QME FAQ

Quincy’s Sailboat: Key Facts

• Type: Staysail Schooner
• Length: Approximately 60 feet
• Builder: Edson B. Schnock
• Year Built: 1935
• Construction: Classic wooden yacht with traditional craftsmanship
• Rigging: Two-masted schooner rig with staysails between the masts and foretriangle
• Features: Elegant teak decks, varnished brightwork, curved transom, classic cutter rig elements
• Home Marina: Docked at Marina del Rey, California (as seen in the series)
• Significance: The boat’s classic design symbolizes Quincy’s independent spirit and love for the sea, offering a calm refuge from his demanding work as a medical examiner.

This sailboat is a 60 feet yacht.

Destination unknown and status unconfirmed at this time. The classic 60-foot staysail schooner built by Edson B. Schnock served as Dr. Quincy’s iconic home on the water throughout Quincy, M.E. — but where is that boat today? Does it still exist?

The fate of Quincy’s schooner is a bit of a maritime mystery wrapped in TV history. Unlike some famous TV vehicles that have been preserved in museums or private collections, the exact whereabouts of Quincy’s 1935 Edson B. Schnock-built sailboat remain unknown to the public.

After the show wrapped in 1983, there are no widely documented records of the boat’s sale, transfer, or preservation. Classic yachts like this often change hands multiple times, sometimes restored lovingly by collectors, other times unfortunately lost to age, neglect, or repurposing.

Given the boat’s rarity and age, it’s possible it still exists under a different name or owner, potentially undergoing restoration or privately berthed. However, no publicly available registry or fan-based tracking has definitively identified Quincy’s boat’s current status or location.

Fun Fact: The boat remains an object of fascination for both Quincy, M.E. enthusiasts and classic yacht collectors — inspiring ongoing discussions and occasional leads in fan communities, but no conclusive updates.

In the opening credits of Quincy, M.E., there’s a brief shot of a blonde woman sunbathing on Quincy’s sailboat — but she’s never identified or seen again in the show. Who was she, and what was her connection to Quincy?

The identity of the blonde-haired woman seen sunbathing on Dr. Quincy’s sailboat during the show’s opening title sequence has intrigued viewers for decades — and for good reason. She never speaks, is never named, and doesn’t appear in the show’s storyline. In fact, her appearance is purely visual — a stylish snapshot meant to reflect Quincy’s lifestyle rather than a character with a narrative role.

As of today, her identity remains officially unconfirmed in production credits. She was most likely a model or extra hired specifically for the opening sequence, which was filmed at Marina del Rey as part of a broader effort to portray Quincy as a bachelor living an enviable coastal life. The image of a woman sunbathing on his boat subtly reinforced Quincy’s image as a free-spirited, independent man with both brains and a touch of Hollywood cool.

Why is she never mentioned in the show? The early seasons of Quincy, M.E. leaned more into his bachelor persona, but as the series progressed, Quincy’s character became more focused on forensic justice and social issues — and less on swinging single life. The woman’s presence in the credits stayed for a while simply as part of the established montage, even after it no longer reflected the evolving tone of the show.

I used to watch Quincy reruns on our local retro TV station about ten years ago. I’ve been trying to find an episode where, early on, Quincy and Danny are riding in a car together and Danny somehow hurts his hand — maybe got it caught in the window? I don’t remember the rest of the episode. Can anyone help identify it?

You’re not alone — this memorable moment has puzzled more than a few fans over the years!

The episode you’re thinking of is “Seldom Silent, Never Heard” — Season 7, Episode 19, which originally aired on February 24, 1982.

In this installment, the case centers around the suspicious death of a young deaf girl, and Quincy becomes deeply involved in the investigation — not just for justice, but also to bridge the gap between the deaf community and the hearing world. It’s a powerful episode with strong emotional undertones.

As for the scene you’re recalling: early in the episode, Danny (played by Val Bisoglio) and Quincy (Jack Klugman) are in a car when Danny clumsily closes the door or window on his hand — leading to a bit of physical comedy and classic Danny-style griping. It’s a rare, light moment in an otherwise serious storyline — and it stood out enough that many fans, like you, remembered it long after.

Fun Fact: This episode is often remembered for its sensitive portrayal of hearing impairment and its use of sign language — something not commonly seen in primetime network drama at the time.

Throughout the series, Dr. Quincy lives on a beautiful sailboat docked in a Southern California marina. Do we know the exact type, builder, or model of the boat?

Yes — and the answer is more impressive (and historically rich) than many fans might expect.

Quincy’s sailboat was a 60-foot staysail schooner, hand-built in 1935 by Edson B. Schnock, a highly regarded American shipwright known for crafting custom wooden yachts along the California coast. Far from a mass-produced vessel like the Columbia 50 (which some fans have incorrectly assumed over the years), this schooner was a one-of-a-kind, classic wooden yacht, reflecting a bygone era of nautical craftsmanship.

A staysail schooner is a type of two-masted sailing vessel where the foremast is shorter than the mainmast, and it carries additional staysails between the masts and fore triangle. The design offers power, elegance, and versatility at sea — ideal for long-range cruising or dockside living with serious style. In Quincy’s case, it also symbolized a life of personal freedom and quiet reflection, away from the bureaucracy and grit of his day job in the coroner’s office.

Fun Fact: The schooner was often shown docked at Marina del Rey, and its classic features — like the bright teak decking, graceful sheerline, and traditional rigging — made it a subtle yet powerful visual signature for the character. Scenes aboard the boat gave audiences a look at a softer, more introspective side of Quincy, surrounded by the sea rather than scalpels.

Legacy: As of today, boats built by Edson B. Schnock are considered rare collector’s items among classic yacht aficionados. The inclusion of this 1935 schooner in Quincy, M.E. wasn’t just for aesthetics — it was a nod to authenticity, depth, and timelessness, much like the character himself.

In many lab scenes, Sam is seen using a calculator that looks like an old-school Hewlett-Packard. Was it really an HP, and do we know the model?Great catch — and yes, the calculator Sam Fujiyama frequently used in the Los Angeles Coroner’s lab does appear to be a vintage Hewlett-Packard (HP) model. Fans and vintage tech sleuths have identified it as likely being from the HP-67/97 series — two legendary programmable calculators designed for professional use.

The HP-67 was a handheld scientific calculator, introduced by Hewlett-Packard in 1976 and discontinued in 1982. Its counterpart, the HP-97, was introduced in 1977 and discontinued in 1984. The HP-97 was a desktop version of the 67, complete with a built-in thermal printer and a larger keypad. Both calculators featured magnetic card readers for program storage and used Reverse Polish Notation (RPN) — a system embraced by engineers and scientists for its efficiency but considered puzzling to the uninitiated.

Collectively referred to as the HP-67/97 series, these models were widely used in laboratories, hospitals, and universities throughout the late ’70s and early ’80s, making them a realistic and era-appropriate choice for Sam’s character — the lab’s meticulous forensic assistant.

Though the show never provides a clear close-up, scenes showing the calculator’s distinctive red LED display and keypad layout strongly suggest it was either an HP-67 or HP-97, both emblematic of high-end technical equipment of the time.

Fun Fact: The HP-67/97 line was among the most advanced personal computing tools available before desktop computers became mainstream — yet another detail that subtly underscored Sam’s role as Quincy’s sharp, scientifically-minded right hand.

Bonus trivia: HP calculators of this era used Reverse Polish Notation (RPN), a distinctive input method favored by scientists but confusing to most casual users — yet another subtle nod to Sam’s deep technical knowledge and precision!

Given the last name and the timing, was Garry Walberg — who played Lt. Frank Monahan on Quincy, M.E. — related to Donnie or Mark Wahlberg of New Kids on the Block fame?

It’s a reasonable guess — especially since Garry Walberg and the Wahlbergs share a similar-sounding surname — but the answer is no, actor Garry Walberg was not related to Donnie, Mark, or any of the famous Wahlberg siblings from the New Kids on the Block dynasty.

Garry Walberg was born Gerrit Christian Walberg Jr. in Buffalo, New York, in 1921 — decades before the boy band era exploded. He had a long and respected career in television, appearing in shows like Perry Mason, The Odd Couple, and of course, his iconic role as the world-weary but loyal Lt. Frank Monahan on Quincy, M.E.

The Wahlberg family, including Donnie and actor/entrepreneur Mark Wahlberg, hail from Boston, Massachusetts, and rose to fame in the late 1980s and early ’90s. While they share a similar last name (with slightly different spelling), there’s no family connection between Garry Walberg and the music-acting Wahlberg clan.

So, next time you see Monahan questioning a suspect or sharing coffee with Quincy in the coroner’s lab, you can appreciate him for what he was — a talented character actor with no need for a pop star connection!

In various episodes of Quincy, M.E., the coroner’s wagon or station wagon Quincy drives is shown with either a red rotating beacon or a yellow one. What’s the reason behind this inconsistency?

This is one of those fun production details that sharp-eyed fans love to spot — and it reflects both real-world protocols and behind-the-scenes TV decisions.

In reality, emergency vehicle light colors are regulated differently from state to state. Since Quincy, M.E. was set in California, the red beacon light would typically indicate an authorized emergency vehicle — like police, fire, or certain medical responders — whereas amber or yellow lights are generally used for non-emergency vehicles or those needing caution (like utility trucks or official county vehicles that aren’t granted full emergency status).

Now, Quincy often operated in a grey area. While he wasn’t law enforcement or paramedic personnel, he was a high-ranking official in the L.A. County Coroner’s Office, responding to active crime scenes and emergencies — often faster than the police! In some episodes, especially those with higher-stakes urgency or political tension, the vehicle was shown with a red light, emphasizing his role as an emergency responder. In other episodes, particularly in earlier seasons or when the tone leaned more procedural than dramatic, the amber/yellow light appears, aligning more with a civil service vehicle.

Behind the scenes, it likely came down to which vehicle was available for filming and what the script called for. Universal’s prop department had multiple vehicles, and continuity was sometimes sacrificed for scheduling or budget reasons. Plus, the producers may have adjusted the light color based on evolving traffic laws or to avoid confusing audiences who might associate red lights strictly with law enforcement.

Bottom line? The light color changed depending on the dramatic need of the episode, local California vehicle code interpretations, and the production’s access to specific cars during filming. Another charming inconsistency that makes revisiting Quincy, M.E. all the more interesting for fans!

Great observation — and you’re not alone in noticing! While Quincy, M.E. was unmistakably set in Southern California (complete with marina scenes and LA County references), many of the show’s regular and guest stars, including Jack Klugman, brought unmistakable Northeastern flair to their performances. Klugman himself hailed from Philadelphia, and his gruff, no-nonsense delivery gave Quincy a distinct East Coast edge.

This wasn’t necessarily a deliberate move by the producers to portray a transplanted East Coast community, but rather a byproduct of casting veteran character actors — many of whom had roots in New York theater or the broader Northeast acting scene. In fact, Universal Studios in the 1970s often drew from a talent pool that overlapped heavily with Broadway, off-Broadway, and TV dramas shot in New York before production hubs shifted more fully westward.

