in other well-known television projects, steadily establishing himself as a versatile and dependable performer.
Throughout his life, Bixby faced significant personal challenges while continuing to work with professionalism and dedication. Despite difficult losses within his family, he remained active in the industry and gradually expanded his career behind the camera. He became a successful director, contributing to popular series such as Goodnight, Beantown, Sledge Hammer!, and Blossom. His transition into directing showcased his creative range and deep understanding of storytelling.
In the early 1990s, Bixby publicly shared that he was facing a serious health condition, using his platform to encourage awareness and understanding. He continued working as long as he was able and married Judith Kliban shortly before his passing. Bill Bixby is remembered for his talent, resilience, and lasting influence on television, both as an actor audiences admired and as a director who helped shape memorable series for future generations.