The Legendary Bill Bixby: A Retrospective On His Brilliance

The Legendary Bill Bixby: A Retrospective On His Brilliance

Who was Bill Bixby? Bill Bixby was an American actor, director, and producer, best known for his roles as Dr. David Bruce Banner in the CBS television series The Incredible Hulk (19771982) and as Tim O'Hara in the NBC sitcom My Favorite Martian (19631966).

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 television shows and films. In 1963, he landed the role of Tim O'Hara in My Favorite Martian, which made him a household name. After My Favorite Martian ended in 1966, Bixby continued to appear in television shows and films, but it was his role as Dr. David Bruce Banner in The Incredible Hulk that made him a star.

The Incredible Hulk was a huge success, and Bixby's portrayal of the title character was praised by critics and audiences alike. The show ran for five seasons, and Bixby reprised his role in several made-for-TV movies. After The Incredible Hulk ended in 1982, Bixby continued to act, but he never achieved the same level of success as he did with The Incredible Hulk.

Bixby died of prostate cancer in Century City, California, on November 21, 1993. He was 59 years old.

Bill Bixby

The Incredible Hulk

Bill Bixby is best known for his role as Dr. David Bruce Banner in the CBS television series The Incredible Hulk (19771982). Banner was a brilliant scientist who was accidentally exposed to gamma radiation, which transformed him into the Incredible Hulk, a green-skinned, super-strong monster. Bixby's portrayal of Banner was both sympathetic and heroic, and he helped to make the character one of the most popular superheroes of all time.

My Favorite Martian

Before The Incredible Hulk, Bixby starred in the NBC sitcom My Favorite Martian (19631966). He played Tim O'Hara, a newspaper reporter who befriends an alien named Martin (Ray Walston). The show was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to make Bixby a household name.

Other Work

In addition to his work on The Incredible Hulk and My Favorite Martian, Bixby also appeared in a number of other television shows and films. He starred in the short-lived series The Courtship of Eddie's Father (19691972), and he had recurring roles on the shows The Love Boat (19771986) and Hotel (19831988). Bixby also directed several episodes of television shows, including The Incredible Hulk and Murder, She Wrote (19841996).

Bill Bixby

Bill Bixby was an American actor, director, and producer, best known for his roles as Dr. David Bruce Banner in the CBS television series The Incredible Hulk (19771982) and as Tim O'Hara in the NBC sitcom My Favorite Martian (19631966).

  • Actor: Bixby starred in a number of popular television shows and films, including The Incredible Hulk, My Favorite Martian, and The Courtship of Eddie's Father.
  • Director: Bixby directed several episodes of television shows, including The Incredible Hulk and Murder, She Wrote.
  • Producer: Bixby produced a number of television shows and films, including The Incredible Hulk and The Courtship of Eddie's Father.
  • Television Star: Bixby's role as Dr. David Bruce Banner in The Incredible Hulk made him a household name.
  • Sitcom Star: Bixby's role as Tim O'Hara in My Favorite Martian was one of his most popular roles.
  • Character Actor: Bixby often played supporting roles in films and television shows.
  • Versatile Performer: Bixby was able to play a wide range of roles, from dramatic to comedic.

Bill Bixby was a talented actor, director, and producer who made a significant contribution to the entertainment industry. He is best known for his roles as Dr. David Bruce Banner in The Incredible Hulk and as Tim O'Hara in My Favorite Martian, but he also appeared in a number of other popular television shows and films. Bixby was a versatile performer who was able to play a wide range of roles, from dramatic to comedic. He was also a talented director and producer, and he helped to create some of the most popular television shows of all time.

