Charles Santore, Quincy: Jack Klugman

The medical mystery television series Quincy was about Doctor Quincy’s work as a forensic pathologist for the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office. Both determined and conscientious, Quincy verified facts about and explanations for potential suspicious deaths. While the show was originally focused on criminal investigation, it evolved over time and began introducing themes of social responsibility, such as malpractice and faults in drunk driving laws. The series was among the first to further social agendas by informing its viewers.

Jack Klugman (1922–2012), star of Quincy, testified before Congress on some of the social issues touched upon in the show. In 1982, he specifically focused on the concern of orphan drugs, using the knowledge he gained from working on the series to compel his argument.