Marvelous Performances: Bill Bixby's Legacy On-Screen

Who was 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 sitcom 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 1977, he was cast as Dr. David Banner in The Incredible Hulk. The series was a critical and commercial success, and Bixby became a household name. He played the role for five seasons, and reprised it in several television movies.

In addition to his work on The Incredible Hulk, Bixby also directed and produced several films and television shows. He directed the 1980 film The Apple, and produced the 1984 television series The Wizard.

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

Personal Details:

Main Article Topics:

• Early life and career
• The Incredible Hulk
• Later career
• Death and legacy

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 sitcom My Favorite Martian. Bixby's career spanned over three decades, and he appeared in over 100 films and television shows.

• Actor
• Director
• Producer
• The Incredible Hulk
• My Favorite Martian
• Prostate cancer
• 59 years old
• Legacy

Bixby's most famous role was as Dr. David Banner in The Incredible Hulk. The series was a critical and commercial success, and Bixby became a household name. He played the role for five seasons, and reprised it in several television movies. Bixby also directed and produced several films and television shows, including the 1980 film The Apple and the 1984 television series The Wizard.

Bixby died of prostate cancer in 1993 at the age of 59. He left behind a legacy of work that continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.

1. Actor

Bill Bixby was an American actor. 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 sitcom My Favorite Martian. Bixby's career spanned over three decades, and he appeared in over 100 films and television shows.

As an actor, Bixby was known for his versatility and his ability to play a wide range of roles. He was equally adept at comedy and drama, and he could play both leading and supporting roles. Bixby's most famous role was as Dr. David Banner in The Incredible Hulk. The series was a critical and commercial success, and Bixby became a household name. He played the role for five seasons, and reprised it in several television movies.

Bixby's work as an actor had a profound impact on popular culture. He helped to define the superhero genre, and his portrayal of Dr. David Banner is still considered one of the best. Bixby's work also helped to break down stereotypes about actors with disabilities. He was one of the first actors to play a leading role on television with a visible disability, and his work helped to pave the way for other actors with disabilities.

2. Director

Bill Bixby was also a director, and he directed several films and television shows throughout his career. His most notable directorial work includes the 1980 film The Apple and the 1984 television series The Wizard.

Bixby's work as a director was often praised for its sensitivity and its attention to detail. He was particularly adept at directing actors, and he was able to draw out strong performances from his cast. Bixby's work as a director also helped to shape the careers of several young actors, including Emilio Estevez and Rob Lowe.

Bixby's work as a director is a testament to his versatility and his talent as a filmmaker. He was able to successfully transition from acting to directing, and he was able to achieve success in both fields. Bixby's work as a director is a valuable contribution to the film and television industry, and it continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.

3. Producer

Bill Bixby was also a producer, and he produced several films and television shows throughout his career. His most notable producerial work includes the 1980 film The Apple and the 1984 television series The Wizard.

• The Incredible Hulk
  

  Bixby was the executive producer of The Incredible Hulk, and he was heavily involved in the show's development and production. He worked closely with the writers and directors to ensure that the show was faithful to the original comic book series and that it was also accessible to a mainstream audience.

• The Apple
  

  Bixby produced and directed The Apple, a science fiction film about a group of teenagers who become addicted to a new drug that gives them superhuman abilities. The film was a critical and commercial failure, but it has since gained a cult following.

• The Wizard
  

  Bixby produced and directed The Wizard, a fantasy film about a young boy who travels to a magical land to find a wizard who can help him find his way home. The film was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to launch the careers of several young actors, including Emilio Estevez and Rob Lowe.

• Other work
  

  Bixby also produced several other films and television shows, including the 1983 film Murder in Coweta County and the 1987 television series The Equalizer.

Bixby's work as a producer was often praised for its quality and its attention to detail. He was able to successfully produce a wide range of films and television shows, and he was able to work with a variety of talented actors and directors. Bixby's work as a producer is a valuable contribution to the film and television industry, and it continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.

