Dr. Ruth Westheimer, the beloved sex therapist who captivated audiences with her frank and humorous approach to human sexuality, has passed away at the age of 96. A pop culture phenomenon in the 1980s, Dr. Ruth’s legacy and impact on the field of sex education are immeasurable.
Born Karola Ruth Siegel on June 4, 1928, in Wiesenfeld, Germany, Dr. Ruth endured tremendous hardship as a Jewish refugee during World War II. Losing her entire family, she became an orphan of the Holocaust. After being sent to Switzerland on the ‘kindertransport,’ she eventually emigrated to Palestine and then settled in New York City.
Dr. Ruth’s journey was one of resilience and determination. She trained to be a sniper for the Israeli Army before pursuing her studies in psychology at Sorbonne University in Paris. Driven by a desire to help others, she became a leading voice in the field of sex therapy.
In 1980, Dr. Ruth’s career took an unexpected turn when she was offered a call-in show on sex education. What started as a 15-minute debut after midnight quickly became the hit show “Sexually Speaking.” With her wit and wisdom, Dr. Ruth fearlessly tackled taboo topics and dispelled myths surrounding human sexuality. The show ran for ten years and catapulted her to national fame.
Dr. Ruth’s encyclopedic knowledge of human sexuality, combined with her warmth and approachable demeanor, endeared her to millions of viewers and listeners. Her advice was always delivered with a touch of humor, making difficult conversations more comfortable and relatable.
Beyond her successful career on radio and television, Dr. Ruth continued to make significant contributions to the field of sex education. She lectured, wrote books, and trained counselors at Planned Parenthood. Her work earned her numerous accolades, including an honorary doctorate from Trinity College and the Medal for Distinguished Service from Columbia University’s Teacher’s College.
Dr. Ruth Westheimer’s impact extended far beyond her professional achievements. She was a loving mother to her two children, Miriam and Joel, and a doting grandmother to her four grandchildren. She cherished her 36-year marriage to her late husband, Manfred, and considered it her “real marriage.”
As we mourn the loss of Dr. Ruth, we remember her as a trailblazer who revolutionized the way we think and talk about sex. Her legacy will continue to inspire and educate generations to come. Dr. Ruth’s passion for helping others and her infectious spirit will always be remembered.
