UPCOMING EPISODES

On the morning of December 23rd, 2015, just two days before Christmas, cherished wife and mother of two boys Connie Dabate was found brutally murdered, shot to death in her own basement in Ellington Connecticut. Connie’s husband Rick was also found tortured covered in blood. He reported the shocking story of a home invasion gone wrong, a masked intruder who had attempted to rob the family, shooting Connie twice in the process. The Dabates seemed like an idyllic family. Connie and Rick had been together for 12 years, they had two boys and on the surface were the picture of happiness. Connie was a pillar of the small close-knit community of Ellington and as a couple they were well liked and had lots of friends. But what people didn’t know about doting father and loving husband Rick was he had a double life, a second phone and a secret credit card that Connie knew nothing about and the case unfolds darker secrets emerge. A murder that shocked a community and ripped families apart. But, was this simply a tale of a home robbery gone tragically wrong? Who was in the Dabate house that day? What kind of person would murder a mother in cold blood just two days before Christmas? With the help of police investigation reports, the coroner's autopsy and the technological data pulled from the Dabates’ cell phones and the Fitbit Connie was wearing that day, Forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter deciphers the shocking truths of the case to uncover how and why this apparently senseless murder took place.

In the early hours of January 13th, 2018 beloved wife and mother Kathleen ‘Kat’ Dawn West was found dead across the street from her Calera, Alabama home. The crime scene was shocking. 42-year-old Kat was found partially nude with a blunt force trauma to her head lying next to her was a half full bottle of absinthe and her cell phone. Kat described herself as a full-time wife and Mommy who doted on her daughter Lola, aged 12 years old at the time. But what many people didn’t know is that Kat had a second online life quite at odds with her housewife persona. Kat was an avid social media user and in March 2016 she started using her online accounts to make money, initially posting links to items for sale but it was the sexy pictures of her modelling lingerie that helped her amass 52,000 Instagram followers under the provocative username ‘Kitty Kat West’. This led to Kat starting her own online business on the Onlyfans website and posting more explicit material. Kat’s double life was not a secret from her husband Jeff. Kat had been married to Jeff West for 14 years, on the surface they had a loving, open relationship but digging deeper there were issues in their marriage. Kat’s husband Jeff has been charged and convicted with her murder but the outcome remains controversial. Jeff has always claimed his wife died from a drunken accidental fall. Could Jeff have killed his wife? Did an online stalker murder Kat in cold blood? Was it a drunken accident? With the help of police investigation reports, first-hand accounts and the coroner's autopsy report Dr. Michael Hunter unravels the mysterious case to uncover how and why Kat West died.

Two attractive young women attacked in their place of work, with one left dead and the other found bound and unconscious. Jayna Murray’s brutal murder, seemingly at the hands of blood thirsty masked intruders, sent the wealthy community of Bethesda, MD, into lockdown. This savage killing in a Lululemon sports clothes store would stun even the most case-hardened law enforcement professionals and forensic specialists. With its apparent sexual motive, and the sheer number of horrific injuries Jayna sustained as she tried to defend herself, this is a crime that stands out in its savagery. But as the details of this terrible murder are revealed, it will become clear that everything is not as it first seems, and forensic and crime scene evidence will turn this urgent investigation on its head. Utilizing the autopsy report, forensic evidence and first-hand accounts, Dr. Michael Hunter will uncover the facts behind this appalling murder, and by studying all the evidence of this mysterious case, he’ll shed light on the appalling truth of it, and explain how and why Jayna Murray died.

Steven Clayton appeared to have it all. Happily married and living in luxury on the shore of South Carolina’s Lake Wylie, the 64-year-old was enjoying his retirement after a successful career. But on June 21st, 2018, his wife Lana found him dead at the bottom of their stairs after a sudden illness, and immediately called for help. Attending responders initially determined it to be a death from natural causes, but family members grew suspicious that this was not the whole story. Four weeks later a homicide investigation began. Now, world renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter analyses the autopsy report and documents from the investigation to get to the truth of how Steven Clayton died.

John Belushi was a comedy genius. The gross-out characters he created in Animal House and Blues Brothers were iconic. After a meteoric rise to stardom, 33 year-old he was on the cusp of super stardom. But on March 5th, 1982 he was found dead died in Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont Hotel. Using information revealed in John Belushi’s autopsy report, Dr. Michael Hunter investigates his final days and hours to reveal the cause of his death.

When legendary comedian Garry Shandling died at the age of just 66 in 2016, his fans and the show business community were mystified and shocked. Over 40 years on stage and screen, audiences loved his self-analytical and self-deprecating humour and thanks to hit sitcoms like the Larry Sanders show, he garnered over 60 awards or nominations, including Emmys. Outwardly, he appeared to be in good health – never drinking to excess or using illegal drugs but always pursuing a busy fitness regime, eating well and practicing meditation. Behind the scenes howecer, Garry was obsessively perfectionist and workaholic and suffered intense stress in his business and personal lives. He also battled with serious long-term health conditions resulting in major surgeries and the removal of internal organs. His medical history was complicated. World renowned pathologist Dr Michael Hunter is re-opening Garry’s medical files to solve the mystery of what caused the fatal blood clot that would ultimately claim Garry’s life.

Phil Hartman was a comedy legend. HIs satirical impressions on Saturday Night Live ruffled the feather of America’s most powerful. On The Simpsons, his voice gave life to 18 iconic characters. He was one of America’s favorite comic actors. But in May 1998 Phil Hartman’s family home was stormed by armed police who found him shot to death in his bedroom. The horror escalates when police confirm Phil’s wife Brynn is by his side – also shot dead. Using information revealed in Phil and Brynn’s autopsy reports Dr. Michael Hunter investigates their tragic and untimely deaths.

On May 16th 1984, unique comedy talent, Andy Kaufman, died from a rare form of lung cancer at just 35 years of age. Renowned for his eccentric stage routines and comedy sketches on the TV show ‘Saturday Night Live’ he went on to gain international fame playing ‘Latka’ the goofy mechanic in the 70’s sitcom ‘Taxi’. A master of invention, he told friends he was going to fake his own death, leading some to believe he did not die. In this episode, expert Coroner and Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter, examines Andy Kaufman’s medical history to try and discover what caused the death of this comic phenomenon at such a young age.

Gilda Radner was an icon of American comedy, whose unique characters on hit show Saturday Night Live catapulted her into the nation’s heart. But behind the laughter was a life blighted by illness and sorrow- from bulimia to multiple miscarriages. And at the age of just 42 she died of ovarian cancer in a Los Angeles hospital. So what caused her to catch the deadly disease at such a young age and why did doctors miss multiple opportunities to catch it? World renowned medical examiner and forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter leads the investigation to find the answers.

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.

On March 4th 1994, beloved comedy actor John Candy was found dead in Durango Mexico, where he had been working on what would become his final film, Wagons East. Candy rose through the ranks of the celebrated Second City theatre group, and went on to appear in over 40 films, winning acclaim for his performances in classic films such as Splash, Cool Runnings and Planes, Trains and Automobiles. His death certificate stated that he died of a heart attack – but what was the cause? John Candy was known for his larger than life persona, and he battled with his weight throughout his life. But it seems that events that unfolded in Mexico on the set of Wagons East could have also contributed to his shocking and untimely death at the age of just 43. World renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter will analyse every detail of Candy’s death certificate, along with the testimonies from those closest to John, in order to understand what ultimately caused the death of a Hollywood icon.

Chris Farley was the larger-than-life Hollywood star regarded as one of the funniest comedians of his generation. His outrageous blend of physical slapstick and vulnerable charm earned him the adoration of the American public. After shooting to fame in the early 90’s as one of Saturday Night Live’s brightest talents, he went on to star in a string of hit movies. But on December 18th 1997 Chris’ body was found on the floor of his Chicago apartment, after four days of partying. He died alone aged 33. Now, Medical Examiner Dr. Michael Hunter is taking a fresh look at the death of an icon who was loved by millions.