For Klugman, his East Coast identity wasn’t something he tried to shed. Instead, it became an integral part of Quincy’s character — tough, passionate, outspoken, and deeply driven by principle. Whether challenging bureaucrats or standing up for the underdog, Quincy’s voice (both literally and figuratively) had a distinct Northeastern ring to it.

So while it may not have been a purposeful choice in the writing room, the melting pot of accents ended up adding layers of authenticity and grit to the show’s ensemble — helping Quincy feel like the kind of guy who could’ve been a streetwise New Yorker, even if he was working the LA docks.

Jack Klugman was born on April 27, 1922, and he brought the tenacious medical examiner Quincy to life beginning with the show’s premiere in 1976. At the start of Quincy, M.E., Klugman was 54 years old. Over the course of the series’ seven-year run — which aired from 1976 to 1983 — he portrayed Dr. Quincy from age 54 through to 61.

This period marked some of Klugman’s most celebrated work, where his portrayal of the determined and often stubborn medical examiner captured the attention of millions. His mature age lent gravitas and authenticity to the role, helping to ground the series in realism during an era when medical dramas were just starting to gain popularity on television.

Jack Klugman’s performance on Quincy, M.E. not only defined his career but also left a lasting legacy on the genre, influencing future crime and medical shows for decades to come.

The microscope briefly shown in the intro credits of Quincy, M.E. is likely a vintage Bausch & Lomb or American Optical stereoscope, a type of stereo microscope popular in the 1960s and 1970s. These microscopes provide a three-dimensional view of larger objects and specimens, making them ideal for medical and forensic investigations.

Possible Model:

The instrument closely resembles a gray Bausch & Lomb StereoZoom microscope or maybe American Optical, featuring:

• Zoom magnification ranging from 0.7x to 3x
• 10x eyepieces
• Both top and bottom illumination option no doubt available
• Accessories such as darkfield lighting, object holders, and fine tweezers

Why the large circular viewing area?

Unlike traditional microscopes that use individual slides or very small samples, stereoscopes have a large circular viewing display, allowing users to observe larger, solid objects such as tissue samples, anatomical specimens, or small manufactured parts in three dimensions. This makes them particularly useful in forensic labs for examining things like tissue, organs, or other biological material where spatial context is crucial.

🧠 Historical Context:

Bausch & Lomb was a leading manufacturer of medical optical instruments, and their stereo microscopes were widely used in medical research, anatomical studies, and clinical labs during the era. The inclusion of such a microscope in Quincy, M.E. helps ground the show in authentic forensic science and medical investigation.

While the exact model can’t be definitively identified from the brief shot, it’s very likely a Bausch & Lomb stereo microscope—a perfect fit for the show’s medical-legal setting, providing detailed, 3D examination of larger specimens rather than thin slices on slides.

Quincy M.E. (referred to as QME from now on) aired as a weekly television series on NBC from 1976 to 1983.

The show revolved around Los Angeles Chief Deputy Medical Examiner, Quincy, portrayed by actor Jack Klugman. He consistently found himself in opposition to a range of both common and uncommon abuses within the system. In this role, Quincy was compelled to meticulously record and vehemently combat instances of social injustice and the bureaucratic red tape that typically accompanied them.

His challenges spanned a variety of scenarios, from exposing unethical pharmaceutical companies that supplied dangerous over-the-counter medications to unlicensed “pill shops,” to dealing with foreign diplomats who encountered chemically-empowered assassins during their visits to the greater Los Angeles area.

Throughout the series, Quincy confronted a greater number of charlatans, antagonists, and mobsters than any other committed pathologist, showcasing his unyielding dedication to seeking the truth and justice.

Quincy, the protagonist for which the series is named, is a coroner or medical examiner (abbreviated M.E. for short). As Chief Deputy Coroner for Los Angeles County, Quincy’s job is to determine the time and cause of death (COD) associated with the deceased found or recovered from a crime scene. Additionally, it becomes the Office of Medical Examiner’s responsibility to determine the mode of death involved in a suspected homicide or suicide.nnnnThese scientific findings are then turned over to homicide detectives, Lt. Monahan and Sgt. Brill for further LAPD crime scene investigation and analysis.

Ever wonder why TV shows like Quincy M.E., Trapper John, M.D., Doogie Houser, M.D., and Marcus Welby, M.D. have some sort of hang-up about initials after their name? The funny thing is that it’s not just that way with medical late night dramas; even Tom Selleck landed a whopper of a hit with his Magnum, P.I! While I can easily understand that many people are easily confused by the title of the series when it first came out, but many people still don’t get the title right and it’s been over 20 years since Quincy first aired! I don’t know how many times I’ve heard people mistakenly call the show “Quincy, M.D.,” “Quincey” or just plain Q.M.E.nnnnHow hard can it be? Here’s a guy who’s not only checking out the cause of death on the table but also runs around after thugs and crooks as well. This was one of the concerns Quincy co-creator Glen Larson was up against when he had tried to sell network executives on the show’s potential. Time and again, they would tell Larson that no one is interested in a series about coroners, causes of death, and crime scenes. However, the story, as Larson indicated, is that Quincy wasn’t going to be a show about your typical sterile, white, lab-coated coroner! Rather, this coroner was going to have an insatiable curiosity about the scene of the crime, and the detective work needed to flush out the most irresponsible of killers. This is why the show tends to rank more as a CRIME DRAMA than a medical show. Who knows, maybe with a little coaxing, we could have Universal change the title to “Quincy, P.I.” (grin).

