Investigative Analysis: Exploring the Life and Allegations Surrounding Celebrity Pathologist Thomas Noguchi
In the aftermath of a death, silence lingers as a testament to its origins. When the cause is unclear or perceived as unnatural, a Medical Examiner-Coroner is called upon to determine the manner and cause of death. While these officials lend voice to the victims of violence and other ailments, they maintain a low profile, confining their presence to crime scenes, offices, and courthouses. A notable exception to this is Dr. Thomas Noguchi, the onetime "Coroner to the Stars" of Hollywood.
During the 1960s and 70s, Noguchi, the highest-ranking Japanese American official in Los Angeles County, garnered celebrity status for himself alongside the stars whose bodies he examined, including Marilyn Monroe, Robert F. Kennedy, Sharon Tate, and Natalie Wood. However, his public profile and contentious commentary, coupled with perceived administrative shortcomings, sparked threats of professional dismissal and dishonor.
Now, in the first comprehensive account of his life, Anne Soon Choi delves into the tale of Noguchi's triumphs and tribulations in "L.A. Coroner: Thomas Noguchi and Death in Hollywood" (Third State Books; April 22, 2025). This engrossing narrative blends biography, culture, history, politics, and true crime to offer a compelling portrait of the influential figure.
Choi, a historian specializing in Asian American studies, evolution of Los Angeles, and solving mysteries, is uniquely suited to unravel the thread of Noguchi's life and legacy.
Recalling her initial attraction to Noguchi's story, Choi recalls finding a copy of his memoir in the $1 bin at the Strand Bookstore during a sweltering summer day. Noguchi's struggles, flaws, and triumphs, alongside his involvement in some of the century's most renowned death investigations, entranced her.
Originally an essay-winning piece for the Southern California Quarterly, Choi's book expands on her original work by adopting a different narrative approach, focusing on Noguchi's cases as a means of telling his story rather than a traditional biography.
The book's development process posed several challenges and opportunities, with the most significant hurdle being identifying an engaging angle. Choi's agent, Michael Signorelli, advised emphasizing Noguchi's famous cases, leading to her discovery of hidden stories across numerous archives. Conducting interviews with key contributors to Noguchi's story, such as the man himself, further enriched her research.
Despite his renown as the "Coroner to the Stars," Noguchi's celebrity status was a double-edged sword, both elevating his prestige and contributing to his eventual downfall. His knack for media attention and willingness to push boundaries ultimately fostered suspicion and criticism.
Noguchi's strengths lied in his profound understanding of forensic science and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the independence of the coroner's office. However, his administrative prowess was lacking, and his job demands, combined with resource constraints, compounded his shortcomings.
The generational divide within the Japanese American community became evident through Noguchi's ordeals, shedding light on the community's attitudes towards public support and the priorities of the postwar era. Beyond the Japanese American community, African Americans and Latinos rallied in support of Noguchi, recognizing shared interests and the importance of public sector employment.
Navigating the intricate web of conspiracy surrounding Noguchi's most high-profile cases presented a challenge for Choi. She focused on Noguchi's role in these cases, offering fresh insights into his contributions to forensic science and the impact of his public commentary on perpetuating speculation.
Choi's face-to-face meeting with Noguchi at the conclusion of her research marked a powerful moment in her journey, underscoring the significance of her findings. As Noguchi outlasted his critics, history validated his accomplishments.
Compelled by her Los Angeles-set mystery, Choi is planning her next venture, a true crime book set in southern California during the 1990s in Orange County.
[1] Personal Interview with Anne Soon Choi[2] California, Choi, A. S. (2021). The Japanese American Citizens League, Los Angeles Politics, and the Thomas Noguchi Case. Southern California Quarterly, 103(1), 34-64.[3] Thomas Noguchi (1928-present). Find a Grave. Retrieved February 24, 2023, from https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/9677/thomas-noguchi[4] Noguchi, T. (1987). Coroner: A Novel Based on the True and Incredible Adventures of Thomas Noguchi - the Coroner to the Stars (1st ed.). St. Martin's Press.
- The intriguing tale of Dr. Thomas Noguchi's life, encompassing his triumphs and tribulations, is presented in a new nonfiction book, "L.A. Coroner: Thomas Noguchi and Death in Hollywood" (Third State Books; April 22, 2025), offering a captivating blend of true crime, biography, culture, history, politics, and suspense.
- Anne Soon Choi, a noted historian specializing in Asian American studies, evolution of Los Angeles, and solving mysteries, has written a compelling portrait of Noguchi, involving forensic science, high-profile cases, and the generational divide within the Japanese American community.
- Choi's future projects include a true crime book set in southern California during the 1990s in Orange County, promising to continue her exploration of the intriguing world of crime and its surrounding themes of personal and social drama.
