Bill Bixby Before “The Incredible Hulk“? Already a Star!

Bill Bixby: Before “The Incredible Hulk”? Already a Star!

You Wouldn't Like Him When He's Angry... But You'll Love the Real Man Behind the Monster.

Long before he became the tragic, wandering Dr. David Banner—hunted, haunted, and forever alone—Bill Bixby was already one of television's most versatile and resilient stars. In this definitive, deeply moving biography, bestselling author J.P. Ames uncovers the extraordinary life of a fifth-generation Californian who arrived in Hollywood with $300, a single suitcase, and a five-year ultimatum from his parents: make it as an actor or come home and become a lawyer. What followed was a masterclass in persistence:

• Nine grueling years of "survival jobs"—bellhop at the Hollywood Roosevelt, industrial films in Detroit, summers entertaining at a Wyoming resort—before his first big break.
• Instant stardom as Tim O'Hara in My Favorite Martian, mentored by Tony winner Ray Walston in comedy timing and generosity.
• Heartfelt fatherhood as Tom Corbett in The Courtship of Eddie's Father, forging a lifelong bond with young Brandon Cruz that mirrored real life.
• The shocking moment he almost turned down The Incredible Hulk—only to deliver the soulful, dignified performance that redefined the character and became the blueprint for the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe.
• Directing triumphs, two Emmy nominations, and a refusal to quit—even as he battled terminal cancer, directing Blossom episodes from a wheelchair until just six days before his death.

But this isn't merely a list of credits. It's the raw, human story of a man who endured unimaginable personal loss—his only son's sudden death, his ex-wife's suicide—yet kept showing up, kept working, kept caring. Discover how Bixby's quiet strength, professionalism, and empathy turned a comic-book monster into a timeless symbol of loneliness, redemption, and the endless search for peace. His portrayal of David Banner influenced Eric Bana, Edward Norton, and Mark Ruffalo—and continues to echo in over $9 billion of MCU box office. For fans of classic TV, Marvel history, and inspiring tales of grit against the odds, this is the untold story of the actor who proved success isn't luck—it's refusing to quit. Perfect for readers who love biographies of television legends, behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories, and the real people who shaped pop culture icons. Scroll up and click "Buy Now" or "Read with Kindle Unlimited" to meet the man who walked the loneliest road in Hollywood long before the Hulk ever did.