Robin Williams was one of the funniest and most gifted comedians of his generation. He burst to prominence in 1978 in the hit TV sitcom Mork & Mindy and won an Oscar for Good Will Hunting in 1997. But just before noon on August 11th 2014, he’s found hanging from a belt secured to a closet door in his home in Tiburon, California. Now, Dr Michael Hunter is piecing together the events of Robin William’s last hours and evidence from the autopsy report to uncover what triggered this suicide. The star had overcome major heart surgery, was winning a lifelong battle with drink and drugs and, at the age of 63, was set to reprise one of his most famous roles in a sequel of box office smash Mrs Doubtfire. Yet beneath this surface Robin Williams was a troubled man, secretly coping with a recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease, taking medication used for severe psychiatric conditions and displaying bizarre signs of paranoid behaviour. However, Dr Hunter reveals it’s a rare and undiagnosed brain disease that finally is the driver that causes Robin Williams to take his own life. Alongside sensitive and factually based drama we talk to close friends, biographers and a psychologist and painstakingly investigate the tragic death of a comedy legend.

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.

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.

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.

On January 14th, 2009, the revered actor, Ricardo Montalbán, died from Congestive Heart Failure at 88 years old. Born in Mexico, he discovered a passion for acting while studying English in the USA. His natural charm and good looks mixed with an innate talent led to an on-screen career that spanned seven decades. As charming off-screen as he was on-screen, Ricardo masked a life-long struggle with chronic pain, and was compelled to use his place in society to forge battle against racism in Hollywood. Dr. Michael Hunter uses Ricardo’s Death certificate and first-hand accounts of Ricardo’s life to uncover the truth behind the devastating heart failure that killed this 88-year-old actor.

On January 22nd 1994, just one day after his 72nd birthday, actor Telly Savalas died in bed at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Los Angeles, but he is immortalized in the most famous part he played, bald headed Detective Theo Kojak, the world’s best known and best loved cop. Telly rose from a roller coaster childhood which saw him pitched from private school and privilege into living in the harsh realities of New York’s Lower East Side during the Great Depression of the 1930’s. He never intended to be an actor but in his mid-thirties he attended an audition by chance and ended up winning the part which launched his on-screen career. He quickly won plaudits from critics and moviegoers alike as a screen heavy, playing chilling psychopaths who exuded an easy charm, before landing the part of hard-nosed but kind hearted cop Kojak on the small screen. He became an unlikely sex symbol, and embraced the Hollywood lifestyle eagerly, and that may have been his downfall. The death certificate states that he suffered kidney failure as a result of bladder cancer – but while almost half of those diagnosed with Bladder cancer survive for 10 years after diagnosis, Telly was dead within a month…and many still attribute his death to a different cause. What was the truth behind the rumors, and could his celebrated bald head be connected with what really killed him. World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter needs to analyze every detail of Telly’s life to piece together the facts of what happened to end it.

