Bill Bixby Movies
Prior to his first TV appearance on a 1961 episode of Dobie Gillis,
Bill Bixby had been a college student (he dropped out of UC Berkeley in his senior year), a lifeguard, a male model, and a regional stock-company actor.
Bixby went on to play small roles in films like Lonely Are the Brave and
Irma La Douce, and was featured in the Broadway comedy Under the Yum Yum Tree. In 1963, he graduated to TV stardom with the role of Tim O'Hara on the popular sci-fi sitcom My Favorite Martian. Anxious to change his "wholesome" image after Martian ended its three-year run in 1966,
Bixby accepted a small but flashy role as a cowardly villain in the big-screen Western
Ride Beyond Vengeance (1966). Like it or not, however,
Bixby's future lay in sympathetic parts on episodic television. In each of his subsequent starring series -- The Courtship of Eddie's Father (1969-1972), The Magician (1973), The Incredible Hulk (1978-1982), True Confessions (1984), and Goodnight Beantown (1983) --
Bixby frequently did double-duty as actor and director. He also directed such made-for-TV movies as
Barbary Coast (1974),
Another Pair of Aces: Three of a Kind (1991), and the
Roseanne/
Tom Arnold vehicle
The Woman Who Loved Elvis (1993). Long one of Hollywood's most eligible bachelors,
Bixby finally took the marital plunge with actress
Brenda Benet; the union ended tragically when
Benet, distraught over the death of her son, Christopher, committed suicide.
Bixby's second wife was Judith Kliban, daughter of magazine cartoonist B. Kliban. At the time of his death from prostate cancer,
Bill Bixby was principal director of the TV series Blossom. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

- 1993
- PG13
In this drama, the life of a social worker undergoes dramatic changes after she is assigned to oversee the case of a welfare mother who is almost unnaturally obsessed with Elvis Presley. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
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- 1992
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In a 1991 episode of Jake and the Fatman, Dick Van Dyke guest-starred as Dr. Mark Sloan, who couldn't seem to keep his nose out of a murder investigation. Diagnosis of Murder is the two-hour TV-movie spin-off of that episode. This time, Dr. Sloan tags along with his police-sergeant son (Barry Van Dyke, the real life son of you-know-who) on another homicide case. The victim is a powerful business magnate whose questionable ethics have given plenty of people plenty of motive for the killing. Somehow or other, Dick Van Dyke finds time between his hospital rounds and his clue-hunting to perform a brief soft shoe. Diagnosis of Murder was the pilot for a potential series, which was sold under the slightly truncated title Diagnosis Murder. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
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- Starring:
- Dick Van Dyke, Mariette Hartley, (more)

- 1991
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- Add Another Pair of Aces: Three of a Kind to Queue
Add Another Pair of Aces: Three of a Kind to top of Queue
The original made-for-TV Pair of Aces starred Kris Kristofferson as a Texas Ranger who, while searching for a serial killer, is aided and abetted by introspective safecracker Willie Nelson. The Kristofferson-Nelson combo proved so unbeatable in the ratings that a sequel was immediately commissioned. In Another Pair of Aces: Three of a Kind, Kris and Willie team up to rout out a dangerous vigilante organization, headed by Rip Torn. The "third" of the kind is Joan Severance, playing Kristofferson's unlikely love interest. Written by Rob Gilmer and directed by actor Bill Bixby (Courtship of Eddie's Father, The Incredible Hulk et. al.), Another Pair of Aces was first telecast April 9, 1991. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
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- Starring:
- Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, (more)

