Who Was Bill Bixby's Wife? A Look Back At His Marriages

Jayne Graham 19 Aug 2025

For many people, the name Bill Bixby brings to mind a kind face, a calming presence, and, of course, the unforgettable transformation into the Hulk. He was, in a way, a familiar presence on television screens for years, really. Yet, beyond the roles he played, there's often a curiosity about the personal lives of beloved figures like him. People often wonder about the people who shared their journeys, their partners through life's ups and downs.

It's quite natural, actually, to feel a connection to actors who brought so much to our homes. We see them, you know, as part of our own stories, in some respects. That feeling of familiarity often leads us to ask about the people who were closest to them, like, say, their spouses.

This article aims to shed some light on Bill Bixby's personal life, particularly focusing on the women he married. We'll explore the details of these relationships, offering a glimpse into the private side of a public figure, just a little. It's about remembering the man behind the characters, and the connections he made.

Bill Bixby: A Brief Life Story
Personal Details and Bio Data
The First Marriage: Brenda Benet
The Second Marriage: Judith Kliban
- A Later Connection
- A Brief Union
Remembering Bill Bixby
Frequently Asked Questions About Bill Bixby's Wives

Bill Bixby: A Brief Life Story

Bill Bixby, as many remember, was a truly gifted American actor. He was also, in fact, a director and a producer. His presence on screen was, you know, quite memorable, whether he was acting in dramatic roles or, perhaps, showing his quick wit as a panelist on game shows. He had a way of connecting with people, you see.

He starred in several television shows that became, you know, really popular. Many people recall him from 'The Courtship of Eddie's Father,' where he played a loving father figure. But, of course, for a whole generation, he's best known as Dr. David Banner in 'The Incredible Hulk.' In that show, he was the calm, thoughtful doctor whose emotions, his stress level, would, in a way, bring out his savage alter ego, the Hulk, played by Lou Ferrigno. It was a powerful performance, very.

His work left a lasting impression, that's for sure. Even though it's been nearly three decades since Bill Bixby passed away, memories of the man who brought the Hulk to life have, you know, stuck with those who admired his contributions to entertainment. He was, in a sense, an enigma, someone who left us wanting to know more about his life, too it's almost.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Here's a quick look at some key details about Bill Bixby's life, just a little information for those curious about his background.

Full Name	Wilfred Bailey Everett Bixby
Occupation	Actor, Director, Producer
Notable Roles	Dr. David Banner (The Incredible Hulk), Tom Corbett (The Courtship of Eddie's Father)
First Marriage	Brenda Benet (1971)
Second Marriage	Judith Kliban (1993)
Child	Christopher Sean Bixby
Date of Death	November 21, 1993
Cause of Death	Prostate Cancer

The First Marriage: Brenda Benet

Bill Bixby's first marriage was to the actress Brenda Benet. Their relationship began, you know, some time before they actually tied the knot. It was a significant part of his life, and, in a way, shaped his personal journey for several years.

A Relationship Begins

Brenda Benet had been married before, to a person named Petersen. However, in 1969, she decided to leave Petersen for Bill Bixby. This was, you know, a new chapter for her, and for him too. They began a relationship, and she moved in with him that very year, which was, arguably, a big step for both of them at the time. It shows a certain commitment, you see, even before the formal vows.

Their connection deepened over the next couple of years. Once her divorce from Petersen was, you know, completely finalized, Brenda Benet and Bill Bixby decided to make their commitment official. This led to their wedding, which was, actually, a moment many fans might have been curious about, given his growing fame.

Marriage and Family

Bill Bixby and Brenda Benet exchanged vows and were married in 1971. This marked the beginning of their life together as husband and wife. It was, in some respects, a happy time for the couple, as they built a shared life.

A few years into their marriage, their family grew. The couple welcomed a child, a son named Christopher Sean. He was born in September of 1974. This was, you know, a truly special moment for them, bringing new joys and responsibilities into their lives. Having a child changes everything, as many parents would say, and it certainly brought a new dimension to their relationship, very.