On July 19th 2014, the world was shocked and saddened by the news that beloved American actor and producer James Garner had died at the age of 86. James had made a name for himself as one of the most genuine stars of his generation boasting a career that spanned 6 decades. Starring in over 85 movies and television shows James created some of our most loved TV characters including Maverick and Jim Rockford from The Rockford Files. Born into poverty, James had a difficult childhood growing up in the small town of Norman Oklahoma at the start of the great depression. His teenage years were tough due to an abusive stepmother and a lack of interest in any of the numerous jobs he tried. Then In 1950 he became the first man from Oklahoma to be drafted to the Korean War where he sustained numerous injuries. James then caught his first acting break by chance after discovering an old friend had become an actor’s agent and following a contract with legendary film company ‘Warner Brothers’ the role of Maverick catapulted him to Hollywood stardom. He was one of the few actors that made it big in both film and television, in a time when it was rare to do so. James became a folk hero to other actors when he won huge legal battles against two of the biggest studios, breaking his contract and clawing back hidden revenues. Known for his effortless acting and his humorous anti-heroes he was one of Hollywood’s highest ranked actors but behind James’ smile there was hidden pain and we discover he had secretly battled ill health for over 35 years. James suffered from multiple life-threatening conditions, he underwent numerous surgeries and struggled both mentally and physically. James died of a heart attack at the age of 86. Why did one of our most treasured actors succumb to this fete? And how did he battle ill health for so long? World renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter needs to analyze James’ history, lifestyle and medical past in order to find the answers.

On July 3 2012, Americans were saddened by the death of Andy Griffith. Andy was notoriously private, and very little is known about what happened, or the state of his health in the last few years of his life. Dr Hunter will be analysing every detail in the available information, to piece together what led to his demise. In a career spanning almost seventy years, he had charmed audiences as an actor, comedian and recording artist. But it was his performance as Sheriff Andy Taylor, in The Andy Griffith Show, that catapulted him into the hearts of Americans everywhere. Beloved for this character’s gentle kindness and good humour, audiences believed he was their friend and father figure. But the public perception of Andy was at odds with who he was. Friends recall a Jekyll and Hyde personality and a man who became increasingly reclusive. Andy’s death certificate states that he died as a result of a heart attack, after years of suffering from other illnesses. Dr Hunter’s investigation builds up a picture of a man whose private habits and behaviours left him susceptible to heart disease in multiple ways. Though his death, at 86, may not have come as a surprise, what did raise eyebrows was the fact that he was buried in the grounds of his home within four and a half hours of the 911 call alerting the emergency services that he was unresponsive. As part of his investigation Dr Hunter will uncover whether this bears any significance on the manner in which he died.

In this investigative medical documentary series, we look at the lives and deaths of the biggest names in American entertainment history. Through a combination of interviews with family and friends, archive footage and dramatic reconstructions, we tell these stories and unpick the- sometimes mysterious- circumstances around their deaths. Larry Hagman is fondly remembered as playing the bumbling astronaut, Major Anthony "Tony" Nelson, in the 1960s sitcom I Dream of Jeannie. He had supporting roles in numerous films, including Superman, Nixon and Primary Colors. But he is best known for playing the king of all soap villains: the wicked, scheming, JR Ewing on the hit prime time soap Dallas. The subject of the biggest cliff-hanger ever, thirty million viewers from fifty-seven countries watched the episode where JR Ewing was shot, making Larry Hagman one of the biggest soap stars in the world. With a larger-than-life, fun-loving personality, Larry was a hippy at heart, belying the conservative facade of his oil baron character in Dallas. However, he was also a big drinker and was known to finish off five bottles of champagne a day during his Dallas heyday. This eventually resulted in severe liver damage and a life-saving liver transplant operation. Ever the optimist, Larry continued performing and played a vital role in the Dallas reboot in 2012 but died during filming the second season from complications resulting from throat cancer. We'll explore what drove Larry to continue performing into his early 80s and what really led to his death in November 2012.

Patrick Swayze was a legendary actor, dancer and singer. His cult performances made him a global superstar. By the late 80s, Patrick was a celebrated Hollywood heartthrob, but the dancer and actor, probably best known for his roles in ‘Dirty Dancing’, Ghost and 'Point Break’ died almost unrecognisable at his ranch in California at just 57 years old. Now, forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter will examine Patrick’s extensive medical records to unravel the truth surrounding his death and will attempt to reveal what really happened to this huge star.

