Actor Of Life: An Unlikely Doctor's Defining Moments

Joseph Turcillo was born to poor Italian-Americans in New Jersey in the 1930s. When he was only four, his father was taken away by the police. With his father imprisoned and his illiterate mother working long hours to support the family, Joseph ran wild in the streets with other young toughs. Fortunately, he discovered a direction in life when he watched a doctor treat his mother. He decided to become a physician, but the road was hard. Joseph did not know how to read and was held back in school. Determined to succeed, he fortuitously received the support of engaged and helpful mentors.

After Joseph realized his dream of becoming a doctor, his world was transformed. He moved to California, dated hundreds of glamorous and famous women, and met and married a “perfect woman” named Pat. They had two beautiful daughters, his practice grew, and he eventually moved to a seaside home in Malibu. However, beneath this idyllic façade, tragedy loomed. Joseph was left to cope with loss that forced him to reevaluate the choices he had made in life. Out of heartbreak, Joseph learned to recognize what is most important in life.

Joseph Turcillo Jr. was born in Hackensack, New Jersey. He received his BS from Fairleigh Dickinson University and studied biophysics at Saint Louis University. He received his medical degree from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1959 and moved to Los Angeles, California. There, he began a distinguished career as a physician and teacher of medicine. His numerous achievements and honors include being named chief of staff at Burbank Community Hospital and cofounding its cardiopulmonary lab. These days, he volunteers to treat underprivileged patients, serves on the executive committee of the Board of Governors of City of Hope, and writes a monthly newsletter on medical topics, Dr. Turcillo's Corner. He lives in Malibu, California and is a lifelong fan of Frank Sinatra.

Lauren Adamson, a writer, ghostwriter, and editor, received her BA in English from Santa Clara University and her MBA from Pepperdine University.