Dr. Ruth Westheimer, the trailblazing sex therapist who demystified and destigmatized conversations about intimacy for millions of Americans, passed away at the age of 96. Dr. Ruth, as she was affectionately known, died at her Manhattan home on Friday, as confirmed by her publicist Pierre Lehu. The cause of death has not been announced.
For over four decades, Dr. Ruth’s candid and often humorous advice on sex and relationships made her a beloved figure across the nation. Even well into her nineties, she was a vocal advocate for the benefits of intimacy, asserting in a 2021 interview, “Sex is no sin.”
Born Karola Ruth Siegel in Germany in 1928, Dr. Ruth’s early life was marked by tragedy and resilience. As a child, she witnessed her father being taken by Nazis to the Dachau concentration camp. At just 10 years old, she was sent to Switzerland via the Kindertransport, a rescue effort for Jewish children. Tragically, her parents perished in the Holocaust, leaving young Ruth to grow up in a Swiss orphanage.
After World War II, Ruth immigrated to what was then British-controlled Mandatory Palestine, where she joined the Haganah, the precursor to the Israel Defense Force. She survived a severe injury from a mortar shell explosion on her 20th birthday, demonstrating the resilience that would characterize her entire life.
Dr. Ruth’s academic journey was equally impressive. After recuperating, she moved to Paris to study psychology at the Sorbonne. She later immigrated to New York City, earning a master’s degree from The New School while working as a maid to pay her tuition, and eventually securing a doctorate from Columbia University.
Her path to media stardom began in 1980 with the radio segment “Sexually Speaking” on New York’s WYNY network. At a time when frank discussions about sex were rare, Dr. Ruth’s straightforward and often humorous advice captivated listeners. Her catchphrase, “Get some!” and memorable tips like comparing oral sex to eating an ice cream cone, made her a household name.
Dr. Ruth’s success on radio led to television, where she hosted “The Dr. Ruth Show” starting in 1983. Over the decades, she penned more than 45 books, many of which became best-sellers, and continued to appear on TV, including guest spots on shows hosted by Johnny Carson, Joan Rivers, and David Letterman.
Despite her fame, Dr. Ruth never lost touch with her roots. She lived in the same Washington Heights apartment she had shared with her husband Manfred Westheimer, whom she married in 1961. The couple raised two children and remained together until Manfred’s death in 1997.
Dr. Ruth was not just a media personality; she was a pioneering educator. She promoted the use of contraceptives, educated the public on the risks of sexually transmitted diseases, and became New York state’s honorary ambassador to loneliness, appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul in 2021.
Dr. Ruth’s contributions to society were profound. Her ability to discuss sensitive topics with warmth and humor helped countless individuals and couples improve their intimate lives. She once said, “Having good sex is important for a good life,” a philosophy she embodied both professionally and personally.
Governor Hochul summed up Dr. Ruth’s impact, saying, “She was brave, funny, candid, and brilliant. We will miss her greatly.”
Dr. Ruth’s legacy will continue to influence generations to come. Her groundbreaking work in sex therapy, her resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity, and her unyielding spirit made her a true American icon. As we bid farewell to Dr. Ruth, we celebrate a life dedicated to love, education, and the well-being of others.