UPCOMING EPISODES

On May 27th 2011 the world was saddened by the news that the actor Jeff Conaway had died. He was best known for the role of Kenickie in Grease. In a career spanning five decades, he was rarely out of work but there was trouble behind the megawatt smile. Jeff Conaway had a much-publicised battle with drink and drug addiction and there was speculation in the press that he died of an overdose. However, upon examination of Jeff Conaway’s extensive autopsy report world-renowned forensic pathologist, Dr Michael Hunter, does not believe this is necessarily the case. In fact, his investigation reveals there are a multitude of potential reasons for Jeff’s untimely death. So what ultimately happened?

Alongside the medical testimony we will explore the timeline of events that contributed to the untimely death and talk to people who will give us first hand factual accounts of what actually took place, revealing an intimate portrait of how the celebrity lived, breathed and ultimately suffered. Following her rise to fame in the 1960s Joan Rivers became the undisputed queen of stand-up comedy. For nearly five decades her unique brand of fast-talking, acid tongued wit made her a fixture on stage and television around the globe. But at 1.17pm on September 4th 2014 Joan was pronounced dead in her hospital room. She was 81. Joan Rivers was known for her love of plastic surgery. But after risking her life on numerous occasions by going under the cosmetic surgeon’s knife, a routine, low-risk procedure was to go tragically wrong. Dr Michael Hunter investigates the last days of Joan Rivers.

Johnny Carson, the undisputed King of Late Night TV died in Los Angeles in January 2005. From 1962 and for nearly 30 years, he tucked millions of Americans into bed every night as the host of NBC’s “Tonight” show. His humour and laid-back demeanour attracted the cream of global talent night after night and his famed monologues helped Americans take in the day’s news with a wry smile. But away from the cameras, Johnny was a troubled man, haunted by an emotionally impoverished childhood leading to heavy drinking and womanising in his adult life. His distant relationship with his 3 sons culminated in tragedy when one of them, Rick, died in a car crash at the age of 39. Johnny paid a heavy price for the stresses in his personal and professional lives. A heavy smoker from childhood, he was diagnosed with the lung disease emphysema nearly 20 years before his death. This made it increasingly hard for him to breath and took a heavy toll on his heart, culminating in a heart attack in 1999 and his death six years later from respiratory arrest. World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter, re-examines Johnny’s life story and medical history to find out exactly how his emotional and physical health combined to silence this giant of the small screen.

On January 29th, 1977, the world was stunned by the news that the breakout comedy star, Freddie Prinze, had taken his own life at the age of 22. He shot to fame as the star of the primetime sitcom ‘Chico and the Man’ after appearing on The Tonight Show at just 19-years-old. But Freddie struggled to balance his fast rise to fame and fortune with the demands of being a husband and young Father. His recreational drug habit spiraled into full-blown dependence and his behavior became increasingly impulsive and reckless. Too much. Too soon. A life of excess. Did it all become too much to handle for Freddie? World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter needs to analyze every detail in Freddie’s records to piece together what exactly caused this bright, young comic with the world at his feet to take his own life.

Richard Pryor's shockingly honest, no holds barred performances revolutionised American comedy. And his no holds barred attitude continued off screen with his monstrous appetite for drink, drugs and sex. But during the last part of his life Pryor was struck down with a debilitating illness which left him paralysed and unable to speak. Then, on December 10th, 2005, Richard Pryor dies from a cardiac arrest. But what killed him? Was it his wild past catching up with him? His debilitating illness? Or something else all together? Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter will be examining Richard's medical records to determine precisely was caused the death of this much loved comedian.

Bernie Mac was one of the best-loved stand-up comedians of his generation. He worked his way out of poverty, spending 12 years performing in Chicago clubs before hitting the big time in the early 90’s as part of the Def Comedy Jam. After touring relentlessly, he eventually found mainstream success with a string of Hollywood movie roles and his own primetime TV show. But in July 2008 he was hospitalized with pneumonia. After 3 weeks in intensive care he died at the height of his career, aged 50. Now, Medical Examiner Dr. Michael Hunter is taking a fresh look at the death of a unique performer who was loved by millions.

The night of November 25, 1998 Flip Wilson died at the tragically young age of 64. Flip will always be remembered as the gifted comedian who burned fiercely, lighting up our television screens in the 1970’s. In his time, he was a groundbreaking funny-man who was renowned for his generosity, and blazed a path that enabled other black performers to hit the big time. He was a unique comedian, a true original who overcame a childhood marred by terrible abuse and poverty to become a millionaire many times over. But Flip was tormented by the ghosts from his past, and wrestled with drink and drugs throughout his illustrious career. And despite a tenacity that took him from the starving streets of Jersey City, to the glamorous bright lights of California, Flip was brought down by an incurable cancer that took his life in a matter of months. Dr. Michael Hunter, world renowned medical examiner, will investigate and analyze all the available evidence; Flip’s medical history and first hand accounts from his life, to find out what caused the deadly cancer that took such an incredible comedy icon’s life.

Steve Jobs was a visionary product designer who revolutionised the computer world with much loved products like the iPod, iPhone and iPad. His instinctive understanding of what the public wanted made his company, Apple, the highest valued corporation in the world. But on October 5th, 2011, Jobs died of a rare and easily treatable pancreatic cancer which has a high degree of survivability. Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter examines Steve’s medical records to discover why such a wealthy man with so many resources at his disposal, who was also passionate about his health and diet, died so unnecessarily?