4. The Incredible Hulk

The Incredible Hulk is an American television series based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. The series follows the life of Dr. David Banner, a scientist who is accidentally exposed to gamma radiation and becomes a giant, green, rage-filled monster whenever he gets angry or excited. Bill Bixby played the role of Dr. David Banner in the series.

• Casting
  

  Bill Bixby was cast as Dr. David Banner in The Incredible Hulk because of his ability to play both the mild-mannered scientist and the rage-filled monster. Bixby's performance was praised by critics and fans alike, and he became synonymous with the role.

• Characterization
  

  Bixby's portrayal of Dr. David Banner was complex and nuanced. He portrayed Banner as a intelligent, compassionate man who was struggling to control his inner rage. Bixby's performance helped to make the character of Dr. David Banner relatable and sympathetic to audiences.

• Cultural impact
  

  The Incredible Hulk was a cultural phenomenon in the 1970s and 1980s. The series was one of the first successful superhero television shows, and it helped to popularize the Marvel Comics characters. Bill Bixby's portrayal of Dr. David Banner helped to make the character of the Hulk one of the most iconic superheroes in the world.

• Legacy
  

  Bill Bixby's portrayal of Dr. David Banner in The Incredible Hulk is still considered one of the best performances in television history. Bixby's work helped to define the character of the Hulk, and it continues to inspire actors and filmmakers today.

The Incredible Hulk is a significant part of Bill Bixby's legacy. His performance as Dr. David Banner helped to make the series a success, and it cemented his status as one of the most iconic actors of his generation.

5. My Favorite Martian

My Favorite Martian is an American sitcom that aired on CBS from 1963 to 1966. The series follows the adventures of Tim O'Hara (Bill Bixby), a newspaper reporter who befriends an alien named Martin (Ray Walston) who is stranded on Earth.

Bill Bixby's role in My Favorite Martian was a major breakthrough in his career. Prior to the series, Bixby had appeared in several small roles in films and television shows, but it was his portrayal of Tim O'Hara that made him a household name. Bixby's comedic timing and chemistry with Walston were key to the success of the series.

My Favorite Martian was a popular and critical success, and it helped to launch Bixby's career as a leading man. The series also helped to popularize the science fiction genre on television, and it is still considered one of the best sitcoms of all time.

Bixby's role in My Favorite Martian is significant for several reasons. First, it helped to establish him as a versatile actor who could play both comedic and dramatic roles. Second, it helped to popularize the science fiction genre on television. Third, it helped to launch Bixby's career as a leading man.

6. Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate gland, a small gland in men that produces seminal fluid. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States, and it is the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States.

Bill Bixby was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1991. He underwent surgery to remove the cancerous prostate gland, but the cancer returned in 1993. Bixby died of prostate cancer in 1993 at the age of 59.

Bixby's death from prostate cancer highlights the importance of early detection and treatment of this disease. Prostate cancer is often curable if it is detected and treated early. However, if prostate cancer is not detected and treated early, it can spread to other parts of the body and become more difficult to treat.

If you are a man over the age of 50, you should talk to your doctor about getting a prostate cancer screening. A prostate cancer screening is a simple blood test that can help to detect prostate cancer early.

7. 59 years old

Bill Bixby died at the age of 59 from prostate cancer. His death at a relatively young age highlights the importance of early detection and treatment of this disease.

• Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States.
  

  Prostate cancer is a serious disease, but it is often curable if it is detected and treated early. However, if prostate cancer is not detected and treated early, it can spread to other parts of the body and become more difficult to treat.

• Prostate cancer screening is important for early detection.
  

  Prostate cancer screening is a simple blood test that can help to detect prostate cancer early. Men over the age of 50 should talk to their doctor about getting a prostate cancer screening.

• Early detection and treatment of prostate cancer is crucial.
  

  If prostate cancer is detected early, it is often curable. However, if prostate cancer is not detected and treated early, it can spread to other parts of the body and become more difficult to treat.

