Known for famously stating, “Nothing is more interesting than sex,” the beloved psychologist made his mark on pop culture circles with his WYNY radio show in New York City.
Dr. Ruth Westheimer, the diminutive sex therapist who rose to fame as a cultural icon, media personality and best-selling author through her frank discussion of once-taboo bedroom topics, has died at the age of 96.
She died on Friday at her New York City home surrounded by her family, her publicist and friend Pierre Leff confirmed. “The children of Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer are sad to announce the death of their mother, an internationally renowned sex therapist, author, talk show host, professor and Holocaust orphan,” Leff said in a statement.
Our beloved Dr. Ruth has passed away.
— Dr. Ruth Westheimer (@AskDrRuth) July 13, 2024
While Westheimer never encouraged unsafe sexual practices, she advocated for open dialogue about a previously hidden issue, which resonated with millions. Her consistent message was the importance of empowerment and overcoming shame, according to the Associated Press.
“I still hold to traditional values and I'm a little old-fashioned,” she told her Michigan City High School students in 2002. “Sexuality is a personal art and a personal issue. But it remains a subject that we have to address publicly.”
Known for famously stating, “Nothing's more interesting than sex,” the beloved psychologist made her mark on pop culture in 1980 with her New York City radio show WYNY. Initially a 15-minute segment, Westheimer charmed New York audiences by boldly tackling a wide range of questions about sex and relationships. Her candid approach quickly made her a national sensation, and she became widely known for breaking down taboos when it came to talking about sexuality, reports ET.
From Sorbonne scholar to TV star and ski enthusiast
After earning her degree from the Sorbonne and her PhD from Columbia University, Westheimer went on to land roles in television and film, eventually landing her own TV show,The Best Sex of My Life! With Dr. Ruth Westheimer), where celebrities spoke candidly about their private lives.
After being married twice, she met her true love while skiing in the Catskill Mountains in 1961. Fred Westheimer, a communications engineer and fellow Jewish refugee, was a foot taller than her. They married and stayed together for nearly 40 years, until Westheimer's death in 1997.
In a 2010 interview with Esquire magazine, she famously said, “Skiers are the best lovers. They take risks, they shake their booty, and they meet new people on the ski lift.”
And she said, “I trained as a sniper in the Israeli army. It was after the Holocaust. I was a very good shot. I once went to a county fair with my grandson where we shot water guns at a clown's mouth. We went home with 12 stuffed animals and a goldfish!”
Westheimer is survived by his son, Joel Westheimer, his daughter, Miriam Westheimer, and four grandchildren.
Leff said the family plans to hold a private funeral and asks that donations be made in her memory to the Jewish Heritage Museum and the Riverdale YM & YWHA.
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