Actor-director Bill Bixby, 59, superdad in TV's "The Courtship of Eddie's Father" and scientist-hero of "The Incredible Hulk" vidseries, died Sunday at his home in Century City after a long bout . ''They are absolutely sure at this point'' that she committed suicide, Officer Jones said. Brenda Benet, Actress, Called Suicide Victim, https://www.nytimes.com/1982/04/09/obituaries/brenda-benet-actress-called-suicide-victim.html. Advertisement The executive producer of "Days of our Lives," Al Rabin described Brenda as a "wonderful, warm and caring person." A few months later, in March 1981, six-year-old Christopher died while on a skiing vacation at Mammoth Lakes with Benet. Bill Bixby made a name for himself in the show business industry before passing away a peaceful death due to prostate cancer. Tragedy touched Mr. Bixby's life before: In March 1981, his 6-year-old son, Christopher, died of a throat infection. Jan. 17 (UPI) -- A 13-year-old Maine boy broke a Guinness World Record by assembling the 11,695-piece Lego World Map in 9 hours, 14 minutes and 49 seconds. What stage cancer did Bill Bixby have? Bixby died at 3:33 p.m. with his wife, Judith Kliban-Bixby, at his bedside, said Pamela Golum, spokeswoman for Blossom.. Bixby's first marriage was to Brenda, with whom he welcomed his only son, Christopher, on September 25, 1974. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. After years of being an actor and moving to direct, Bixby was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which he made known to the public who supported his battle. He made his first debut in "The Many Loves of Dobie Girls," followed by "The Joey Bishop Show," where he became a semi-regular cast. Kenneth Johnson, the creator, director, and writer, said that Bixby was his only choice to play the part. Future star Loni Anderson also guest-starred with Bixby during the first season. Everybody was real quiet and he looked around and said, Hey, we have a job to do. He then moved to Hollywood, California, where he had a string of odd jobs that included bellhop and lifeguard. Bill Paxton died of a stroke triggered by valve replacement surgery, documents posted by TMZ . Check out our deep dive into the ups and downs of Bixbys Life: For more of these throwback videos, check out our YouTube Channel! Glen Varner said. | Source: Getty Images. Starbuck. From 1963-66 he starred in the CBS sitcom My Favorite Martian, followed three years later by ABCs The Courtship of Eddies Father, 1969-72. Bill Bixby had an amazing body of work, not only Courtship of Eddie's Father, but My Favorite Martian, The Magician, The Incredible Hulk, and so many other things, as an actor, as a director and he never got an Emmy. In March 1981, Bixby's 6-year-old son, Christopher, contracted a throat infection while on a ski vacation. All Rights Reserved. In one notable incident, he shot the bishop using a slingshot during a service and was kicked out of the choir. A native of San Francisco, Mr. Bixby attended San Francisco City College and studied speech and philosophy at the University of California at Berkeley. His first tv role was on the 1961 tv series, The Joey Bishop Show. With the loss of his son, Bixby felt intense anger, much of which he directed at Benet. Instead, he relapsed into a coma and cardiac arrest before closing his eyes for the last time a few hours after surgery. Bixby later executive-produced and reprised the role in three television movies The Incredible Hulk Returns, The Trial of the Incredible Hulk, and The Death of the Incredible Hulk the last two of which he also directed, and the first of which he has been said to have unofficially co-directed.[19]. To preserve these articles as they originally appeared, The Times does not alter, edit or update them. She gave birth to their son Christopher on September 25, 1974. Immediately after he checked into the facility, surgeons diagnosed him with severe epiglottitis, and a few hours later, he went under the knife. Bixby, who did not accompany his wife and child on the trip, was in Los Angeles at the time of his son's death, Halpern said. Copyright 2023 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. [17] Although, reportedly, when Bixby was offered the role, he declined it until he read the script and discussed it with Johnson. On April 7, 1982, she died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at her home in Los Angeles. Bixby became a popular game-show panelist, appearing mostly on Password and The Hollywood Squares. Bixby's career spanned more than three decades, including appearances on stage, in films, and on television series. He was also someone who had so much energy and intensity that it was sometimes overwhelming., He points to Bixbys parents in explanation for at least part of the way that he was, particularly his mother. However, the couple only had a few weeks together before he died on November 21, 1993. Actor Bill Bixby and Laura Michael attends Women in Film Festival Gala on October 28, 1990 at Director's Guild Theater in Hollywood, California. After a stint in the 1973-74 NBC series "The Magician," he starred in the comic book-based series "The Incredible Hulk," which ran from 1978-82 on CBS. As crazy as his private life might have been, publicly and professionally he was pretty much a goodie goodie., In that video interview with Entertainment Tonight mentioned by Grove,Bill himself commented on his own legacy, stating, I would hope that Ive left behind something that would lead to goodwill, and then my life would have been worth something.. Bixby was nominated for the Emmy Award for Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 1971. The series, which was cancelled after only two seasons, consists of short biographies of famous people throughout history. The cause was prostate cancer, said Pamela Golum, a spokeswoman for the NBC-TV show "Blossom." Mr. Bixby, the