- 1991
-
- Add Baby of the Bride to Queue
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This made-for-TV domestic drama is a follow-up to 1990's Children of the Bride. Rue McClanahan plays a 53-year-old newlywed, the wife of much-younger Ted Shackelford (replacing the earlier film's Patrick Duffy) It's bad enough when McClanahan unexpectedly becomes pregnant. It gets worse when the same thing happens to her unwed teenaged daughter Kristy McNichol. Directed by actor Bill Bixby, Baby of the Bride first aired December 22, 1991. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
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- 1991
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No one would argue that Elvis Presley led a remarkable life, but after his death a number of events and incidents have led fans to wonder if there was more going on with Elvis than we ever imagined during his lifetime. The E Files: The Real Story Behind the Event that Shocked the World examines several unanswered questions and unusual stories concerning the late King of Rock 'n' Roll. Why did the FBI have an extensive file on Elvis -- and why are many of these documents still classified as Top Secret? Is Elvis's middle name really mis-spelled on his tombstone? Why was Elvis working with two different American presidents? And is Elvis actually alive and occasionally visiting Graceland? Bill Bixby narrates. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
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- Starring:
- Bill Bixby

- 1989
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Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno return to their mutual TV role in The Trial of the Incredible Hulk. Bixby is Dr. David Banner, who, after being pelted by gamma rays, occasionally turns into the green, gruesome, uncontrollable Hulk (Lou Ferrigno). This time, Banner/Hulk cross swords with an evil zillionaire gangster (John Rhys-Davies). Joining in the good clean chaos is another Marvel Comics hero, the visually challenged Daredevil (Rex Smith). Made for television, Trial of the Incredible Hulk debuted May 7, 1989. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
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- 1988
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Bill Bixby stars as physicist Dr. David Banner, the mild-mannered alter ego of the raging green mutant The Hulk (Lou Ferrigno), in this made-for-TV film based on the 1978 series (which was inspired by the Marvel Comics characters). In this outing, Dr. Banner teams with Thor, the Norse god of thunder. ~ Jason Ankeny, Rovi
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- Starring:
- Bill Bixby, Lou Ferrigno, (more)

- 1986
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While we're tempted to label the TV-movie Sin of Innocence as Brady Bunch: The Lost Episode, the film transcends all kidding with its intelligent, tasteful approach to its story material. Dermot Mulroney plays a teenager whose widowed father (Bill Bixby) marries a divorcee (Dee Wallace Stone). Suddenly Mulroney inherits a stepsister (Megan Follows), a girl his own age. What should have been an uncomplicated setup becomes problematic when stepbrother and stepsister fall in love with each other. Sin of Innocence comes to a logical and satisfying conclusion with the two young people solving the dilemma themselves, without the self-serving "assistance" of their anguished parents. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
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- 1985
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The fact that this made-for-TV movie is derivation of the megahit Airport is obvious by the presence of novelist Arthur Hailey in the credits. Gil Gerard heads the cast as David Montgomery, manager of a huge and extremely busy airport. As David wrestles with personal problems at home and a crisis with a burned-out air traffic controller (Bill Bixby) at the workplace, his burden is increased by the news that a Hawaii-bound jet has taken off with a bomb on board. George Kennedy, who'd appeared in all of the Airport theatrical films, here contributes an extended cameo role. International Airport first aired May 25, 1985, on ABC. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
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- 1983
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- 1981
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Murder Is Easy is one of a multitude of 1980s TV movies based on the novels of Agatha Christie. Bill Bixby stars as an American investor, vacationing in England. While on a train, Bixby strikes up a conversation with the seemingly dotty Helen Hayes, who insists she's en route to Scotland Yard with evidence pertaining to three murders. When Ms. Hayes is herself killed, Bixby finds himself heading to the village of Wychwood Under Ashe to investigate the killings on his own. In a twinkling, both Bixby and lovely villager Lesley-Ann Down find themselves the principal suspects. Olivia De Havilland is also among the highly suspicious guest stars in Murder is Easy. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
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- 1981
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- Add The Incredible Hulk: Season 05 to Queue
Add The Incredible Hulk: Season 05 to top of Queue
The Incredible Hulk roars again in its fifth and final season, a seven-episode run that began in September 1981 and, after a lengthy hiatus, concluded in May 1982. Once again, nomadic scientist David Banner (Bill Bixby) continues his search for a cure to the radioactive disease that leads him to turn into his alter ego, the ferocious Hulk (Lou Ferrigno), whenever he grows angry. When not angry, of course, his better half helps strangers he meets along the way while trying to keep a low profile. This concluding two-disc set includes all-new bonus content featuring show creator Kenneth Johnson.
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- Starring:
- Bill Bixby, Lou Ferrigno, (more)

