Christopher Bixby was the only son of Bill Bixby and his first wife, Brenda Benet. Born in September 1974, he became the center of his parents’ world. Bill adored being a father and frequently expressed how much joy Christopher brought into his life.
About Christopher
- Born: 25 Sep 1974
- Parents: Bill Bixby and Brenda Benet
- Childhood: Raised mostly in California
- Famous for: Being the only son of Bill Bixby
Family Background
To place Christopher’s story in context, it helps to look at his family background.
| Relationship | Profession / Note | |
| Bill Bixby | Father | Actor, director (The Incredible Hulk) |
| Brenda Benet | Mother | Actress (Days of Our Lives) |
| Christopher Bixby | Son | Passed away at six years old |
What Happened to Christopher Bixby?
Tragedy struck in March 1981. At just six years old, Christopher Bixby died suddenly from a rare throat infection. According to reports, the illness was epiglottitis, an acute inflammation of the tissue that blocks airflow to the lungs.
- The infection progressed quickly.
- He was rushed to the hospital.
- Doctors attempted to save him, but he passed away shortly after.
This event devastated both Bill Bixby and Brenda Benet.
The Illness – Epiglottitis
Epiglottitis is a serious medical condition. In Christopher’s case, the swelling in his throat restricted his breathing. In the early 1980s, before vaccines against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) were common, this condition was more frequent in children.
Major medical points:
- Affects the flap at the base of the tongue (epiglottis).
- Swelling blocks air to the lungs.
- Requires immediate emergency care.
- In modern medicine, Hib vaccines have drastically reduced child cases.
Unfortunately, for Christopher, the infection advanced too quickly to be reversed.
Impact on His Parents
The loss of Christopher left both parents shattered.
On Bill Bixby
- He was filming The Incredible Hulk at the time.
- He described Christopher as the center of his life.
- Friends said he struggled to process the loss, though he carried on professionally.
On Brenda Benet
- Brenda never recovered emotionally.
- A year later, in 1982, she died by suicide at her home.
- Friends linked her despair directly to Christopher’s death.
Bill Bixby’s Later Years
Even after such heartbreak, Bill Bixby carried on with his career. He starred in several shows and later moved into directing. However, those close to him said the pain of losing his son never left him.
| Year | Event |
| 1974 | Christopher born |
| 1981 | Christopher passed away |
| 1982 | Brenda Benet died |
| 1990s | Bill directed Blossom and other TV series |
| 1993 | Bill Bixby passed away at 59 from prostate cancer |
The series of tragedies made his later years emotionally heavy, though he remained admired for his strength and professionalism.
Why Christopher’s Story Still Matters
Even though Christopher’s life was short, his story touch those who learn about it. It shows:
- The fragility of childhood health in an era before widespread vaccines.
- How even celebrities face personal heartbreaks hidden behind their fame.
- The lasting emotional toll that child loss has on parents.
Recap – Christopher Bixby’s Life and Death
- Born in 1974 to Bill Bixby and Brenda Benet.
- Only child of the couple.
- Died at age six in 1981 from epiglottitis.
- His mother, Brenda Benet, passed away a year later.
- His father, Bill Bixby, lived with the pain until his own death in 1993.
How Fans Remember Christopher and Bill Bixby
Fans of The Incredible Hulk and Bill Bixby’s other shows frequently mention how his personal life mirrored the sadness of some of his characters. While Bill kept a professional smile, many knew he carried personal heartbreak from Christopher’s passing.
Communities online still share condolences for both father and son, remembering Christopher as a child gone too soon.
Life span of Christopher Bixby is heartbreaking. The son of actor Bill Bixby and actress Brenda Benet, his life ended at only six years old due to a sudden throat infection. His passing left both parents devastated and altered the course of their lives forever. While Christopher never had the chance to grow up, his memory endures through the legacy of his parents.