show's director, was on the job until last week. news.AmoMama.com does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. She decided to become an actress, as she dreamt of becoming a performer as a child, and landed her first role as Jill McComb in the 1964 series The Young Marrieds.. Suggests Johnson, His determination to keep working right up through the pain and suffering that he went through with the prostate cancer was a testament to the kind of guy he was, and the kind of spirit Bill always had to do his very best work, and give the very most he could back to the people he was with., I found it troubling that Bill would feel that he wanted to work, Grove says. BIXBY'S LAST DAYS On November 15, days before his death, Bixby grew weak while directing the series "Blossom" in L.A. Bill Bixby's 1st Wife Divorced Him Months after His Only Son Passed - His 2nd Wife Left Him at His Weakest By Oyin Balogun Jun 05, 2022 03:30 A.M. Bill Bixby was always the man of the hour whenever he appeared on the big screens, thrilling fans with his quality acting. Bixby was devastated by all of this, but nonetheless once again embraced work, which at that time was primarily the television series version of Marvel Comics' The Incredible Hulk. She began a relationship with Bill Bixby and moved in with him in 1969, and they married in 1971. He became a highly regarded character actor and guest-starred in many television series, including Ben Casey, The Twilight Zone, The Andy Griffith Show, Dr. Kildare, Straightaway, and Hennesey. Her mother paid for these lessons by taking jobs cleaning and sewing. Bixby died at 3:33 p.m. with his wife, Judith Kliban-Bixby, at his bedside, said Pamela Golum, spokeswoman for "Blossom." He had already been fighting cancer for a year. How much is Adam West Worth? They married a year later in Hawaii. However, through the accounts from co-workers and friends, like Brandon Cruz, it is easier to believe that Bixby never wished death on anyone. Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider. Born in San Francisco in 1934, Bixby landed his first role in a stanza of The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, and made appearances on The Danny Thomas Show ,The Andy Griffith Show and J.J. Upon the death of Bill's real-life father in 1971, Cruz stated, "He had that type of mentality that the show must go on, thinking it was just a great TV show, after he broke down weeping. Following a run in NBCs 1973-74 series The Magician, actor starred from 1978-82 in CBS comic-book-based The Incredible Hulk, in which he played mild Dr. David Banner, researcher who through a freak lab accident changed when angry into a huge, green monster, played by weightlifter Lou Ferrigno. Jan. 17 (UPI) -- Firefighters in Florida came to the rescue of a seagull spotted entangled in string and dangling from a utility pole. ", Bixby decided to focus on directing in 1983, when he worked on "Wizard and Warriors," "Goodnight, Beantown," and "Sledge Hammer. Bixby was devastated by all of this, but nonetheless once again embraced work, which at that time was primarily the television series version of Marvel Comics' The Incredible Hulk. It was believed that this and her divorce from Bixby were the events which caused Brenda's life to spin out of control. Bill's talent would take a couple of blocks of stars compared to them. In 1969, Bixby starred in his second high-profile television role, as Tom Corbett in The Courtship of Eddie's Father, a comedy drama on ABC. TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. ", Bill Bixby as Tony Blake from the television program The Magician in 1973. Months before his demise, Bixby started dating Judith Kliban, whom he later wed, following his first wife, Brenda Benet. On November 21, 1993, seven days after his final assignment on Blossom, Bixby died of complications from prostate cancer in Century City, Los Angeles. Bixby met Laura Michaels, who had worked on the set of one of his Hulk movies, in 1989. Then, in early 1991 he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and began treatments. Bixby left behind a rich legacy and big shoes to fill after his death, even though he never had another child with Kliban. From 1986 to 1987, he hosted the syndicated weekday anthology series True Confessions. Bixby directed two episodes of The Oregon Trail. Bill Bixby/Sons They were married in 1971, and she gave birth to their son, Christopher, in September 1974. -- The 6-year-old son of 'Incredible Hulk' television series star Bill Bixby died of a rare childhood illness during a weekend ski trip, a studio spokesman said Tuesday. She was so effusive, such a quick wit. Sadly, six years later, while Christopher was on a weekend ski trip in Mammoth ski resort, he died. He is survived by his second wife, Judith Kliban, whom he married on Oct. 3. In late 1992, friends introduced Bixby to the artist Judith Kliban, widow of the cartoonist B. Kliban. Always ready and prepared, always eager to do his very best in front of the camera. He is survived by Kliban-Bixby. He appeared on Broadway in "Under the Yum Yum Tree" in 1964 and "The Paisley Convertible" in 1967. Bixby passed away in 1993 at age 59 from prostate cancer. In a retrospective on The Incredible Hulk, Glenn Greenberg declared Bixby's performance to be the series's "foremost" strength, elaborating that he "masterfully conveyed the profound loneliness and tragedy of Dr. Bill Bixby and his wife at the time, Brenda Benet, had one son, Christopher. The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. See the article in its original context from. She, much like Bill, went through a tragedy herself. | Source: Wikimedia Commons. Bill wasn't the first actor to portray a single widowed father, but he became one of the popular ones, because of his easy-going way of this crazy little kid." There are people who have stars that, not to be blunt, but I wouldn't bother spitting on their stars. He was so wonderful. At the same time, privacy was very important to him and he tended not to expose parts of his inner self. | Source: Getty Images. Known for playing the likable Everyman, Bixby in recent years spent most of his time behind the cameras, directing for TV. According to Kenneth Johnson, the creator of Marvel's TV version of "The Incredible Hulk": "My personal impression of Bix was that he was a very professional, friendly, accessible guy that never changed. - IMDb Mini Biography By: With Blossom being his last job before he died, I dont think most of us would hope that our lives would end that way. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. He ensured that by naming his child after his great friend. Variety is a part of Penske Media Corporation. They got married in 1971 and then, in September 1974, she gave birth to their son Christopher Sean. Bill Bixby appearing in the Walt Disney Television. Bixby starred in the role of Dr. David Banner in the pilot movie, The Incredible Hulk, based on the Stan Lee and Jack Kirby Marvel characters. [24] Benet committed suicide the following year.[25]. She was a character, but its that stereotypical dynamic we see in many people; I dont think they said I love you much. Eddie was played by novice actor Brandon Cruz. He also directed several episodes of ABC's "Rich Man, Poor Man" in the 1970s. [9][10][11][12][13], Later, he attended the University of California, Berkeley, his parents' alma mater, and left just a few credits short of earning a degree. Valerie Perrine and Bill Bixby appearing in the Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images TV movie 'The Couple Takes a Wife'. Emmy-winning actor reportedly died due to complications from surgery. | Source: Getty Images. After that, he worked steadily in television and occasionally in films, including "Irma La Douce," "The Apple Dumpling Gang" and "Lonely Are the Brave." Months before his demise, Bixby started dating Judith Kliban, whom he later wed, following his first wife, Brenda Benet. Kenneth Johnson, the creator and executive producer of the series which featured Bixby as Dr. David Banner and Lou Ferrigno as his alter ego, the Hulk reflects, I was with Bill through most of his most difficult and traumatic experiences, including his very bitter divorce and the sudden, startling death of his son, Christopher. We believe that every person's story is important as it provides our community with an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, share their hopes and dreams. She was graduated from South Gate High School, attended Los Angeles City College and later studied at the University of California at Los Angeles, majoring in languages. revolver into her mouth and pulled the trigger. He organized shows at a resort in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and in 1959 was hired to work as a model and to do commercial work for General Motors and Chrysler. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! | Source: Wikimedia Commons. The following year, he won the Parents Without Partners Exemplary Service Award for 1972. Bixby was away in Los Angeles while his family went on the trip. William Bixby, actor: born San Francisco 22 January 1934; married Brenda Benet(died 1982; one son deceased), 1993 Judith Klivan; died Los Angeles 21 November 1993. Australian woman breaks archery world record using her feet. His co-stars noticed it, as well as his first wife, Brenda, who also accepted his behavior. He was 59. Bixby, a San Francisco native, served in the US Marine Corps Reserve during the Korean War and later worked as a lifeguard in Detroit, where he met an advertising executive who offered him a job. The executive producer of Days of our Lives, Al Rabin described Brenda as a wonderful, warm and caring person. Her character, Lee Dumonde, got created to stir up some trouble in Doug and Julies marriage, Baker from NBC said and added, Brenda was voted the second most hated person in television.. Christopher was born Sept. 25, 1974 and attended school in Los Angeles. He also joined the cast of The Joey Bishop Show in 1962. Because of this, she felt that she did not fit in with her family, and often fantasized about being adopted.Brenda attended UCLA for a brief time, majoring in languages. [2][3], An only child, Bixby was born Wilfred Bailey Everett Bixby III, a fourth-generation Californian of English descent, on January 22, 1934, in San Francisco, California. Funeral plans are pending. Cruz believed that the actor's legacy would carry on despite Bixby's untimely death. Bixby was 59 years old. In 1963, he played a sailor with a Napoleon tattoo in the movie Irma La Douce, a romantic comedy starring Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine, directed by Billy Wilder based on the 1956 French musical. Prior to Bixby's promotion to director, Brandon said, "He was looking for the best dolly grip, along with the boom operator that if something was called specifically and failed, Bill could be easily angry." Horse spotted riding in the back seat during McDonald's drive-through run. Bixby directed one episode of the series, "Bring Me the Head of the Hulk", in 1980 (original airdate: January 9, 1981). And I really thought I was going to die that night," Mr. Bixby told the syndicated show "Entertainment Tonight. Bill Bixby; Died: November 21, 1993 (aged 59) Century City, Los Angeles, U.S. Alma mater: University of California, Berkeley: . The child was on a weekend trip to Mammoth Lakes, a Sierra ski resort, with his mother. He was 59. Whatever Happened to Bill Bixby and the Cast of The Courtship of Eddies Father? But he did not live long enough to enjoy his newfound love. Directing Blossom didnt accomplish anything in terms of his legacy. 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