Dr. Ruth Westheimer, a pioneering sexual health educator, therapist, and media personality, passed away on Friday, July 12, 2024, in New York City at the age of 96. Westheimer, known for her frank discussions on sexual topics, became a pop icon and best-selling author.
Early Life and Education
Ruth Westheimer was a Holocaust survivor who escaped Nazi Germany in the 1930s. She served as a sniper in the Israeli armed forces during the creation of the state in 1947 and 1948. Following her military service, Westheimer lived and pursued her education in Paris and New York. She earned her master’s degree in sociology from The New School for Social Research and a doctorate in education from Columbia Teachers College in 1970.
Westheimer continued her training at New York’s Cornell University Medical College, where she studied under Dr. Helen Singer Kaplan for five years. During this period, she became an adjunct associate professor. Her academic career also included teaching positions at Lehman College, Brooklyn College, Adelphi University, Columbia University, and West Point. In 1975, Westheimer established her own sex therapy practice.
Media Career and Public Persona
In the 1980s, when she was in her 50s, Westheimer began offering sex advice on the radio. Her radio call-in show, "Sexually Speaking," quickly gained popularity, attracting a quarter-million listeners weekly by 1983, the year before it achieved national syndication. She later transitioned to television, where her vivacious and "aunt-like" personality contributed to her becoming a national household name.
The Hollywood Reporter's obituary noted that Westheimer "seemed the least likely person to be offering graphic sex advice," but this aspect "only added to her appeal." She was known for initiating candid discussions about topics such as the penis, condoms, and achieving sexual satisfaction. Westheimer once stated in an interview that people did not tune in for arousal, noting her 4-foot-7 height and age 57 at the time, and described herself as "well trained" and "a little gutsy" for not talking "around issues" but using "proper terminology."
Beginning in 1982, Westheimer made regular appearances on late-night talk shows, becoming a favorite of audiences and hosts over several decades. These hosts included Johnny Carson, David Letterman, Joan Rivers, Howard Stern, Arsenio Hall, Tavis Smiley, Jimmy Kimmel, and Rachael Ray. Her own television shows included Lifetime’s "Good Sex!," "Dr. Ruth Westheimer," "The All New Dr. Ruth Show," "What’s Up, Dr. Ruth?," and "Dr. Ruth’s Never Too Late."
Publications and Later Work
Westheimer authored over 30 books, starting with "Dr. Ruth’s Guide to Good Sex" in 1983. Other titles include "Dr. Ruth’s Guide for Married Lovers," "Sex for Dummies," "Grandma on Wheel," "52 Lessons on Communicating Love," and "Myths of Love."
In the 21st century, Dr. Ruth continued to communicate science-based information about human sexuality online. She developed a Twitter account and a YouTube channel. In a column, she discussed erotic material, defining it as "pictures, videos or written stories that you both find arousing and might introduce some new concepts to your sex life, but aren’t offensive." She emphasized that "establishing good communication on the subject is key."
A documentary about her life, "Ask Dr. Ruth," premiered at Sundance in 2018.
Pierre Lehu, Westheimer's spokesperson and friend, first reported her death to The New York Times. Westheimer died at her home in New York City, surrounded by her family.
Key Facts
- Dr. Ruth Westheimer passed away on Friday, July 12, 2024, in New York City at 96.
- She was a Holocaust survivor and served as a sniper in the Israeli armed forces.
- Westheimer earned a master’s degree in sociology and a doctorate in education.
- Her radio show "Sexually Speaking" drew a quarter-million listeners weekly by 1983.
- She authored over 30 books, including "Dr. Ruth’s Guide to Good Sex" and "Sex for Dummies."
- A documentary about her life, "Ask Dr. Ruth," premiered at Sundance in 2018.