Personal Details and Bio Data of Bill Bixby

Birth Name William Richard Bixby
Birth Date January 22, 1934
Birth Place San Francisco, California, U.S.
Death Date November 21, 1993
Death Place Century City, California, U.S.
Occupation Actor, Director, Producer
Years Active 1962-1993
Spouse Brenda Benet (1971-1980)
Children Christopher Sean Bixby

Actor

Bill Bixby's acting career spanned over three decades, and he starred in a number of popular television shows and films. His most famous role was as Dr. David Bruce Banner in the CBS television series The Incredible Hulk (1977-1982). Bixby also starred in the NBC sitcom My Favorite Martian (1963-1966), and he had a recurring role on the CBS sitcom The Courtship of Eddie's Father (1969-1972). In addition to his work on television, Bixby also appeared in a number of films, including The Apple Dumpling Gang (1975), The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (1964), and Death Valley Days (1952-1975).

  • The Incredible Hulk

    Bill Bixby's portrayal of Dr. David Bruce Banner in The Incredible Hulk is one of his most iconic roles. Banner was a brilliant scientist who was accidentally exposed to gamma radiation, which transformed him into the Incredible Hulk, a green-skinned, super-strong monster. Bixby's portrayal of Banner was both sympathetic and heroic, and he helped to make the character one of the most popular superheroes of all time.

  • My Favorite Martian

    Before The Incredible Hulk, Bixby starred in the NBC sitcom My Favorite Martian (1963-1966). He played Tim O'Hara, a newspaper reporter who befriends an alien named Martin (Ray Walston). The show was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to make Bixby a household name.

  • The Courtship of Eddie's Father

    In addition to his work on The Incredible Hulk and My Favorite Martian, Bixby also starred in the CBS sitcom The Courtship of Eddie's Father (1969-1972). He played Tom Corbett, a widowed father who is trying to raise his young son, Eddie (Brandon Cruz). The show was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to make Bixby a household name.

Bill Bixby was a talented actor who starred in a number of popular television shows and films. His most famous roles were as Dr. David Bruce Banner in The Incredible Hulk, Tim O'Hara in My Favorite Martian, and Tom Corbett in The Courtship of Eddie's Father. Bixby's acting career spanned over three decades, and he made a significant contribution to the entertainment industry.

Director

In addition to his acting career, Bill Bixby also worked as a director. He directed several episodes of television shows, including The Incredible Hulk and Murder, She Wrote. Bixby's work as a director was praised by critics, and he was nominated for an Emmy Award for his work on The Incredible Hulk.

  • The Incredible Hulk

    Bixby directed several episodes of The Incredible Hulk, including the pilot episode. His work on the show helped to establish the look and feel of the series, and he was instrumental in shaping the character of Dr. David Bruce Banner.

  • Murder, She Wrote

    Bixby also directed several episodes of Murder, She Wrote, including the pilot episode. His work on the show helped to establish the show's signature style, and he was instrumental in shaping the character of Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury).

Bill Bixby's work as a director was significant, and he helped to shape two of the most popular television shows of all time. His work behind the camera was just as important as his work in front of the camera, and he made a significant contribution to the entertainment industry.

Producer

In addition to his acting and directing career, Bill Bixby also worked as a producer. He produced a number of television shows and films, including The Incredible Hulk and The Courtship of Eddie's Father.

Bixby's work as a producer was significant, and he played a key role in the development and success of these shows. He was involved in all aspects of production, from script development to casting to post-production. Bixby's producing credits include some of the most popular and enduring television shows of all time.

The Incredible Hulk, which Bixby also starred in, was a critical and commercial success. The show ran for five seasons and spawned several made-for-TV movies. The Courtship of Eddie's Father, which Bixby also starred in, was another critical and commercial success. The show ran for three seasons and won two Emmy Awards.

Bixby's work as a producer helped to shape the landscape of television in the 1970s and 1980s. He was a talented producer who had a keen eye for quality programming. His shows were well-written, well-acted, and well-produced. They entertained millions of viewers and helped to define a generation of television.

