Christopher Bixby was the only child of actors Bill Bixby and Brenda Benet, born on September 25, 1974, in Los Angeles. He died on March 1, 1981, at age six from acute epiglottitis, a rare throat infection that caused respiratory failure during a family ski trip in Mammoth Lakes, California.
Who Was Christopher Bixby?
Christopher Sean Bixby entered the world on September 25, 1974, as the only child of two Hollywood stars. His father, Bill Bixby, became famous for roles in My Favorite Martian, The Courtship of Eddie’s Father, and The Incredible Hulk. His mother, Brenda Benet, built a successful television career with appearances in Days of Our Lives and The Young Marrieds.
From birth, Christopher lived surrounded by the entertainment industry. His parents met on the set of The Courtship of Eddie’s Father and married on July 4, 1971. Three years later, they welcomed their son into a world of television sets, film studios, and Hollywood glamour.
Despite his parents’ celebrity status, Christopher’s early years remained relatively private. Friends of the family described him as a happy, curious child who brought immense joy to both parents. Bill Bixby, who had lost his own father at a young age, was determined to be fully present in his son’s life.
What Caused Christopher Bixby’s Death?
Understanding the Medical Emergency
On March 1, 1981, Christopher Bixby died at age six during a family ski vacation in Mammoth Lakes, California. He became ill on Saturday and was rushed to Mammoth Hospital that evening. Doctors diagnosed him with acute epiglottitis, a severe bacterial infection affecting the throat.
Surgeons performed an emergency tracheotomy to help him breathe. Despite medical intervention, Christopher went into cardiac arrest and passed away around 6 p.m. on Sunday. The entire ordeal happened within approximately 24 hours of the first symptoms appearing.
What Is Acute Epiglottitis?
Acute epiglottitis is a life-threatening condition where the epiglottis swells and blocks the airway. The epiglottis is a small piece of cartilage at the base of the tongue that prevents food from entering the windpipe. When inflamed, it can obstruct airflow to the lungs, causing respiratory distress and potentially suffocation.
In 1981, acute epiglottitis cases in children numbered 3.47 per 100,000. The condition primarily affected children ages two to seven. Without the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine, which wasn’t widely available until the mid-1980s, this bacterial infection posed a serious threat to young children.
The Hib vaccine was first licensed by the FDA in 1985, four years after Christopher’s death. By 1990, pediatric epiglottitis cases had fallen to just 0.63 per 100,000 children. Today, the condition is rare in vaccinated populations, affecting only about 1.3 per 100,000 children annually.
How Did Bill Bixby Cope After Losing His Son?
The Father-Son Bond
Bill Bixby and Christopher shared a special connection. Having experienced the loss of his own father during childhood, Bill understood the importance of being present. He frequently spoke about Christopher in interviews, describing him as his greatest source of happiness.
Even after divorcing Brenda Benet in 1980, Bill remained deeply involved in his son’s life. Colleagues remembered how Bill would light up when talking about Christopher. The two spent quality time together reading, taking trips, and creating memories that Bill would treasure for the rest of his life.
Navigating Grief in the Public Eye
The loss devastated Bill Bixby. Years after Christopher’s death, his home remained filled with photographs of his son. He confessed to reporters that he often spoke to Christopher when alone, maintaining a connection that transcended physical presence.
Rather than retreating from public life, Bill channeled his grief into work. He took on directing roles for shows like Blossom and Sledge Hammer! while continuing his acting career. Friends and colleagues noted a profound change in him. The joy that once characterized his personality was now tinged with visible sadness.
Bill became vocal about his loss in ways Hollywood hadn’t seen before. He opened up about grief and mourning, touching hearts and starting conversations about parental loss. His honesty resonated with people who faced similar tragedies.
The Double Tragedy of the Bixby Family
Brenda Benet’s Struggle
For Brenda Benet, Christopher’s death proved unbearable. She withdrew from friends and family, battling severe depression in the months following the loss. Those close to her witnessed her spiral into despair as she struggled to process the grief.
On April 7, 1982, just over a year after Christopher’s passing, Brenda died by suicide at age 36. She was found in her West Los Angeles home, having taken her own life with a gunshot. Her death added another layer of tragedy to an already heartbreaking story.