nWhile both Glen Larson and Lou Shaw hold joint on-screen credit with creating the show, Mr. Larson has held executive producer, creator, and writer positions for many other shows. Larson represents the driving force behind numerous television hits like Knight Rider, Magnum, P.I., Battlestar Galactica, P.S., I Luv You, and One West Waikiki. nnnnNot surprisingly, one of his more recent projects, One West, involved strikingly similar plot elements initially presented in the QME series; namely, the “forensic pathologist/ homicide detective” angle of a criminal investigation. This time Larson cast ex-Charlie’s Angel’s Cheryl Ladd and Richard Burgi, in the medical examiner and cop roles respectively that Klugman and Walberg had successfully performed years earlier. nnnnWhile it was clear that the new series could stand on its own, this up-to-date drama also re-visited many similar plots and sub-plots which were successfully pre-tested as QME storylines and subject matter.nnnnn

nQME fall premiered at 9:30-11:00 PM EST on Sunday, October 3, 1976. The NBC Television series ran for seven seasons on network television before being canceled in September of 1983.nnnnnnnnn

nDuring the first season run of QME, the series had something of a bumpy road on NBC in 1976 as part of the wheel, QME premiered as part of the ninety-minute NBC Sunday Mystery Movie. It shared that time slot (9:30-11 PM) with the likes of Columbo, McCloud, McMillian (and Wife), and Lanigan’s Rabbi. nnnnTherefore, NBC originally ordered only six (6) ninety-minute episodes. Four appeared in that 1976 season, while the last two were preempted due to a Frank Sinatra MSG special and a televised NYC Birthday Bash special to commemorate the 1976 Bicentennial at the time. After the series moved to its regular sixty-minute time slot (10 – 11 PM), only a handful of subsequent “two- hour” episodes were produced.nnnnn

nAfter being on hiatus during most of January, February, March, and April of 1977, the series re-surfaced as part of NBC’s regular Friday night hour-long line-up (10 – 11 PM). While the majority of the episodes aired during NBC’s Wednesday night line-up, a total of one-hundred and forty-three (143) 60-minute episodes were produced over the next six seasons (1977 – 1983).nnnnn

nA whole host of regulars make up the QME cast. Most recognizable actors include Garry Walberg as Lt. Frank Monahan (previous by having shared the camera with Klugman on The Odd Couple, as Speed), Robert Ito as Assistant M.E. Sam Fujiyama, John S. Ragin as Dr. Robert Astin, Val Bisoglio as Danny Tovo (previously from MacCloud), Joseph Roman as Sgt. Brill, and Marc Scott Taylor (1978- 1983) as Marc.nnnnn

nLynette Mettey (1976-1977) as Lee Potter, Anita Gilette (1982-1983) as Dr. Emily Hanover, Eddie Garrett as Ed, John Nolan as Bartender, Peter Virgo as Pete and Filip field as Lab Technician. Actor James A. Watson Jr. periodically throughout the series) appeared many times as the level-headed District Attorney Jim Barnes, while Joseph Sirola portrayed District Attorney Sal Angeletti in at least two episodes (“Into the Murdering Mind”, “Expert In Murder”). Ed Grover and John Karlen appeared as the comical Abbott and Costello-like team of Special Agents Brice and Nivens (“Hot Ice,” “Dear Mummy”). Also, it should be noted that Actress Diane Markoff, Waitress Diane (1980-1983), who’s name appears in almost every episode’s closing credits, did not always make “on camera” appearances in every episode.nnnnn

In an early 1980s Science Digest article entitled, Among Forensic Pathologists, Quincy’s a Social Crusader, by Marvin Grosswirth, Mark Scott Taylor (QME technical advisor and actor) indicated, “When we get into the various lab procedures, we try as much as possible to do real procedures or at least a portions of real procedures…” He admits that he believes he was hired because few actors have the dexterity and experience to perform any of the on-scene technical procedures themselves! Therefore, Mark was able to act out necessary shots “on camera” to maintain scientific accuracy, while preventing scenes from appearing “hokey.”

nUnlike Glen Larson’s more romantic crime-drama, One West Waikiki, QME was largely based upon identifying causes related to social conflict and prescribing socially responsible cures to some of the problems that plague our country. Whether the issue was environmentally based, such as toxic waste dumping, or narrowly-defined such as Tourette’s syndrome, QME writers continually provided critical issues of study, as the focus and subject matter of the series. Sometimes this could be accomplished in a tongue-in-cheek manner like “Dear Mummy” or other times it could be a bittersweet, yet poignant discussion of Altimizer’s Disease as in “Where is Morris Pearlmutter?” But in every case, the QME series encouraged viewers to think about themselves and how their actions (both emotional and physical) affected others in the community, at large.nnnnn

nBefore the Medical Health Planning Board, during “For the Benefit of My Patients,” Quincy was quick to point out about his own profession,nnnn“…As you can see, Dr. Rawlings and the Terrace Heights Hospital are not prejudiced. Anyone can get in, regardless of race, color, or creed – they just have to be able to pay! Their admission does not depend upon the degree of their illness but on the right insurance card. That’s a far cry from the sign in front of Albert Schwitzer’s Jungle Hospital, which reads, ‘Here, at whatever hour you come, you will find light and help and human kindness.’ What a rotten businessman Schweitzer must have been, but what a magnificent doctor and humanitarian he was. When the only consideration of the hospital is a concern for the profit margin, humanity goes out the window. And without humanity, you cannot have good medicine.“nnnnThis summarizes the importance of what Quincy recognizes as good vs. bad medical practice. A similar attitude is also expressed in “A Ghost of a Chance,” where he indicates that “ghost surgeons” and teaching hospitals need to exercise extra stringent policing because only then can they protect those who need their help!nnnnn

nnnnnAt last count, there are at least four (4) recognizable versions of the QME theme which surfaced over the seven-year stint on NBC. Familiar renditions of the theme have been performed under the direction of Stu Phillips, William Boughton, and Bruce Boughton.nnnnn

All the cases the Office of Medical Examiners have worked on have been done at LACC (short for Los Angeles County Coroner’s). The LAPD Crime Lab is separate from but assists the Coroner’s department in determining the causes and conditions of death surrounding ongoing homicide investigations. If, for any reason, you need to research some evidence obtained at a crime scene investigation, remember that LACC Security will require you to sign in at The Quincy Examiner Guestbook first.

Quincy’s primary place of residence is the Marina, aboard his 60′ classic staysail schooner sailboat. To most folks, this might very well be considered a yacht. But, Quince would be quick to point out, “…when you’re on the county payroll, you call it a boat, not a yacht!” Well, at least, up until the time he marries Dr. Emily Hanover, he is quite comfortable on this sea-fairing vessel. It is only during pre-marital jitters and at her insistence, that he reluctantly parts with his baby. In any case, once Quincy sells the boat he won’t have to worry about stowaways bunking themselves to ambush him when he comes home at night. [Hint: Remember the episodes “A Good Smack in the Mouth” and “Hit and Run at Danny’s?”]

2023 Update: For more info on the current whereabouts of the 60 foot schooner Universal used for the series, take a quick read about the yacht itself and its history prior to usage on the QME TV series, by clicking here.

nDuring the episode “Hit and Run at Danny’s,” Quincy speaks with Janet Martin by phone and indicates that she should come down to the docks and meet with Quince the following day. He tells her, “You can’t miss it! Its a large sailboat named, ‘Fiji.’”nnnnn

nnnnnDanny’s is a local restaurant down at the Marina and boatyard, where Quincy spends much of his spare time. Like almost anyone, Quince loves food, drink, and conversation – lots of conversation! Fearing he may get his throat cut by the chef, Quincy might also hint the thing that makes Danny’s good, isn’t just the food, but Danny’s always delivers… Owner Danny Tovo is a gracious host, who does his best to accommodate his menu and friendly establishment to a large professional clientele, including the LAPD and the LA Office of Medical Examiners. Lately, Danny has been looking into the possibility of encouraging an online crowd to frequent his little dining haven, and soon you’ll be able to visit Danny’s restaurant from the comfort of your own computer chair! Look for “Danny’s on the Web” to premiere in the months ahead, right here at the online home of QME, The Quincy Examiner (http://www.quincyexaminer.com).nnnnn

nnnnnA review of the episode guide reveals that present-day Sci-Fi writers like Jeri Taylor and Michael Braverman (Star Trek: TNG, Voyager, and DS9) as well as “Equalizer” Creator Michael Sloan have contributed to the QME universe at one time or another. While an in-depth analysis of the credits indicate that some of the more prolific QME writers and contributors include Sam Egan, Steve Greenberg, and Aubrey Solomon, Robert Crais and David Mossinger (who later produced the series), and Jack Klugman (main character of the series).nnnnn

nVital StatisicsnnnnMid 40s-50s, Caucasian Male, M.D. turned M.E., Forensic Specialty: various Coronary Cause of Death Cases, Studied under Dr. Herbert Stone at the State University’s School of Medicine (“Two Sides of Truth”). Extensive field experience, Born one-half detective and one-half scientist.nnnnn

nQuincy previously had his own private practice prior to working for L.A.’s Office of Medical Examiners. Therefore, we could understandably say that Quincy, M.D. graduated to Quincy, M.E. when he arrived in Los Angeles to work for his boss, Dr. Astin.nnnnn

Quincy’s first initial is “R.” However, throughout the series, you’ll never hear Jack Klugman’s character addressed by anything but Dr. Quincy or simply Quince. That’s because there was NEVER an official first name given on camera to the tough-as-nails pathologist!

The only hint to Quincy’s first name comes from a specific episode called “Accomplice to Murder,” where he hands his business card to battered housewife Bonnie DeMarco during a visit at her workplace. On the card, you can see the first initial “R” — but no full first name.

So, as far as fans and audiences are concerned, Quincy’s first name could be almost anything beginning with “R.” Take your pick: Robert, Richard, Raymond — no one really knows for sure.

That said, inside sources do indicate Quincy did have a first name! In an early 1980s Los Angeles radio interview, Executive Producer Peter Thompson was asked what Quince’s first name was, shortly after the “Accomplice to Murder” episode aired. After turning to one of his writers (whose name was Robert), Thompson replied with a smile: Robert, of course! 🙂

Hint & Possible Insight: The show’s co-creators originally sought out actor Robert Wagner for the role of Quincy. Wagner was then contractually tied to the 1970s TV series Switch with Eddie Albert. Could it be that Jack Klugman’s joking suggestion of “Robert” as Quincy’s first name was more than just a joke? Perhaps the first name “Robert” has deeper roots in the show’s early casting history! 🙂

nnnnnOther than “Promises to Keep,” (where we meet Quincy’s first wife, in retrospect) no episodes indicate Quincy’s first official case. However look for the pilot episode, “Go Fight City Hall To Death” to witness Quincy’s first introduction to the principles at LACC Office of Medical Examiner and LAPD.n

He does! The Quincy character was married twice, the first time to Helen (Anita Gilette) and the second to Dr. Emily Hanover (Anita Gillette). Parts one and two of “Quincy’s Wedding” detail the marriage to Emily, while “Promises to Keep” supplies background on his first. Upon interviewing Anita Gilette, she confirmed that Jack Klugman insisted on wanting her to play the part of Helen after having played Emily in a later episode. And if anyone would dare to ask, Jack just figured that his new bride would look very similar to his first wife! Problem solved! 😉

In “Promises to Keep,” Helen (Anita Gilette) died from a malignant brain tumor, which surgery was unable to cure. Quincy was at her bedside when his wife died in the hospital.

nnnnnHmmm… Let’s see (excluding Helen and Emily) first there was Lee Potter (Lynnette Mettely), next came Lynne (“Promises to Keep”), Jeri McKrakin (“New Blood”), Elizabeth Chesler (“All of Sad Words”), Allison/Mary Latham (“Memories of Allison”), Annie O’Connor (“When Luck Ran Out”), and finally Jeannea Powell (“An Unquiet Grave”).nnnnOkay, so did we leave any out? If so, let us know by sending us an email at webmaster@quincyexaminer.com.n

nnnnnWhy Quincy eats and works at Danny’s is something of an enigma. Whether it’s a desire for good food or a great M.E.’s dilemma to face his boat alone… is a mystery in itself.n

nnnnnTwo things… Bureaucracy and Lawsuits!n

nnnnnHis own car is always in the shop getting fixed, so Quincy uses the county car. Shhh… Don’t tell Asten though. Heck, he only lives 7 miles away so that’s not too much mileage per day!nnnnn

nnnnnMaintaining his boat and working on his classic Etsel automobile.nnnnn

nVital StatisticsnnnnLate 30s, Asian Male, Japanese descent, Quincy’s right-hand man. Many mistakenly think Sam Fujiyama is Chinese, however, he is Japanese, and as Asten discovered when he had to hire a professional interpreter for a Japanese group visiting county facilities, does not speak Japanese. One-half scientist and one-half midnight oil burner (His girlfriend’s hate him cause he spends too much time tracking down clues and solving cases with Quince).n

nnnnnSam has a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and is not an M.E. but rather a medical lab assistant. Sam not only is responsible for assisting Quincy during routine autopsy examinations but also conducts follow-up lab work in toxicology, microscopic examination, and spectrometry.nnnnn

nnnnnEarly 40s, Caucasian male, Director of Ops and Chief Deputy Coroner. Married to Louise, two dogs and a house in the suburbs. One-third bureaucrat and one-third forensic coroner and one-third Office of Medical Examiners policy man.nnnnn

nnnnnDuring “For the Benefits of My Patients,” Asten reflects upon the reasons he went into forensic science and comments, nnnn“I was in medical school, I couldn’t decide what to specialize in, and then suddenly, my father died. He was a terrific guy, a great outdoorsman, rough and tumble, and… and he went fishing one day, and he (drank) had some contaminated waters and he died. Now, I found out that a week earlier, two other men had the same water and they died. And that idiot, who did the autopsy was so inept that he couldn’t determine the cause of death in the autopsy. … My father died and it was just a complete waste. So anyway, I vowed that I would never let that happen again. So, how’s that for unrealistic idealism?”n

nProfessionally, Astin supports Quincy in many of the positions he takes, but that may be partly because he knows that Quince is useless around the lab and office until he gets his distractions off his mind. In the probable words of Asten, “Quincy is a really, really, really nice guy… (hesitation) Now if only he’d say something nice about the great job we’re doing here at the Office of Medical Examiners the next time he appears on the Dick Mercer Show…”n

nnnnn(A.) How he should leave the office in the evening and be has “fresh as a daisy” the next morning, (B.) Keep his expenses and expense reports low while traveling on county business, and (C.) Work less overtime and stop changing the subject, when Asten has a request.n

nnnnnQuincy is something of a serious coffee drinker. Whether in the lab, during the middle of an important investigation, or helping to work out the specifics of a case in Monahan’s office, there must be something about coffee that makes the blood flow, while increasing the deductive reasoning capacities of this gray-haired scientific sleuth.n

nnnnnCareful observation of the earlier episodes reveals that Quincy and Sam used to use a bunsen burner to make and heat their coffee in the lab. But later, the office was able to purchase a coffee maker for a corner in the lab and maintain a coffee kitty for necessary supplies. Watch episode “Ashes to Ashes” or “Last Six Hours” to see what I mean. However, during cutbacks in the episode “For The Benefit of My Patients,” Asten seems to put something of a damper on the coffee kitty when he admits that cutback in departmental expenditures, means that lab workers would have to travel two flights of stairs and spend $0.70 for a cup of coffee… But somehow even after the “Mr. Coffee” coffee machine was taken away in later episodes, it magically reappeared. Explanations are left unsaid and a lack of answers abound! How could this be?n

nnnnnWhy a Mr. Coffee model … , of course! Check out this bit of vintage trivia for more on Mr. Coffee and how it revolutionized coffee brewing in the 1970s. http://blog.buffalostories.com/tag/mr-coffee/n

nnnnnLiterally, hundreds… from doctors to housewives to insurance investigators – all generally offer Quince a cup of coffee when he stops by. Frequent review of our hero’s visitations indicates that if Quincy has either something serious to talk about or has something pressing on his mind, he NEVER has a cup of coffee. However, if either the visit is purely social or one of gaining insight on a specific topic Quincy is always willing to drink a little java.n

