Yet for most fans, his defining role remained Dr. David Banner in The Incredible Hulk (1978–1982). Bixby even returned to the character in three made-for-TV movies, directing two of them—The Trial of the Incredible Hulk and The Death of the Incredible Hulk. His work extended to guest appearances on shows like Fantasy Island and Murder, She Wrote, proving his range went far beyond a single iconic role.

Personal Tragedy

Behind the scenes, Bixby endured heartbreak that would have shattered many. He divorced his first wife, actress Brenda Benet, in 1980. A year later, their six-year-old son, Christopher, tragically passed from a rare throat infection. In 1982, Benet herself died by suicide. Despite these immense losses, Bixby remained dedicated to his craft and eventually focused more on directing, contributing to series like Goodnight, Beantown, Sledge Hammer!, and later Blossom.

Though Hollywood often labeled him one of the most eligible bachelors in the 1970s, Bixby remained guarded about fame and the social scene. He once reflected:

“I’m a very private person. I rarely go to cocktail parties because I can’t stand the idle chatter of drunks. My weekends are spent at Malibu. I take a lady and go to the beach, enjoy the beauty of the beach and the lady.”

He eventually married Laura Michaels in 1990, divorced in 1991, and was diagnosed with prostate cancer that same year. Open about his illness, he hoped to inspire others to seek medical attention, quietly wishing: