The Story Of Bill Bixby And Judith Kliban
Is it possible for a fleeting connection to leave an enduring mark on one's life? The story of Bill Bixby and Judith Kliban proves that even the briefest encounters can resonate with profound significance.
Their paths, already marked by love and loss, intertwined in the twilight of Bill Bixby's life. He, a celebrated actor known for his roles in iconic television series like The Incredible Hulk and My Favorite Martian, was facing a formidable opponent: prostate cancer. She, an artist still grappling with the loss of her first husband, the whimsical cartoonist B. Kliban, creator of the beloved "Kliban Cats," was navigating her own journey of grief and rediscovery. Brought together by mutual friends in late 1992, a spark ignited between them, a flicker of hope amidst their personal storms.
| Name | Bill Bixby (Wilfred Bailey Everett Bixby III) |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | January 22, 1934 |
| Birth Place | San Francisco, California, USA |
| Death Date | November 21, 1993 (aged 59) |
| Death Place | Century City, Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Profession | Actor, Director, Producer |
| Spouse(s) | Brenda Benet (m. 19711981), Judith Kliban (m. 1993) |
| Children | Christopher Bixby (deceased), Kalia Bixby, Sarah Bixby |
| Reference | IMDb |
In October 1993, Bill and Judith exchanged vows, a testament to their belief in the power of love even in the face of adversity. Their union was a poignant blend of joy and sorrow, a celebration of life against the backdrop of impending loss. Just weeks after their wedding, on the set of Blossom, where he was directing an episode, Bill collapsed. The cancer, relentless in its progression, had taken its toll. He passed away on November 21, 1993, at the age of 59, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and a love story that touched the hearts of many.
Judith, who had found solace and companionship in Bill, was once again confronted with grief. Their brief marriage, though tragically cut short, was a testament to the enduring human spirit's capacity for love and connection. Bill's career, spanning over three decades, encompassed a wide range of roles in film, television, and stage productions. He emerged from the early days of episodic television, rarely straying far from the small screen, showcasing his talent as both an actor and director. His vibrant energy and dedication to his craft were evident in every performance, while his personal life remained veiled in a quiet reserve.
David Grove, author of the forthcoming biography Bill Bixby: His Career, His Life, His Secrets, describes the actor as a complex individual, driven by a need to perform while simultaneously guarding his inner thoughts and emotions. This duality adds another layer to the poignant story of his final months, his marriage to Judith a beacon of light amidst the shadows.
Judith Kliban, born Judith Kamman, gained recognition after marrying B. Kliban, the celebrated cartoonist whose quirky "Kliban Cats" captivated audiences worldwide. After his death from a pulmonary embolism in 1990, Judith diligently preserved his artistic legacy. Her marriage to Bill Bixby was a brief but significant chapter in her life, a testament to her resilience and ability to find love amidst loss. Their story serves as a reminder that even in the face of lifes greatest challenges, the human heart remains open to connection, hope, and the enduring power of love.
Bill Bixby's life was a complex tapestry woven with professional triumphs and personal trials. He was survived by Judith, his brother Ken, his daughter Kalia from his first marriage to Brenda Benet, and his daughter Sarah from another relationship. He left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His final act, a brief but poignant love story with Judith Kliban, stands as a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit to connect, even in the face of life's most challenging circumstances. Their story, a bittersweet melody played against the backdrop of mortality, continues to resonate, a reminder that love knows no bounds, even in the face of time.
