You’ve probably heard the saying, “Dead men tell no tales.” But if you ask Dr. Thomas Noguchi, the legendary Los Angeles coroner who earned the nickname “coroner to the stars,” he’d tell you that’s not exactly true. In fact, the stories they tell can be some of the most important ones.
“In my memory, there’s a montage of tragic scenes,” Dr. Noguchi wrote in his 1983 memoir. He recounted moments that have become etched in history, like the lifeless form of Marilyn Monroe, her hand outstretched toward the phone by her bedside, and the shocking scene of Robert F. Kennedy, a man who once radiated vitality, brought down by an assassin’s bullet. These aren’t just images; they’re stories waiting to be uncovered.
From 1967 to 1982, Dr. Noguchi served as Los Angeles’ chief medical examiner, a role that thrust him into the spotlight as he investigated some of the most high-profile deaths in Hollywood history. He examined the bodies of Marilyn Monroe, RFK, Sharon Tate, and Natalie Wood, among others. But it wasn’t just about uncovering the cause of death—it was about revealing the truth, even when it wasn’t what people wanted to hear.
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As society’s fascination with celebrity and true crime grew, so did the public’s demand for answers. Dr. Noguchi’s autopsy reports became hot commodities, but his commitment to following the science, no matter how controversial it might be, often put him at odds with politicians and his superiors. He wasn’t just a coroner; he was a truth-seeker in a world where the truth wasn’t always welcome.
“Even back then, there was a lot of pushback against science,” explains Anne Soon Choi, author of L.A. Coroner: Thomas Noguchi and Death in Hollywood, in an exclusive interview with Closer.
Now 98 years old, Dr. Noguchi remains as resolute as ever. “It’s important to tell the truth—so that no person will be victimized by rumors—and deal with the facts,” he said in 2021. “Certain information must be told.”
This unwavering commitment to truth was evident in 1962 when he performed Marilyn Monroe’s autopsy. At the time, the world was abuzz with speculation: Was Robert F. Kennedy involved? Was she injected with drugs? Dr. Noguchi sought answers, but his hands were tied. He was denied a full toxicology report, with only her liver and blood being tested. His official ruling? Suicide by an overdose of sleeping pills. But even decades later, he admitted, “I cannot say, actually, [if it was] an accident,” or if the act was “a clear expression of self-destruction.”
As Choi points out, “Noguchi is forever linked with all the controversy and misinformation surrounding Monroe’s death.” It’s a legacy that speaks to both the power and the pitfalls of seeking the truth in a world obsessed with celebrities.
Unraveling the Mysteries: Dr. Noguchi’s Dedication to Truth
Dr. Noguchi’s pursuit of truth wasn’t limited to Monroe. In 1968, he conducted a groundbreaking six-hour autopsy on Robert F. Kennedy, setting a new standard for investigations into high-profile deaths. His findings were nothing short of controversial: gunpowder burns behind RFK’s right earlobe suggested the fatal shot came from behind. But there was a problem—Sirhan Sirhan, the convicted assassin, had been standing in front of Kennedy. Despite the backlash, Noguchi stood firm. “Once I form an opinion, [it] stays with me,” he declared.
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His commitment to transparency extended beyond the realm of celebrities. When he publicly attributed actor William Holden’s death to alcohol consumption, he faced a storm of criticism. But for Noguchi, it wasn’t just about the individual case—it was about public health. “He strongly believed that these kinds of things should be public because they were a matter of public health and public sense,” Choi explains. “His position always was in the service of the living.”
The Legacy of Dr. Thomas Noguchi
Dr. Noguchi’s work has left an indelible mark on the field of forensic science. His dedication to uncovering the truth, even when it wasn’t popular or convenient, set a precedent for future investigators. In a world where the line between fact and fiction often blurs, especially in the realm of celebrity deaths, his legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and scientific rigor.
As Choi notes, “Noguchi wasn’t just a coroner; he was a pioneer. He understood that the stories told by the dead could protect the living.” And while his findings may have sparked controversy, they also sparked important conversations about mental health, addiction, and the societal pressures faced by celebrities.