According to Marc Scott Taylor as accurate as can be humanly possible for a TV show. Taylor, QME technical assistant, and actor, admits that it wasn’t always easy getting the right person to handle the medical equipment and procedures in an accurate representation. But if removal and dissection of a lung or liver during part of an autopsy was filmed, writers and prop people would use something the approximate size and shape of a liver for on-camera shooting in the lab. While the physical examinations at the lab, DID NOT depict any gross incisions, body component removals, or corpses, the show did provide detailed technical language indicating what was to be done during an autopsy exam. nnnn

This says a lot considering the time and audience the show catered to in the mid-70s through the early 80s. Thus, Quincy has stood the test of time and helped set the stage for today’s more modern medical contemporaries like Chicago Hope, ER and others; not to mention forensic investigation such as CSI, Crossing Jordan, and others. nnnnnnnnnn

According to Marc Scott Taylor as accurate as can be humanly possible for a TV show. Taylor, QME technical assistant, and actor, admits that it wasn’t always easy getting the right person to handle the medical equipment and procedures in an accurate representation. But if removal and dissection of a lung or liver during part of an autopsy was filmed, writers and prop people would use something the approximate size and shape of a liver for on-camera shooting in the lab. While the physical examinations at the lab, DID NOT depict any gross incisions, body component removals, or corpses, the show did provide detailed technical language indicating what was to be done during an autopsy exam. nnnn

This says a lot considering the time and audience the show catered to in the mid-70s through the early 80s. Thus, Quincy has stood the test of time and helped set the stage for today’s more modern medical contemporaries like Chicago Hope, ER and others; not to mention forensic investigation such as CSI, Crossing Jordan, and others. nnnnn

nnnnnThe infamous “punk rock episode” is classic early 79/80 typecasting at its best. At least, that’s the view shared by many over at Usenet’s alt.punk newsgroup! “Next Stop, Nowhere” depicts the negative consequences of “violent” music, peer pressure, drugs, and adolescence had exemplified by many post-baby boom teens who grew up with a steady diet of “Breakfast Club” type movies, “Sex Pistols,” “Adam Ant,” and “Billy Idol” music, “PAC-MAN” arcade games, as well as an increasingly high divorced rate among working middle-class parents.While “Generation X” is now in their late 20s and early 30s, many get quite a kick out of this and another early 80s series (CHiPs) take on what it meant to be a “punk rocker.”nnnnBy the way, the rock group band appearing in this episode is called Mayhem and was starred by typical actors not an actual rock band at the time. n

nnnnnThey’re professional and very careful at what they do! (What can I say? grin) Unlike today’s shows, this was feared to potentially turn more viewers off than on. During the series’ infancy and initial creation, it was believed that shows about “Coroners and Morticians” had little place for 1970s prime time television audiences. However, it was recognized that a coroner who was more of a detective than a pathologist might have something of a chance with the network sponsors and executives.n

nnnnnFormer Chief Medical Examiner of LA County, Thomas Noguchi, MD, (probably qualifying as LA’s real-life Quincy) wrote two books on the topics and various issues the series examined in its weekly homicide investigations. Entitled Coroner and Coroner at Large, they present the topic of forensic pathology from a true-life perspective. Meanwhile, free-lance author Jon Zonderman offers another point of view in his book entitled, Beyond the Crime Lab: The New Science of Investigation. This small hardcover provides a forward by Henry C. Lee, Ph.D., Chief Criminalist/Director of Connecticut’s State Police Forensic Science Laboratory, and recent witness for the O.J. Simpson Trial. You will also find all sorts of Forensic Pathology related links on the web, some of the most noted directly accessible through the Q Trivia section of The Quincy Examiner as well.n

nnnnnPortions of the episode guide will be released at the original fan website for the series, The Quincy Examiner (http://www.quincyexaminer.com), starting on or before February 1997.A fan-based creation, the guide covers the entire production series (1976-1983), and is NOT available for purchase at the present time. nnnnIn addition, an episode checklist is EXCLUSIVELY available at The Quincy Examiner for fans and video collectors who are trying to build their own video library on the series. It can be found at the site by pointing your web browser to: http://www.inquire.net/quincy/checklst.html.nnnnKeep checking the site for the latest updates and special features being added.n

nnnnnYes, your one-stop authority on the QME series is right here – The Quincy Examiner! Located at URL (http://www.quincyexaminer.com), the Examiner frequently changes and updates the latest on the show’s details and production information, as well as encouraging open discussion on the content and subject matter of many of the daily episodes.n

nnnnnYes, discussion about the latest episodes and other related stray thoughts can be recorded here and at USENET newsgroup: alt.tv.quincy-me. Usenet is not controlled by The Quincy Examiner, but its creator does contribute and correlate current events, topics, and spin-offs that are relevant to the series. Additionally, new releases and upgrades to the FAQ and EP GUIDE will be copied to that newsgroup when updates are made to the referring documentation on this website.n

nnnnnExtra(s), Extra(s)… Read all about them! Hollywood is full of actors and actresses looking for their first break in front of the camera. Without these folks, there would be little for our protagonist to do or say. Ever wonder who that character is that keeps re-appearing in this episode or that one, well you can put your guessing aside. Visit Quincy Examiner’s Limelight Directory of the 70s & 80s Extras http://www.inquire.net/quincy/limelight.html) to locate your favorite small-screen extras who appeared on the QME series over the years.n

nnnnnUnfortunately, there are no other database or FTP related archives dedicated to the QME show. However, fans can link to the Quincy Examiner’s Friends of Quincy links page (http://www.inquire.net/quincy/friends.html) to surf other QME fan webpages.n