Television Star

Bill Bixby's role as Dr. David Bruce Banner in The Incredible Hulk was a major turning point in his career. Prior to the show, Bixby was a relatively unknown actor, but his portrayal of Banner made him a household name. The show was a critical and commercial success, and it ran for five seasons. Bixby's performance was praised by critics, and he was nominated for an Emmy Award for his work on the show.

  • The Incredible Hulk was a groundbreaking television show.

    The Incredible Hulk was one of the first television shows to feature a superhero as the main character. The show was also groundbreaking in its use of special effects. The transformation scene, in which Banner transforms into the Hulk, was particularly impressive for its time.

  • Bixby's performance was a key factor in the show's success.

    Bixby's portrayal of Banner was both sympathetic and heroic. He made the character relatable to viewers, and he helped to create a sense of empathy for the Hulk. Bixby's performance was also physically demanding, as he had to perform many of his own stunts.

  • The Incredible Hulk made Bixby a household name.

    The Incredible Hulk was a huge success, and it made Bixby a household name. The show was watched by millions of people around the world, and it helped to make Bixby one of the most popular actors of his time. Bixby's role as Banner also helped to launch his career as a director and producer.

Bill Bixby's role as Dr. David Bruce Banner in The Incredible Hulk was a major turning point in his career. The show made him a household name, and it helped to launch his career as a director and producer. Bixby's performance was a key factor in the show's success, and he will always be remembered for his iconic portrayal of the Incredible Hulk.

Sitcom Star

Bill Bixby's role as Tim O'Hara in My Favorite Martian was one of his most popular roles. The show was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to make Bixby a household name. Bixby's performance as O'Hara was charming and funny, and he helped to create a memorable character that viewers loved. My Favorite Martian was one of the first sitcoms to feature a friendly alien as a main character, and it helped to pave the way for other shows like Mork & Mindy and ALF.

Bixby's role as O'Hara also helped to launch his career as a director and producer. After My Favorite Martian ended, Bixby went on to direct and produce a number of other successful television shows, including The Incredible Hulk and The Courtship of Eddie's Father. Bixby's work as a director and producer was just as successful as his work as an actor, and he helped to create some of the most popular and enduring television shows of all time.

Bill Bixby was a talented actor, director, and producer who made a significant contribution to the entertainment industry. His role as Tim O'Hara in My Favorite Martian was one of his most popular roles, and it helped to launch his career as a director and producer. Bixby's work as an actor, director, and producer helped to shape the landscape of television in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, and he will always be remembered for his iconic roles in My Favorite Martian and The Incredible Hulk.

Character Actor

Bill Bixby was a versatile actor who was able to play a wide range of roles, from leading roles to supporting roles. He often played supporting roles in films and television shows, and he was always able to bring a sense of depth and realism to his characters.

  • Early Career

    Bixby began his career in the early 1960s, and he quickly established himself as a talented character actor. He appeared in a number of popular television shows, including The Twilight Zone, The Untouchables, and Perry Mason. Bixby also appeared in a number of films, including Ride the High Country (1962) and Irma la Douce (1963).

  • Supporting Roles

    Throughout his career, Bixby continued to play a number of supporting roles in films and television shows. He often played the role of the friend, the mentor, or the father figure. Bixby was always able to bring a sense of warmth and humanity to his supporting roles, and he helped to make these characters memorable.

  • My Favorite Martian

    One of Bixby's most famous supporting roles was in the sitcom My Favorite Martian. Bixby played the role of Tim O'Hara, a newspaper reporter who befriends an alien named Martin (Ray Walston). My Favorite Martian was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to make Bixby a household name.

  • The Incredible Hulk

    Bixby is perhaps best known for his role as Dr. David Bruce Banner in the CBS television series The Incredible Hulk. Bixby played the role of Banner, a brilliant scientist who is accidentally exposed to gamma radiation, which transforms him into the Incredible Hulk, a green-skinned, super-strong monster. The Incredible Hulk was a huge success, and it made Bixby a household name.

