Renowned sex therapist and talk show host Dr. Ruth Westheimer, known affectionately as Dr. Ruth, passed away on Friday at the age of 96, according to her publicist who confirmed the news to CBS News, a BBC News partner. The cause of her death was not disclosed.
Dr. Ruth gained fame for her candid discussions about sex and intimate topics, becoming a cultural icon and best-selling author with books such as “Sex for Dummies.” She advocated for open conversations about sex without judgment.
Born Karola Ruth Siegel in Frankfurt, Germany, in 1928, Dr. Ruth was a Holocaust survivor who was sent to Switzerland at the age of ten to escape Kristallnacht, a violent Nazi-led riot against Jews. She never reunited with her parents and believed they perished in the gas chambers of Auschwitz.
In the 1980s, Dr. Ruth hosted the popular radio show “Sexually Speaking,” which catapulted her to national fame when it was syndicated nationally in 1984. She authored over 40 books, starting with “Dr. Ruth’s Guide to Good Sex” in 1983, aiming to demystify sexuality.
Her influence extended to television with “The Dr. Ruth Show” and a nationally syndicated advice column. Dr. Ruth also made frequent appearances on talk shows like The Howard Stern Radio Show, Dr. Oz Show, Nightline, The Tonight Show, and Late Night with David Letterman.
Last year, New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed Dr. Ruth as the state’s honorary ambassador to loneliness, a role she accepted with dedication to combating social isolation in New York.
Dr. Ruth’s legacy remains as a pioneer in sexual education and advocacy, remembered for her warmth, expertise, and commitment to helping others navigate intimate aspects of life.
