Pioneering Sex Doctor Has Passed Away
Pop culture icon and sex therapist, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, passed away July 12. She was 96.
Her publicist Pierre Lehu spoke to People on July 13, about her death.
“She was restful when she passed away. Her son and daughter were with her and holding her hand at that moment. It was as peacefully as she could possibly go. She was 96.”
He added, “It’s amazing, there was stuff still going on in her life [she has a book coming out this fall with Allison Gilbert] and someone wants to make a biopic about her.”
No further information was provided about her cause of death.
Dr. Ruth Westheimer, widely known as Dr. Ruth, is a German-American sex therapist, media personality, and author. She has made significant contributions to human sexuality and sexual education. Born Karola Ruth Siegel on June 4, 1928, in Wiesenfeld, Germany, she rose to fame in the 1980s with her frank and open discussions about sex.
Dr. Ruth’s early life was marked by tragedy. She was born into a Jewish family in Germany during a period of rising anti-Semitism. In 1939, at the age of ten, she was sent to Switzerland to escape the Holocaust, which claimed the lives of her parents. Her time in Switzerland was challenging, as she lived in an orphanage. Throughout these challenges, she remained determined to pursue education and personal growth.
After World War II, Dr. Ruth moved to Palestin. She was trained as a sniper and was seriously injured by an exploding shell.
In 1950, she emigrated to the United States, where she continued her education. She earned many degrees in the process, and eventually furthered her studies at Columbia University, where she earned a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) in 1970.
Dr. Ruth’s career as a sex therapist began when she started working at Planned Parenthood in New York City. Her work there exposed her to the need for sexual education and counseling. In 1980, she got her big break when she was offered a fifteen-minute late-night radio show, “Sexually Speaking,” on WYNY-FM in New York. Her candid, non-judgmental approach to discussing sexual issues made her popular with listeners, and the show expanded to a one-hour program.
Dr. Ruth’s unique blend of expertise, warmth, and humor made her a media maven. She became a fixture on television, appearing on talk shows and hosting her own programs, including “The Dr. Ruth Show” and “What’s Up, Dr. Ruth?” Her books, such as “Sex for Dummies” and “Dr. Ruth’s Guide to Good Sex,” became bestsellers.
One of Dr. Ruth’s key messages is the importance of communication between sexual partners. She encourages couples to talk openly about their needs, desires, and boundaries. Her advice usually includes practical tips for increasing intimacy and pleasure.
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Ruth’s story of survival, resilience, and success serves as an inspiration to many.
Westheimer leaves behind her two children, and four grandchildren. Her husband, Manfred, preceded her in death in 1997.
Rest in Peace