• Bill Bixby's death from prostate cancer is a reminder of the importance of early detection and treatment.
  

  Bill Bixby's death from prostate cancer at the age of 59 is a reminder of the importance of early detection and treatment of this disease. Men over the age of 50 should talk to their doctor about getting a prostate cancer screening.

Prostate cancer is a serious disease, but it is often curable if it is detected and treated early. Men over the age of 50 should talk to their doctor about getting a prostate cancer screening.

8. Legacy

Bill Bixby's legacy is complex and multifaceted. He is best known for his roles as Dr. David Banner in The Incredible Hulk and as Tim O'Hara in My Favorite Martian, but he also had a successful career as a director and producer. Bixby's work has had a profound impact on popular culture, and he is remembered as one of the most iconic actors of his generation.

• The Incredible Hulk
  

  Bixby's portrayal of Dr. David Banner in The Incredible Hulk is one of the most iconic performances in television history. Bixby's ability to play both the mild-mannered scientist and the rage-filled monster made the character of the Hulk relatable and sympathetic to audiences. The Incredible Hulk was a cultural phenomenon in the 1970s and 1980s, and it helped to popularize the Marvel Comics characters.

• My Favorite Martian
  

  Bixby's role in My Favorite Martian was a major breakthrough in his career. Prior to the series, Bixby had appeared in several small roles in films and television shows, but it was his portrayal of Tim O'Hara that made him a household name. Bixby's comedic timing and chemistry with Ray Walston were key to the success of the series. My Favorite Martian was a popular and critical success, and it helped to launch Bixby's career as a leading man.

• Directing and producing
  

  Bixby also had a successful career as a director and producer. He directed several films and television shows, including The Apple and The Wizard. Bixby's work as a director was often praised for its quality and its attention to detail. He was able to successfully produce a wide range of films and television shows, and he was able to work with a variety of talented actors and directors.

• Cultural impact
  

  Bill Bixby's work has had a profound impact on popular culture. He helped to popularize the superhero genre on television, and he helped to launch the careers of several young actors. Bixby's work is still enjoyed by fans around the world, and he is remembered as one of the most iconic actors of his generation.

Bill Bixby's legacy is one of creativity, versatility, and talent. He was a gifted actor, director, and producer, and his work has had a lasting impact on popular culture. Bixby's work is a testament to his talent and his dedication to his craft, and he will continue to be remembered as one of the most iconic actors of his generation.

Bill Bixby FAQs

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Bill Bixby, an American actor, director, and producer.

Question 1: What is Bill Bixby best known for?

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 sitcom My Favorite Martian.

Question 2: When was Bill Bixby born?

Bill Bixby was born on January 22, 1934, in San Francisco, California.

Question 3: When did Bill Bixby die?

Bill Bixby died on November 21, 1993, in Century City, California, at the age of 59.

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

Bill Bixby died of prostate cancer.

Question 5: What other notable roles did Bill Bixby have?

In addition to his roles in The Incredible Hulk and My Favorite Martian, Bill Bixby also had notable roles in the films Lonely Are the Brave (1962), Irma la Douce (1963), and The Apple (1980). He also directed several films and television shows, including The Apple and The Wizard (1984).

Summary: Bill Bixby was a talented actor, director, and producer who made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. He is best known for his roles in The Incredible Hulk and My Favorite Martian, but he also had a successful career in film and television.

Transition to the next article section: Bill Bixby's legacy continues to inspire actors and filmmakers today.

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 roles in The Incredible Hulk and My Favorite Martian, but he also had a successful career in film and television.

Bixby's work was characterized by his versatility and his ability to play a wide range of roles. He was equally adept at comedy and drama, and he could play both leading and supporting roles. Bixby's work also helped to break down stereotypes about actors with disabilities. He was one of the first actors to play a leading role on television with a visible disability, and his work helped to pave the way for other actors with disabilities.