Thomas Noguchi, the Coroner to the Stars, performed autopsies on RFK, Marilyn Monroe, and others.

      Dr. Thomas Noguchi earned the nickname “Coroner to the Stars” due to his autopsies of famous individuals, including Marilyn Monroe, Robert F. Kennedy, Sharon Tate, and Natalie Wood, which generated intrigue and speculation surrounding their deaths. Despite facing criticism for his work and navigating the media spotlight, he upheld one principle: “I tell it like it is.”

      The documentary Coroner to the Stars, debuting Sunday at the Slamdance Film Festival, chronicles his ascent to prominence and tenure as the chief medical examiner for Los Angeles County in the 1960s, as well as his departure from that role in the 1980s. He gained notoriety for his autopsy of Marilyn Monroe and faced scrutiny for his examination of RFK.

      When asked whether the film serves as journalism or public relations for the now 98-year-old Noguchi, co-director Ben Hethcoat describes it as “a little of both.”

      “Initially, I was attracted to the celebrity cases, but I came to regard Dr. Noguchi as a man of integrity dedicated to truth and science,” states Hethcoat, who co-directed the film with Keita Ideno. “Even after losing his job, he continued to push the boundaries of forensic science.

      “However, his celebrity status and the media’s characterization of him as the ‘Coroner to the Stars’ complicate his legacy. It raises questions about how much of his fame was sought after and how much was imposed by the media and public. These inquiries contribute to a more nuanced and captivating story.”

      Additionally, UPI reported in 1969 that while Noguchi was fighting to retain his position, a witness claimed to have seen him dancing with excitement for conducting Kennedy’s autopsy, stating, “I am going to be famous. I hope he dies,” acknowledging that it would enhance his reputation.

      Nevertheless, Noguchi retained his role, partly thanks to actor George Takei, co-founder of a group called J.U.S.T. — Japanese United in the Search for Truth — which argued that the doctor was being unfairly targeted as a Japanese immigrant.

      Takei, along with Noguchi, is expected to attend the film’s premiere on Sunday. (Noguchi has yet to respond to inquiries from MovieMaker regarding the film.)

      ‘Coroner to the Stars’ Dr. Thomas Noguchi: a Man of Science in a City of Sensation

      Noguchi began his career in the tumultuous 1960s, a period marked by political assassinations and cultural upheaval. His autopsy of Kennedy attracted significant attention due to his conclusion that the fatal shot was fired from merely inches behind the presidential candidate’s ear. This finding fueled speculation about the possibility of a second shooter alongside Sirhan Sirhan, who was convicted for the assassination.

      “Dr. Noguchi consistently stood by his conclusions, even when they contradicted prevailing views. He never ventured beyond the scientific evidence, yet the public often fills in the gaps,” explains Hethcoat. “The second shooter theory arose because his conclusions did not fit the official narrative. How the public interprets that information is beyond his influence.”

      Noguchi also gained notoriety for conducting the autopsy of Sharon Tate, one of the victims of the Manson murders in August 1969. At a time when the identities of the killer or killers were unknown, the film indicates that the doctor immediately recognized the murders as ritualistic and cult-like, suggesting the involvement of multiple assailants.

      However, Noguchi’s findings often conflicted with the expectations of Hollywood’s elite.

      When he disclosed that Natalie Wood had been drinking prior to her death in 1981, Frank Sinatra wrote to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, accusing Noguchi of tarnishing Wood’s memory. That same year, his findings regarding William Holden’s alcohol consumption before his death also angered many in the industry.

      “The public was not pleased to learn that their idols were fallible,” Hethcoat observes. “But Dr. Noguchi was simply doing his job.”

      Tensions escalated in 1982 when Noguchi was dismissed by the Board of Supervisors and faced accusations of mismanaging the office. Supervisor Michael Antonovich criticized Noguchi for holding press conferences following the deaths of celebrities, suggesting he had created a “circus” to “grab the headlines.”

      Hethcoat believes politics played a significant role as well.

      “The board’s decision to demote him was influenced by the fact it was predominantly Republican and subject to the political climate of the time,” he states.

      Following his demotion, Noguchi worked in a basement office at County-USC Medical Center, where he hung a sign that read “Welcome to Siberia.” He also embraced his public persona, hosting a cooking show and writing several books.

      “Dr. Noguchi’s story transcends mere autopsies,” Hethcoat concludes. “It’s about the clash between truth and the narratives we construct about ourselves