Bill Bixby was a talented actor who was able to play a wide range of roles, from leading roles to supporting roles. He often played supporting roles in films and television shows, and he was always able to bring a sense of depth and realism to his characters. Bixby's supporting roles helped to make him a household name, and he will always be remembered for his iconic roles in My Favorite Martian and The Incredible Hulk.

Versatile Performer

Bill Bixby was a versatile actor who was able to play a wide range of roles, from dramatic to comedic. This versatility was evident in his work on both television and film, and it helped him to become one of the most popular actors of his generation.

  • Breadth of Work

    Bixby's filmography includes a wide range of roles, from the dramatic (The Courtship of Eddie's Father) to the comedic (My Favorite Martian). He was also able to play both leading and supporting roles, and he was always able to bring a sense of depth and realism to his characters.

  • Critical Acclaim

    Bixby's performances were often praised by critics. He was nominated for an Emmy Award for his work on The Incredible Hulk, and he won a Golden Globe Award for his work on My Favorite Martian.

  • Audience Appeal

    Bixby's films and television shows were always popular with audiences. He was able to connect with viewers of all ages, and he helped to make his shows some of the most popular of their time.

  • Legacy

    Bixby's legacy as a versatile performer is secure. He is remembered for his iconic roles in The Incredible Hulk and My Favorite Martian, but he also appeared in a wide range of other films and television shows. Bixby's work helped to shape the landscape of television and film in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, and he will always be remembered as one of the most talented actors of his generation.

Bill Bixby's versatility as a performer was one of his greatest strengths. He was able to play a wide range of roles, from dramatic to comedic, and he always brought a sense of depth and realism to his characters. Bixby's work helped to shape the landscape of television and film in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, and he will always be remembered as one of the most talented actors of his generation.

Bill Bixby FAQs

This section answers some of the most frequently asked questions about Bill Bixby, an American actor, director, and producer best known for his roles as Dr. David Bruce Banner in The Incredible Hulk and as Tim O'Hara in My Favorite Martian.

Question 1: What was Bill Bixby's most famous role?


Bill Bixby is best known for his role as Dr. David Bruce Banner in the CBS television series The Incredible Hulk (1977-1982). In this role, Bixby portrayed a brilliant scientist who, after being exposed to gamma radiation, transforms into the Incredible Hulk, a green-skinned, super-strong monster.

Question 2: What other notable roles did Bill Bixby have?


In addition to his iconic role as Dr. David Bruce Banner, Bill Bixby also had several other notable roles. He starred as Tim O'Hara, a newspaper reporter who befriends an alien named Martin, in the NBC sitcom My Favorite Martian (1963-1966). Bixby also played Tom Corbett, a widowed father who is trying to raise his young son, Eddie, in the CBS sitcom The Courtship of Eddie's Father (1969-1972).

Question 3: What was Bill Bixby's cause of death?


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

Question 4: What was Bill Bixby's legacy?


Bill Bixby's legacy is that of a talented actor, director, and producer who made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. He is remembered for his iconic roles in The Incredible Hulk and My Favorite Martian, as well as his work on other popular television shows and films. Bixby's work helped to shape the landscape of television and film in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.

Bill Bixby was a talented performer who brought a sense of depth and realism to his roles. He was a versatile actor who was able to play a wide range of characters, from dramatic to comedic. Bixby's work entertained millions of viewers around the world, and he will always be remembered as one of the most popular actors of his generation.

Bill Bixby

Bill Bixby was a talented actor, director, and producer who made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. He is best known for his iconic roles as Dr. David Bruce Banner in The Incredible Hulk and as Tim O'Hara in My Favorite Martian, but he also appeared in a wide range of other films and television shows.

Bixby was a versatile performer who was able to play a wide range of roles, from dramatic to comedic. He brought a sense of depth and realism to all of his characters, and he was able to connect with viewers of all ages. Bixby's work helped to shape the landscape of television and film in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, and he will always be remembered as one of the most popular actors of his generation.

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