It was one of the first eight comprehensive cancer centers in the United States, which is devoted to patient care, prevention, research, and education.

He recruited Dr. G. Denman Hammond of Children's Hospital Los Angeles to serve as the founding director to lead the effort.

After the completion of the Norris hospital, Dr. Hammond resigned from his directorship shortly before its opening and returned to practicing pediatric medicine.

[6][7] Kenneth True Norris Jr. provided the money to build the hospital after voters rejected a bond offering proposed by USC and Los Angeles County.

Hosted by Dana Carvey, celebrity guests included Pierce Brosnan, Fran Drescher, Joe Piscopo, and David Spade.