On September 6th, 2018, news broke that Hollywood icon Burt Reynolds had died. Burt broke into the bigtime by winning the lead in gritty survivalist drama Deliverance in 1972, and became a household name in the late 70’s and early 80’s in light-hearted car chase movies such as Smokey and the Bandit, and Cannonball Run. Burt was box-office gold, but behind all the fame and fortune he was battling demons. Despite his easy-going image, Burt suffered panic attacks that were so severe that he needed to be hospitalised for checks. To combat this stress and anxiety Burt turned to large doses of anti anxiety medications. To make matters worse, to cope with the injuries he picked up doing stunts on film and TV, he added painkiller medications into the mix . His reliance on prescription pills turned into addiction and led to an overdose and a coma - but the star survived and went on to conquer his addictions after decades of struggle. Towards the end of his life Burt had appeared stooped and in pain in public appearances - so what had happened to reduce this former Hollywood hunk to a hunched, unsteady figure, and could it provide vital clues to his eventual death? World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter analyses the crucial details of Burt troubled life to find the answer.

Sir Roger Moore died of liver cancer in 2017 at the age of 89. The famously modest and unassuming British actor had been many people’s favourite James Bond. Where Sean Connery had played 007 straight, Roger had played him for laughs. He’d identified the joke at the heart of the role – James Bond, the secret agent so familiar that everybody knows his favourite drink. For Roger Moore, Bond was a parody or he was nothing. But Roger’s swashbuckling, devil-may-care Bond had belied a life of serious health problems. He was not as robust as the movie image of indestructibility suggested. Roger’s life story read like a medical textbook with major ailments at every turn. It had started with near terminal double-pneumonia at the age of five – the doctor had told his father he’d be back in the morning with a death certificate. The son of a south London policeman, Roger had been forced to reinvent himself at RADA - the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art – after being told that his cockney accent wouldn’t do. This, coupled with his father’s advice to remember that success might be short lived fostered in him a sense of life’s precariousness. His international standard hypochondria and almost pathological self-deprecation were the consequence. His critics described his acting as wooden and shallow and deep down, he probably agreed with them. But as his friend, Sir Michael Caine says, making it look easy is the hardest thing. Sir Roger had made friends wherever he had gone, and long before the end of his life had been elevated to the status of National Treasure without ever quite understanding how. World-renowned forensic pathologist Dr Michael Hunter analyses the details of this fascinating case to unearth the truth behind Sir Roger Moore’s death. He had suffered years of ill health and fought three different types of cancer but had somehow made it to the age of 89. Maybe there had been more 007 in Sir Roger Moore than he had let on.

On October 31st 2020, the world was shocked by the news that legendary star of the silver screen and the man who optimized James Bond, Sean Connery, had died. As one of the original action heroes Sean had been dealing out thrills and spills to moviegoers for over sixty years by the time of his death. Born in the middle of the great depression Sean would rise from absolute poverty to become one of the most recognizable faces on the planet. When Sean was the first cast as Ian Flemmings literary super spy, James Bond, in 1962 he was relatively unknown, outside a few small roles on British television, but within just 7 short years, he would have five hit films with the franchise under his belt and millions in the bank as a wave of “Bondmania” took over the world. Life from the outside seemed to be all smooth sailing for Sean and he would die in The Bahamas surrounded by his loved ones at 90 years old. But behind closed doors, Sean suffered from cancer scares, potentially lethal throat polyps and in his later year's severe dementia. Interestingly Sean’s death certificate would list old age as a contributing factor, this is unusual as old age itself is not a cause of death, no one dies from old age but rather the illnesses you contract in the later stage of your life and the bodies incapacity to deal with them. So if old age is listed as a cause, what did Sean do in his life to achieve such longevity and what really killed him? World-renowned forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter needs to analyze every detail available to piece together what was really happening in Sean's body and how it lead to his death.