- 1980
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- Add The Incredible Hulk: Season 04 to Queue
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Thundering onto DVD for the first time ever is the complete Fourth Season of The Incredible Hulk! Primetime Emmy® Award Nominee Bill Bixby returns as the mild-mannered scientist David Banner who uncontrollably morphs into the enraged Hulk (Lou Ferrigno). While searching for a cure, he encounters a variety of characters played by impressive guest stars such as Dick Durock (Swamp Thing), Dick O'Neill (Cagney and Lacey) and Lou Ferrigno in a different role! This 4-disc set includes all 18 action-packed episodes and all-new exclusive bonus content featuring show creator Kenneth Johnson. Even though Banner proclaims "You wouldn't like me when I'm angry," take home Season Four of The Incredible Hulk today, and you won't be sorry!
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- Starring:
- Bill Bixby, Lou Ferrigno, (more)

- 1979
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- Add The Incredible Hulk: Season 03 to Queue
Add The Incredible Hulk: Season 03 to top of Queue
Hit the road again with mild-mannered scientist David Banner (Primetime Emmy Award nominee Bill Bixby) as all 22 Season Two episodes of The Incredible Hulk smash onto DVD for the first time! After accidental exposure to gamma radiation causes him to transform into the uncontrollable and enraged Hulk (Lou Ferrigno), Dr. Banner travels from town to town seeking a cure. Along the way, he finds action-packed adventures that require his heroic abilities and his alter ego's immense strength and power. Joining his quest are guest stars Pat Morita, Gerald McRaney, and Mariette Hartley in the role that won her Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Featured in this must-own 5-disc set are incredible bonus materials, including an all-new on-camera interview with producer Kenneth Johnson and more.
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- Starring:
- Bill Bixby, Lou Ferrigno, (more)

- 1978
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- Add The Incredible Hulk: Season 02 to Queue
Add The Incredible Hulk: Season 02 to top of Queue
Hit the road again with mild-mannered scientist David Banner (Primetime Emmy Award nominee Bill Bixby) as all 22 Season Two episodes of The Incredible Hulk smash onto DVD for the first time! After accidental exposure to gamma radiation causes him to transform into the uncontrollable and enraged Hulk (Lou Ferrigno), Dr. Banner travels from town to town seeking a cure. Along the way, he finds action-packed adventures that require his heroic abilities and his alter ego's immense strength and power. Joining his quest are guest stars Pat Morita, Gerald McRaney, and Mariette Hartley in the role that won her Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Featured in this must-own 5-disc set are incredible bonus materials, including an all-new on-camera interview with producer Kenneth Johnson and more.
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- Starring:
- Bill Bixby, Lou Ferrigno, (more)

- 1978
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- Add The Incredible Hulk: Season 01 to Queue
Add The Incredible Hulk: Season 01 to top of Queue
"...Don't make me angry. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry." Mild-mannered research scientist David Banner (Emmy nominee Bill Bixby) finds he must offer this heroic warning after exposure to gamma radiation transforms him into the terrifying and enraged Hulk (Lou Ferrigno). Bursting from comic book pages into this 4-disc DVD set, the Complete First Season of The Incredible Hulk boasts all ten heart-pounding episodes, plus a preview episode from Season Two. Must-see bonus materials include the two original feature-length films, an introduction from The Hulk himself (Ferrigno), and in-depth commentary from producer Kenneth Johnson. Intense. Immense. Incredible!
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- Starring:
- Bill Bixby, Lou Ferrigno, (more)