In 2009 Americas most famous and Iconic TV Pitchman died at his Florida home. He died unexpectedly aged just 50 years old. Billy had made his fortune pitching innovative products on American TV and at his height, he was on TV more than any other celebrity. Together with his partner Anthony “Sully” Sullivan the two made over a billion dollars in sales over a ten year period. But despite the wholesome man in the street image, Billy’s death was to prove as controversial as it was unexpected. Billy’s life was a full on journey from his humble roots to his millionaire lifestyle, but there was more to Billy that the world saw through the prism of a TV screen. Now Dr Michael Hunter uncovers some surprising hidden and controversial truths about the life and death of TV Pitchman Billy Mays.

On September 27th, 2017, Media Magnate, and International Playboy Hugh Hefner or Hef as he liked to be known died at the world-famous Playboy Mansion in Beverley Hills. Hef’s death certificate reports that he died of a cardiac arrest. But he was incredibly fit for a 91-year old, still at the head of the Playboy Empire, and hosting huge Hollywood parties. So what happened? World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr Michael Hunter needs to analyze every detail in the limited available information to piece together what was really going on Hef’s body to find the answers.

On the morning of April 18, 2012, American icon Dick Clark died suddenly from a massive heart attack following a routine operation on his prostate. As host of legendary TV show 'American Bandstand' for almost 40 years, Dick was a familiar face in millions of American homes and helped to shape modern pop music for modern audiences. Known as 'America's oldest teenager' for his seemingly eternally youthful appearance and his ability to stay in touch with what was considered 'cool' even as he grew into his 60's, he was a uniquely successful producer and entrepreneur, amassing a $200 million dollar fortune at the time of his death. A long time diabetic, Dick suffered a debilitating stroke in 2004, but true to form, he was determined to stay on screen and continued to present his annual New Years Countdown from Times Square right up until his death 8 years later. So why did Dick die so suddenly? World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr Michael Hunter needs to analyse key moments from Dick’s life and his medical history, in order investigate and find the answers as to why Dick died shortly after what should have been a simple procedure.

Walt Disney was the father of movie-length animation and creator of some of the most loved and recognised characters in the world. But America’s favourite uncle was also an obsessive workaholic and consumed by crippling pain. On December 15th 1966 Walt Disney died in a Burbank hospital, he was 65 years old. Leading forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter is investigating Disney’s last days, weeks and months to find out what caused the death of this global icon.

On May 8th 2020, the entertainment world was rocked by the news that legendary Las Vegas illusionist Roy Horn had become a victim to the coronavirus pandemic. As one half of Siegfried and Roy, he was the animal-tamer who helped re-invent the magic act as multi-million-dollar spectacle. It was during a traumatic childhood in post-war Germany that Roy developed a unique ability to communicate with animals. In partnership with budding magician Siegfried, he took his talent to the stage – and the pair developed a live act that starred cheetahs, lions and tigers. They went from touring the clubs of Europe - to scoring their own headline residency as the hottest act in Vegas. They performed over 30,000 shows, becoming one of the most successful live acts of all time – and the official ‘Magicians of the Century’. But in 2003 tragedy struck – when Roy was mauled onstage and almost killed by one of his tigers. He was left permanently paralysed – but his strength to survive and recover from the incident was heralded as close to miraculous. Then, at the age of 75, he died from complications due to coronavirus. It’s a highly contagious disease, but has a low mortality rate – and 94 per cent of those who die have at least one other pre-existing health condition. So what made Roy’s infection turn fatal? World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter needs to analyse every detail in the limited available information to piece together what else was going on in his body to find the answers.

On September 4th 2006 Australian zookeeper and wildlife expert Steve Irwin was tragically killed while filming an underwater documentary on the Great Barrier Reef. Steve had won global notoriety as the ‘Crocodile Hunter’, handling deadly snakes, toxic reptiles, and apex predators on programmes watched by an estimated worldwide audience of 500 million. But the world was shocked to learn that, at the age of just 44, the seemingly invincible conservationist, had been killed by a creature not known for being aggressive or dangerous – a stingray. Now, world renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter is investigating what led one of the world’s most iconic wildlife experts to be killed by an otherwise docile animal?

On June 8th 2018, the world was stunned by the news that award-winning writer and TV presenter, Anthony Bourdain had taken his own life. He was the punk rock chef who found fame as the hip new face of food and travel television. After 25 years of toiling in the restaurant business, living pay check-to-pay check and battling drug addictions, Anthony’s sudden success came in his early 40s, when his memoir ‘Kitchen Confidential’ lifted the lid on the hidden world of New York restaurant kitchens. The book was a best-seller and Anthony’s mix of streetwise cool, no-nonsense smarts and restless creativity made him a perfect fit for television. A new life outside the kitchen beckoned, and Anthony spent the best part of 20 years filming his global travels, seeking out food, culture and conversation. His hit shows included No Reservations, The Layover and Parts Unknown – the winner of seven Emmy Awards – and his career was at on all-time high. But suddenly, at the age of 61, he hung himself in his hotel room, while filming in France. So what happened? World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter needs to analyse every detail in the limited available information to piece together what exactly caused the well-loved TV host to take his own life.