On March 4th, 2019, the much-loved actor Luke Perry died after suffering a massive, and totally unexpected, stroke. He was just 52 years old. Born in an Ohio backwater, Luke learned to appreciate the simple things in life, but his desire to escape small-town living took him to California. There, after years scraping a living, Luke hit the big time when he landed the role of bad-boy Dylan McKay in the hit teen TV series ‘Beverly Hills 90210’. Idolised by millions around the world, Luke never succumbed to his celebrity status. A humble, generous & talented actor, who loved a quiet family life, Luke was far from a ‘live hard, die young’ cliché. Dr. Michael Hunter uses Luke’s Death certificate and first-hand accounts of Luke’s life to uncover the mystery behind what may have caused the catastrophic stroke that killed this healthy, active 52-year-old actor.

Heath Ledger was Hollywood’s rising star. Richly talented with rugged good looks his first Oscar nomination came in mid twenties for his role as a sexually repressed ranch hand in Brokeback Mountain. Two years later Ledger’s versatility saw him deliver one of the big screen’s most unforgettable performances as Batman’s psychopathic nemesis The Joker. But at 3.36pm on January 22nd 2008 Ledger was pronounced dead in the bedroom of his New York apartment. He was just 28 years old. His body was taken for autopsy. But the results were inconclusive and the intensely private actor’s sudden, unexplained death sparked speculation and rumor. Heath Ledger appeared to be in the prime of his life, a hugely talented actor with a glittering future ahead of him. The medical examiner concluded he died from an overdose but was it a tragic accident or had the actor taken his own life? Using the evidence of his post-mortem exam, together with the testimony of friends and colleagues, world renowned forensic pathologist Dr Michael Hunter investigates the final hours of Heath Ledger.

On June 19th 2013 James Gandolfini died of a heart attack in Rome. He was just 51 years old. A famously intense character actor, he was credited with changing the very nature of television acting. First appearing in films such as True Romance and Get Shorty, it was the HBO series The Sopranos that made him a household name. But his dedication to his craft took a deep toll on the actor, and rumors of addiction and excess followed him throughout his career. Now expert pathologist Dr Michael Hunter is re-examining his medical history in order to discover what led him to die of a heart attack at only 51.

On July 1st 1991 actor, producer and director Michael Landon passed away at his Malibu home just three months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Michael had spent his life defying the odds to become an internationally renowned television superstar. He overcame a miserable childhood spent saving his mother from suicide attempts to become the beloved little Joe Cartwright in Bonanza – a role that changed the course of his life. He went on to write, produce, direct and star in family favorites Little House on the Prairie and Highway to Heaven. In April 1991 when Michael announced to the world that he had pancreatic cancer it shocked Hollywood. The average age for developing the disease is 71. Michael was just 54. Even more shocking was that just 12 weeks later, he would be dead. Now world renowned forensic pathologist Dr Michael Hunter digs deeper into Michael’s past to understand why he developed the disease in the first place and why he died so quickly, uncovering a number of potentially lethal addictions and the biggest nuclear disaster in US history.

On December 13th, 2016, Americans were saddened by the news that the much loved TV star, Alan Thicke, had died. The talented Canadian had moved to Hollywood at the age of 23 to embark on a career in the entertainment business. Over nearly 50 years he was a writer, director, producer, composer, talk show host, and actor. While starring in the successful family sitcom, Growing Pains, which ran for 7 years, Alan became a household name and was even voted America’s Favourite Dad. A true Canadian, Thick was passionate about ice hockey, which he played regularly 2-3 times a week. It kept him always slim, fit, and looking younger than his years. And yet, at the age of 69 he died of a ruptured aorta, a very rare condition, and difficult to explain as Alan was in great shape right up to the last moment. So what happened to result in such a sudden and catastrophic failure? World renowned forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter, will analyse every detail of the available information to piece together what else was going on in Alan’s body to find the answers.

Television star John Ritter died at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California on September 11th 2003. The beloved actor fell in while filming on set of his acclaimed sitcom '8 Simple Rules.' A full body medical scan just two years prior to his death showed the father of four to be in perfect health. So what caused the much beloved 54 year old actor to die so unexpectedly?