In the realm of celebrity autopsies, one name stands out: Thomas Noguchi. Known as the “coroner to the stars,” he gained notoriety during his time as the chief coroner of Los Angeles, handling high-profile cases including those of Marilyn Monroe, Robert F. Kennedy, and John Belushi.
Anne Soon Choi, a professor at California State University, Northridge, has explored Noguchi’s life and career in her book, “L.A. Coroner: Thomas Noguchi and Death in Hollywood.” Choi recently joined AirTalk on LAist 89.3, discussing Noguchi’s influence on both forensic science and popular culture.
Noguchi’s association with celebrity autopsies began with the enigmatic case of Marilyn Monroe. After her tumultuous life ended with her tragic death, Noguchi found himself amidst significant political pressure to reveal the cause of death. His mentor, Theodore Curphey, initiated a psychological investigation to delve deeper into Monroe’s life, but the inquiry faced scrutiny for not including all those close to her. This lack of comprehensive investigation opened doors for conspiracy theories that continue to swirl around her death.
Choi notes that Noguchi bore the weight of these controversies, often haunted by the fear of being wrongly accused of foul play in Monroe’s case. “He wakes up with this recurrent nightmare that someone’s gonna accuse him of killing Marilyn Monroe,” Choi remarked. The experience taught Noguchi critical lessons about navigating the press and maintaining a professional image as a medical examiner.
Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, numerous conspiracy theories erupted regarding his death. This environment influenced how Noguchi handled the autopsy of Robert F. Kennedy. The Kennedy family initially did not request an autopsy, but Noguchi managed to persuade them to allow one. Conducting the autopsy amid intense scrutiny, he emerged with what Choi described as “the perfect autopsy,” achieving national fame in the process.
Noguchi knew how to navigate the media landscape, skillfully highlighting certain autopsy details while omitting others depending on his audience—whether in court, at trial, or in public discussions. Choi refers to him as “the original influencer,” showcasing his remarkable ability to create compelling narratives that captured public attention.
However, Noguchi’s increasing entanglement with celebrity culture began to backfire. In 1982, he was charged with mismanagement within the coroner’s office, as his dual role as a public figure began to overshadow the integrity of the office. Critics pointed to his controversial alignment with media outlets and Hollywood as detrimental to his professional goals.
Despite these challenges, Noguchi’s legacy continues to resonate. Choi asserts that you cannot discuss the true crime genre without acknowledging Noguchi’s influence. “You don’t have the CSI franchise without Thomas Noguchi,” she claims, highlighting his lasting impact on both forensic science and popular culture.
As discussions of celebrity deaths and their implications in society continue, Thomas Noguchi’s work remains a focal point in the intersection of fame, media, and mortality.
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