What was Bill Bixby net worth? This question piques the interest of many fans and financial enthusiasts alike. Best known for his roles in classic TV shows, Bixby also had a knack for smart investments and financial planning.
In this piece, we delve into the financial aspects that shaped his wealth and how his legacy continues to impact the entertainment industry.
Contents
Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Wilfred Bailey Everett Bixby III |
| Popular Name | Bill Bixby |
| Gender | Male |
| Birth Date | January 22, 1934 – November 21, 1993 |
| Age | 59 (at the time of death) |
| Parents | Wilfred Bailey Everett Bixby II, Jane Bixby |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Birthplace | San Francisco, California, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | English descent |
| Education | Lowell High School (San Francisco); University of California, Berkeley; City College of San Francisco |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Wife/Spouse | Judith Kliban (m. 1993–1993), Laura Jane Michael (m. 1990–1991), Brenda Benet (m. 1971–1980) |
| Children | Christopher Bixby |
| Dating | N/A |
| Net Worth | $10 million (at the time of death) |
| Years active | 1959–1993 |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, Directing, Producing |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.75 m) |
What is the Net Worth Of Bill Bixby in 2024?
Bill Bixby‘s net worth at the time of his death in 1993 was estimated to be $10 million. This figure represents his wealth accumulated over a prolific career in television and film. Here are some of his notable colleagues and competitors in the acting industry:
- Ray Walston
- Brandon Cruz
- Mariette Hartley
- Susan Sullivan
- Tim Conway
- Don Knotts
- Jack Lemmon
- Shirley MacLaine
For a broader view of the wealth of top actors, you can check out this comprehensive list of the richest men in acting.
Bill Bixby Finance Overview
Career Highlights and Their Financial Impact
Bill Bixby’s career spanned several decades and included roles in some of the most popular television series of his time. His role as Tim O’Hara in My Favorite Martian (1963-1966) marked the beginning of his television success.
This show was followed by another iconic role as Tom Corbett in The Courtship of Eddie’s Father (1969-1972), which further established him as a household name.
From 1973 to 1974, Bixby starred in The Magician as Anthony Blake. However, it was his portrayal of Dr. David Banner in The Incredible Hulk (1977-1982) that solidified his status in Hollywood. This role not only brought him critical acclaim but also considerable financial rewards.
Bixby’s later work included starring in Goodnight, Beantown (1983-1984) and various guest roles in shows like Fantasy Island and The Love Boat. Each of these roles contributed to his earnings and helped build his substantial net worth.
Major Financial Milestones
Significant Earnings from TV Shows
Bixby’s salary per episode for major TV series, particularly The Incredible Hulk, was a significant source of his wealth. Syndication deals for shows like My Favorite Martian and The Courtship of Eddie’s Father provided ongoing income long after the original air dates.
Movie Salaries and Box Office Performance
Bixby also starred in several films, including Ride Beyond Vengeance, Doctor, You’ve Got to Be Kidding!, and two Elvis Presley movies, Clambake and Speedway. The financial success of these films added to his wealth, although his primary income remained from television.
Directorial Projects and Income
Bixby’s transition to directing also proved financially rewarding. He directed episodes of The Incredible Hulk and later projects like Blossom, further diversifying his income sources.
Personal Life and Financial Influence
Bixby’s personal life had both positive and negative impacts on his finances. He was married three times, with each marriage likely involving financial considerations such as settlements and shared assets.
His first marriage to Brenda Benet, with whom he had his only child, Christopher, ended in tragedy when Christopher died, followed by Brenda’s suicide. These personal tragedies undoubtedly had an emotional and financial toll on Bixby.
His battle with prostate cancer, diagnosed in 1991, also had significant financial implications. Medical expenses and reduced work capacity during his illness would have affected his earnings and savings.
FAQs about Bill Bixby
Who Was Bill Bixby?
He was an American actor, director, and producer known for his work on television, film, and stage, spanning over three decades.
What Are Bixby’s Most Famous Roles?
Bixby is best known for My Favorite Martian as Tim O’Hara, The Courtship of Eddie’s Father as Tom Corbett, The Magician as Anthony Blake, and The Incredible Hulk as Dr. David Banner.
What Was Bixby’s Early Life Like?
Born Wilfred Bailey Everett Bixby III on January 22, 1934, in San Francisco, California, Bixby was a fourth-generation Californian of English descent. He attended Lowell High School and later the University of California, Berkeley.
How Did Bixby Start His Acting Career?
Bixby began his acting career in 1961 with a role in the musical The Boy Friend and made his television debut on The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis. He quickly became a respected character actor.
What Was Bixby’s Role in My Favorite Martian?
In 1963, Bixby played young reporter Tim O’Hara in the CBS sitcom My Favorite Martian, co-starring Ray Walston as Uncle Martin.
What Was The Courtship of Eddie’s Father?
In 1969, Bixby starred as widowed father Tom Corbett in the ABC comedy-drama The Courtship of Eddie’s Father, focusing on his character raising his young son and managing a magazine.
How Did Bixby Contribute to The Incredible Hulk?
Bixby starred as Dr. David Banner in the pilot and subsequent series of The Incredible Hulk in 1977, bringing a human and tragic dimension to the character.
Conclusion
Curious about more than just Bill Bixby’s net worth? Engage with us by leaving your thoughts in the comments below or sharing this analysis with others. Explore further content and detailed insights at Rachel Parris’s official website rachelparris.com. Thank you for reading.
