Thomas Noguchi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Noguchi
野口恒富 |
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Noguchi in 2016
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| Chief Medical Examiner-Coroner for the County of Los Angeles | |
| In office 1967–1982 |
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| Preceded by | Theodore Curphey |
| Succeeded by | Ronald Kornblum |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Thomas Tsunetomi Noguchi
January 4, 1927 Fukuoka Prefecture, Empire of Japan |
| Nationality | American |
| Residences | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Nippon Medical School |
| Occupation | Coroner, medical examiner |
Thomas Tsunetomi Noguchi (野口 恒富, Noguchi Tsunetomi, born January 4, 1927) is a famous American doctor. He used to be the chief medical examiner-coroner for Los Angeles County. People often called him the "coroner to the stars." This is because he investigated the deaths of many famous people in Hollywood. He worked on important cases during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Dr. Noguchi performed autopsies on many well-known figures. These included John Belushi, William Holden, Janis Joplin, Robert F. Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, Sharon Tate, and Natalie Wood.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Thomas Noguchi was born in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. He grew up in a city called Yokosuka. In 1951, he finished his medical studies at Tokyo's Nippon Medical School. After that, he worked at The University of Tokyo School of Medicine Hospital. Soon, he moved to the United States. He continued his medical training in California. He worked at Orange County General Hospital and other places in Los Angeles.
Dr. Noguchi's Career
Starting as a Medical Examiner
Dr. Noguchi began working for the Chief Medical Examiner-Coroner for the County of Los Angeles in 1961. He became well-known after he performed the autopsy of actress Marilyn Monroe.
In 1967, he was chosen to be the Chief Medical Examiner-Coroner. This was a very important job. He took over from his mentor, Theodore Curphey. As the new chief, he oversaw many autopsies. These included cases involving famous people like John Belushi, William Holden, Janis Joplin, Sharon Tate, and Natalie Wood.
Important Cases and Challenges
Dr. Noguchi performed the autopsy on Senator Robert F. Kennedy. His findings about the fatal shot were very detailed. This led to some questions about the assassination. Dr. Noguchi later wrote in his book, Coroner, that he never officially said who fired the shot.
After the Kennedy case, Dr. Noguchi faced some challenges. He resigned from his position for a short time. There were discussions about his behavior and comments. However, he later tried to take back his resignation.
Returning to His Role
The Japanese American community in Los Angeles supported Dr. Noguchi. They organized a petition to help him. Because of this support, he was given his job back as Chief Medical Examiner.
During his second time as chief, Dr. Noguchi was sometimes criticized. People said he talked too much to the media. This happened especially after the deaths of William Holden and Natalie Wood in 1981. There were also claims about how he managed his office. These issues led to him being moved to a different role in 1982. His original finding about Natalie Wood's death was later reviewed and changed by another medical examiner.
Later Career and Achievements
After his time as Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Noguchi continued his work. He became the Chief of Pathology at the University of Southern California. He also worked at LAC+USC Medical Center.
Dr. Noguchi was also a professor at both the University of Southern California and UCLA. He was once the president of the American National Association of Medical Examiners. In 1999, the Emperor of Japan honored him. He received the Order of the Sacred Treasure for his great work in forensic science. He retired in the same year.
From 2010 to 2022, Dr. Noguchi was the president of the World Association for Medical Law (WAML). This group studies health law, legal medicine, and bioethics.
Actor Thom Sesma played Dr. Noguchi in the Broadway musical Dead Outlaw.
Books by Dr. Noguchi
- Coroner, 1983. This is his memoir, written with Joseph DiMona.
- Coroner at Large, 1985. This book is about historical coroners and famous deaths.
- Unnatural Causes, 1988. A detective novel he wrote with Arthur Lyons.
- Physical Evidence, 1990. Another detective novel written with Arthur Lyons.
See also
In Spanish: Thomas Noguchi para niños