The End of a Chapter

However, like many relationships, theirs faced challenges. By the late 1970s, their marriage had, sadly, come to an end. They were divorced, which meant a significant change in their lives. The actress, Miss Benet, who had been married to Bill Bixby, the star of 'The Incredible Hulk,' found herself divorced about a year before a particular point in time, according to some accounts. It was, arguably, a difficult period for both of them, and for their young son.

Their split was, in a way, a private matter, but it was also part of the public record for a well-known actor like Bill Bixby. This first marriage, with its beginnings, the birth of their child, and its eventual conclusion, played a very real part in the story of Bill Bixby's life, you know, as a person, not just a performer. To learn more about Bill Bixby's career on our site, you can visit that page.

The Second Marriage: Judith Kliban

Years after his first marriage ended, Bill Bixby found love again. His second wife was Judith Kliban. This relationship came much later in his life, and, as a matter of fact, it was a very different kind of union, marked by circumstances that were, you know, quite poignant.

A Later Connection

Judith Kliban was, in fact, the wife of Bill Bixby. She had a connection to the art world, too it's almost, being an associate of the well-known cat cartoonist B. Kliban. This detail offers a small glimpse into her background and perhaps some of the interests she shared with Bill Bixby. Their paths crossed, and a bond formed, leading them to decide to marry, which was, arguably, a hopeful moment for them both.

Bill Bixby and Judith Kliban got married in 1993. This was his last marriage, as the records show. It was a significant event, a new beginning, really, for the actor who had given so much to audiences over the years. This union, however, would be, in a way, incredibly brief, as fate had other plans, sadly.

A Brief Union

Tragically, their time together as husband and wife was very short. Bill Bixby had been battling prostate cancer. Just six weeks after he and Judith Kliban exchanged their vows, Bill Bixby passed away. His death occurred on November 21, 1993. It was, of course, a deeply sad time for Judith and for everyone who knew and admired Bill Bixby. This brief marriage was, in some respects, a final chapter in his personal life, a quiet moment of connection before his passing.

The fact that he was last married in 1993 to Judith Kliban is, you know, a detail that rounds out the story of his relationships. It shows that even in his later years, facing serious health challenges, he sought companionship and love. It's a testament to the human spirit, perhaps, that even in difficult times, people seek out meaningful connections. You can also explore more about Bill Bixby's contributions to television by visiting this page on our site.

Remembering Bill Bixby

Bill Bixby, the star of shows like 'The Courtship of Eddie's Father' and 'The Incredible Hulk,' was, you know, a very talented individual. His professional life was, in a way, quite public, filled with memorable performances that brought joy and excitement to many. He had a unique presence, a sort of gentle strength that resonated with viewers, really.

His personal life, as we've seen, had its own share of joy and sorrow, like anyone's. From his first marriage to Brenda Benet, which brought him a son, Christopher Sean, to his later, very brief marriage to Judith Kliban, his journey was, arguably, full of significant relationships. These connections, these moments of shared life, were part of what made him who he was, beyond the characters he portrayed.

Memories of Bill Bixby continue to stick with lovers of his work. He departed the earth nearly three decades ago, but his legacy, both on screen and, in a way, through the glimpses we get into his personal story, remains. It's a reminder that behind every public figure is a person with a rich and varied life, complete with the people they loved and shared their time with. What are your own memories of Bill Bixby's work, or perhaps, what about his life story resonates with you the most?

Frequently Asked Questions About Bill Bixby's Wives

Many people have questions about Bill Bixby's personal life, particularly about his marriages. Here are some common inquiries, answered directly from the available information.

Who was Bill Bixby married to?

Bill Bixby was married two times during his life. His first wife was Brenda Benet. His second and last wife was Judith Kliban. Both women played significant roles in his personal journey, you know, at different points in time.

When did Bill Bixby marry Brenda Benet?

Bill Bixby married Brenda Benet in 1971. Their relationship began a couple of years earlier, in 1969, when she moved in with him after leaving her previous marriage. Their wedding followed once her divorce was finalized, which was, arguably, an important step for them.

Did Bill Bixby have any children?

Yes, Bill Bixby did have a child. He and his first wife, Brenda Benet, had a son together. Their son, named Christopher Sean, was born in September of 1974. He was, in a way, a very important part of their lives during their marriage.

Bill Bixby's Wives: A Look at His Personal Life

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