Bill Bixby’s Later Years
Bill remarried twice after these losses. His first marriage to Laura Michaels lasted from 1990 to 1991. In 1991, doctors diagnosed him with prostate cancer. Though he believed he had recovered after initial treatment, the symptoms returned a year later. Michaels divorced him shortly afterward.
In late 1992, Bill married artist Judith Kliban, widow of cartoonist B. Kliban. He continued directing episodes of Blossom until his health declined. Bill Bixby died of prostate cancer on November 21, 1993, at age 59. He kept working until near the end, finding purpose in his creative endeavors.
How Christopher’s Memory Lives On
Charitable Work and Advocacy
After losing Christopher, Bill Bixby became involved with children’s causes. Sources indicate he supported the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to children facing critical illnesses. For Bill, this work held deeply personal meaning. It allowed him to bring joy to other children in honor of the son he had lost.
Bill also reflected his grief through creative projects. His 1984 work on Goodnight, Beantown dealt with themes of single parenthood and coping with loss. Through storytelling, he channeled his emotions and kept Christopher’s memory alive.
The Lasting Impact
Christopher Bixby’s brief life left permanent marks on those who knew him. His death reshaped his father’s career and inspired Bill to advocate for child safety and bereavement support. The tragedy also highlighted the importance of childhood vaccinations and medical research.
Today, Christopher’s story remains a poignant chapter in Hollywood history. His memory lives on through his father’s charitable work, the conversations about grief that Bill helped normalize, and the countless families who found comfort in Bill’s openness about loss.
Epiglottitis: Then and Now
| Aspect | 1981 (When Christopher Died) | Today (Post-Hib Vaccine) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Incidence (Children) | 3.47 per 100,000 | 1.3 per 100,000 |
| Primary Cause | Haemophilus influenzae type b | Multiple bacterial causes |
| Vaccine Availability | None | Hib vaccine (since 1985) |
| Mortality Rate (With Early Treatment) | 6% | Less than 1% |
| Most Affected Age Group | 2-7 years | Adults (shifted with vaccination) |
Where Is Christopher Bixby Buried?
Christopher Bixby was cremated following his death. His ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Malibu, California. This location held special meaning for the family and was where Bill Bixby himself would eventually be laid to rest.
The decision to scatter Christopher’s ashes in the ocean followed a family tradition. Bill’s father’s ashes had been scattered in the Pacific as well. This connection to the sea provided a sense of continuity and peace for the grieving family.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old was Christopher Bixby when he died?
Christopher Bixby was six years old when he passed away on March 1, 1981. He was born on September 25, 1974, and died just five months before his seventh birthday.
Did Christopher Bixby have any siblings?
No, Christopher was the only child of Bill Bixby and Brenda Benet. He had no brothers or sisters.
What happened to Bill Bixby after his son died?
Bill Bixby continued his career in television, focusing more on directing than acting. He remarried twice, became involved with children’s charities, and remained open about his grief. He died of prostate cancer in 1993, 12 years after losing Christopher.
Could Christopher’s death have been prevented?
Christopher died before the Hib vaccine became widely available in 1985. Today, routine childhood vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae type b has reduced epiglottitis cases by approximately 95%. Early medical intervention and airway management also improve survival rates significantly.
How did Christopher Bixby’s death impact child health awareness?
While not widely publicized as a public health case, Christopher’s death occurred during a critical period for childhood disease prevention. His story, along with thousands of other cases, underscored the need for vaccines like Hib, which became standard in childhood immunization schedules by the late 1980s.
Christopher Bixby’s six years on Earth were brief but meaningful. His life brought joy to his parents and everyone who knew him. His death, while tragic, contributed to greater awareness about childhood illnesses and the importance of grief support. Through Bill Bixby’s openness about loss and his charitable work, Christopher’s memory continues to touch lives decades after his passing.
The story of Christopher Bixby reminds us that even the shortest lives can leave lasting impacts. His legacy lives on through the conversations about grief his father helped start, the children helped by Bill’s charitable work, and the families who found comfort knowing they weren’t alone in their pain.
