Bill Bixby & His Spouses: A Touching Look At His Life & Loves

02 May, 2025

Can the life of a celebrated actor be truly understood without acknowledging the profound impact of those closest to him, particularly the women who shared his life? The story of Bill Bixby, the beloved star of "The Incredible Hulk," is indelibly intertwined with the lives of the women he loved, their joys, and their devastating tragedies, a testament to the intertwined nature of public personas and private pain.

Bill Bixby, whose birth name was Wilfred Bailey Everett Bixby III, entered the world on January 22, 1934, in San Francisco. He carved a significant presence on television screens from the 1960s through the 1980s, leaving a lasting impression on audiences with his versatility as both an actor and a director. Yet, beyond the roles and the accolades, a life of remarkable achievement was shadowed by personal tragedies that shaped the narrative of his life and career. The man who brought David Banner to life, the scientist perpetually seeking to control the beast within, faced his own internal struggles, battles fought not on screen, but in the quiet corners of his personal life.

Brenda Benet, born Brenda Ann Nelson in Hollywood, was an actress in her own right, known for her roles on television soap operas like "The Young Marrieds" and "Days of Our Lives," as well as the original "Walking Tall" film. She graced the screen in three episodes of the sitcom "Hogan's Heroes." Their paths intertwined, leading to a marriage that, while ultimately ending in heartbreak, produced a son and created a chapter in Bixby's life filled with both love and loss.

Category	Details
Full Name	Wilfred Bailey Everett Bixby III
Born	January 22, 1934, San Francisco
Died	November 21, 1993, Los Angeles, California (complications from prostate cancer)
Age at Death	59
Known For	Actor and Director, best known for his role as David Banner in "The Incredible Hulk"
Spouses	Brenda Benet (married 1971, divorced 1979), Judith Kliban (married 1993)
Children	Christopher Sean Bixby (Son with Brenda Benet, died 1981)
Notable Works	The Courtship of Eddie's Father The Magician The Incredible Hulk
Awards & Recognition	Primetime Emmy Award Nomination
Career Highlights	Transitioned from comedic roles to dramatic ones, finding success in both acting and directing.
Additional Information	Bixby met Brenda Benet on the set of "The Courtship of Eddie's Father."
Reference	Wikipedia - Bill Bixby

Brenda Benet entered Bixby's life after he divorced his first wife. In 1969, Benet separated from her first husband, actor Paul Petersen, and began dating Bixby. Their romance blossomed, culminating in a marriage on July 4, 1971. This union resulted in the birth of Christopher Sean Bixby on September 25, 1974, in Los Angeles, a joyous event that brought immense happiness to both parents, who doted on their son. The couple's home became a haven of love and laughter during those early years.

However, life's complexities and challenges tested the bond, and the marriage ended in divorce in 1979. The details of their separation were a testament to the human experience, reflecting the intricacies of relationships and the difficult decisions individuals make when faced with personal growth and change. The subsequent years would bring both solace and further sorrow. The couple shared custody of Christopher, and both remained committed to their son's well-being.

Tragedy struck in March 1981, when Christopher, at the tender age of six, succumbed to a rare throat infection while on a family ski vacation. This devastating loss left an indelible mark on Bixby and Benet. The shared grief drew Bixby closer to his former wife, Cruz. In the face of such profound pain, the couple supported each other during this incredibly trying time.

Adding to the series of heartbreaks, Brenda Benet, struggling with the emotional aftermath of her son's death and the end of her marriage to Bixby, tragically took her own life in 1982. She was 37 years old. Her decision, a final act of desperation, came after the end of a romantic relationship. This event underscored the silent struggles that can exist behind the public facade. The world was stunned by the news, another harsh reminder of the hidden battles people face.

Bixby's own life journey took a turn when he met and married Judith Kliban in 1993. Their time together was cut tragically short due to his health problems. Bixby's health began to deteriorate, and he bravely battled prostate cancer. On November 21, 1993, at the age of 59, Bixby passed away in Century City, Los Angeles, California. His death marked the end of an era in television, yet his work and his memory continue to live on.

David Grove, who is presently writing the definitive biography of Bill Bixby, has described him as a man of boundless energy who craved the spotlight, yet remained guarded and private about his thoughts and feelings. This complexity is a defining characteristic of Bixby, a duality that perhaps contributed to both his success and the personal challenges he faced. The ability to channel deep emotions into a performance, while at the same time shielding his own vulnerabilities, speaks to the resilience of the human spirit. The story of Bill Bixby's life and the women who shared it is a reminder of the profound interconnectedness of human lives and the lasting impact of love, loss, and resilience.

The narrative of Bill Bixby is not just a story of artistic success; it is also a reflection on the power of personal experiences to shape public figures and influence their work. His journey, marked by triumphs and heartaches, reveals how personal struggles can deeply impact the lives of public individuals. The legacy of Bill Bixby and the women who were interwoven into his life, continues to resonate. The story serves as a reminder of the strength that can be found amidst the deepest sorrows and the lasting power of memory.

Bill Bixby's 1st Wife Divorced Him Months after His Only Son Passed

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Bill Bixby's Wives A Look at His Personal Life

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