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! 🙂