nnnnnLooking for an episode you’ve missed, post the request to either alt.tv.quincy-me or alt.video.tape-trading, to see if someone else has already taped the ep or could tape it for you when it is re-broadcast on the A& E Cable Television Network. If neither of these choices is an option, you can access and post newsgroup requests via the web at the DejaNews Website as well.n

nThere are a few websites now that provide syndication television show status. I believe that NBCUniversal how has a retro channel which last broadcast the series during the 2019-2020 TV season. nnnnTo find out more information, check this internet search result periodically:nnnnSearch result –> Quincy M.E. n

nnnnnNo. The original 90-minute episodes which made up the NBC Sunday Night Mystery series (first season) have been time-compressed, and currently air as 60-minute equivalents. Since the pilot and three (3) subsequent 90-minute episodes provide the cornerstone on most of the background and setting to the series, some unanswered questions are bound to arise. Fortunately, most of the pertain information tied to Quincy and Monahan’s investigations have somehow managed to survive.n

nnnnnOther than the occasional magazine article, very little if any, exists about the QME series.n

nnnnIn addition, no fan-fiction based on the series exists either. However, with the advent of network syndication and cable tv networks, like A& E, interest in the 70s and 80s based crime-drama series continues to find a new generation of audiences.n

nnnnnTVT Records http://www.tvtrecords.comnnnnIf you are looking for a FREE downloadable copy of the opening theme, point your web browsers to TVT Records (www.tvtrecords.com). You may need to register with the website first to gain a password, but once they e-mail back to you, you will have the ability to download any of a whole host of movie and television theme. Those of you/ who have seen the musical CD series entitled “Television’s Greatest Hits,” Vol I , II, and III,” will be pleasantly surprised to learn that TVT is the producer of this nostalgic trip down memory lane and has included it on the audio CD series.n

nnnnnOther than small appearances in entertainment and TV magazines, very little merchandise related to the QME series exists. Photographs and other promotional material have rarily turned up in nostalgic print shops. During the seven years in production, Universal released only limited amounts of promo material on the series. From what I’ve seen of partial press kit shots, it appears that NBC either produced or re-released b/w promo shots for their current season openers from year to year. Whether this was accomplished for all seven seasons (1976-1983) of QME is uncertain at this time.n

nIf you know of additional television stations in your area which broadcast QME, send a message back to the Virtual M.E. (webmaster@quincyexaminer.com) indicating where so others in your area can enjoy the series as well!n

nnnnnTV Guide On-Line http://www.iguide.com http://www.tvguide.comAt one time, TV Guide used to keep an on-line television listing of upcoming episodes, however since many web users are from surfing from all over, the time listing may or may not be accurate when linking to the site.n

nnnnnA& E Online http://www.aetv.com A& E Monthly magazinennnnAdditionally, if you are happy viewing the QME series on the A& E Cable Network, use our E-mail interface to let them know that their decision to support wholesome quality crime-drama is greatly appreciated. Currently assigned a TV-G rating, it is important that viewers voice their support because most cable networks change their scheduled daytime programming on a frequent basis to increase viewership.n

nnnnnThe Quincy Examiner – Current and Upcoming Episodes http://www.inquire.net/quincy/current.htmlThis site displays the current and upcoming episodes aired twice (2) daily (12:00 pm and 6:00 pm EST) on A& E Cable Television Network.n

Jack’s prior estate Temecula Ranch in 2014 auction up for sale in 2017 once more!

• Read the original newspaper article on the sale here
• Visit the Premiere Estates Page for Hacienda de Endar to learn more!

No local affiliates other than the A& E Cable Network presently air the syndicated Universal/MCA series. However, if QME is broadcast on a local channel in your area and is NOT mentioned here, please feel free to send e-mail to The Quincy Examiner (webmaster@quincyexaminer.com) or directly to the links on this website.

nnnnnWe have heard word from a few of the first (1st) and second (2nd) season writers, but so far none of the co-stars or supporting cast have made their way to this site. If you or anyone you know was directly connected with the series, drop us a line. We’d love to hear from you.n

nnnnnUnlike Magnum, P.I./Murder She Wrote, Dallas/Knots Landing, or Diagnosis Murder/Matlock team-ups, NO such cross-over episodes of this Glen A. Larson project were proposed or produced.n

QME received many nominations for Emmy Awards during its run on network television. Specifically, Quincy’s Alter-ego, Veteran Actor Jack Klugman, was nominated for his performance during the first four (4) seasons of the series, and subsequently, the series itself was nominated in the second (2nd) and fifth (5th) seasons. When it aired on NBC, QME’s biggest competition included such shows as Dynasty and Knots Landing. In addition, NBC had moved the time slot and day for QME, making it extremely hard to keep track of on a consistent weekly basis, until the show was slated for its 10 PM Wednesday night slot sometime in the middle of the third season.

The font used for the series appears to be ITC Serif Gothic according to the font identification database at WhatTheFont!. This discovery applies to the television series itself. The appearance of a compressed variation appears on the DVD cases and content produced by Universal Home Video and Shout! Factory, the subcontractor for QME series seasons 4 up to the final season.

After a close inspection of Google mapping, we believe the best guess for exterior Danny’s shots might now be the Tony P’s located in Marina Del Rey. Interior shots of the restaurant were done on Stage 25 at Universal/MCA back lots according to a chief source who was a production gripper at the time.

For info and comparison shots, see the photos above. Note, this appears to be confirmed by what IMDB is reporting online as well. If you go, be sure to read the food reviews and send us a photo with your smartphone!