- 1978
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In this comedy, four couples go on a dating game show and end up winning a fabulous Hawaiian vacation. Unfortunately, they are accompanied by a stern chaperone. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
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- 1978
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- 1977
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The Incredible Hulk, the live-action TV series based on the popular Marvel Comics character, was preceded by a 2-hour TV-movie pilot. Bill Bixby stars as Dr. David Banner (Bruce Banner in the original comic books), a scientist whose experimentation with gamma rays has a most dramatic effect. Whenever his anger is aroused, Dr. Banner turns into a huge, green, rampaging monstrosity called the Hulk (played by bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno). Unjustly accused of being a criminal in his "Hulk" guise, Dr. Banner is forced to take it on the lam. In Fugitive fashion, the subsequent series found Dr. Banner and his alter-ego Hulk helping people in distress. Written, produced and directed by Kenneth Johnson, the Incredible Hulk pilot was first broadcast November 4, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
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- Starring:
- Bill Bixby, Lou Ferrigno, (more)

- 1977
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In this fantasy, based on the popular comic book hero, mild-mannered scientist David Banner is dismayed to discover that his new boss has been drugging her crippled stepdaughter. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
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- 1977
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Elizabeth Christman's novel A Nice Italian Girl was the source for the TV-movie Black Market Baby. Desi Arnaz Jr. plays a slick lothario who is paid by an illicit adoption agency to impregnate impressionable college student Linda Purl. The racketeers stand to make $50,000 by selling the baby to an anxious middle-aged couple. When Arnaz falls in love with Purl and tries to help her keep her baby, the crooks take swift and violent action. Originally titled A Dangerous Love, Black Market Baby was released theatrically overseas as Don't Steal My Baby--a title more appropriate to the overall tawdriness of the film. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
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- Starring:
- Linda Purl, Desi Arnaz, Jr., (more)

- 1977
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The long-running Aaron Spelling TV series Fantasy Island was launched with a two-hour pilot film, which originally aired January 14, 1977. Ricardo Montalban stars as the enigmatic, sartorially splendiferous Mr. Roarke, who welcomes those willing to pony up the $50,000 to spend a weekend on "Fantasy Island." Roarke's assistant, the diminutive Tattoo ("De plane, boss! De plane!") is played by Herve Villechaize. The special guest stars indulging in their fantasies this time around include Bill Bixby, Sandra Dee, Carol Lynley, Peter Lawford, Hugh O'Brian, Eleanor Parker, Victoria Principal, Dick Sargent and Tina Sinatra. Parker plays a wealthy woman who wants to attend her own funeral, just to see what her relatives really think of her. Businessman Bixby is sent back in time to a bittersweet wartime romance. And bored hunter O'Brian wants to see what it's like to be "the hunted." Mr. Roarke indulges all these fantasies with his usual finesse, just as he would in the series proper, which ran from January 28, 1978 through August 18, 1984. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
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- 1977
- R
- Add The Kentucky Fried Movie to Queue
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Comedy writers David and Jerry Zucker and Jim Abrahams of Airplane and The Naked Gun fame got their start at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, when they formed a theatrical group known as The Kentucky Fried Theater. The Kentucky Fried Movie is based on the KFT's gag-filled theatrical skits. Including well-known stars such as Bill Bixby, Donald Sutherland, Tony Dow, George Lazenby and Henry Gibson, the film has over 22 different segments of varying lengths. Some are seconds long. Longer segments include such highlights as: "Zinc Oxide," which spoofs school educational films; "Cleopatra Schwartz," a spoof of female blaxploitation action films, whose heroine is married to a rabbi; "Sex Record," which depicts a couple who are attempting to follow the step-by-step instructions of a how-to-do-it record; "Catholic High School Girls In Trouble," and "A Fistful of Yen," (the longest episode), which is an elaborate spoof of martial-arts films. ~ Clarke Fountain, Rovi
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- Starring:
- Donald Sutherland, George Lazenby, (more)

- 1977
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The mother of young film producer Marvin Goldman (Warren Berlinger) wants to know who set fire to her darling boy's office. Investigating, the Angels discover something that Mrs. Goldman (Eda Reiss Merin) is blissfully unaware of: It seems that the "respectable" Marvin has been moonlighting as a pornographer and a two-bit blackmailer. Guess who poses as an aspiring movie actress in this episode? ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
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- Starring:
- Farrah Fawcett-Majors, Kate Jackson, (more)