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.