Ruth Westheimer, Expert on Everything About Sex, Dies at 96

Dr. Ruth Westheimer, the beloved sex therapist and media personality, has passed away at the age of 96. Known affectionately as “Dr. Ruth,” she became a household name in the 1980s for her frank and humorous approach to discussing human sexuality on radio and television.

Born in Germany in 1928, Dr. Ruth escaped the Holocaust as a child, eventually making her way to Israel where she served as a sniper in the Israeli army during the Arab-Israeli War. She later immigrated to the United States, where she earned degrees in sociology and education and began her career as a sex therapist.

Dr. Ruth’s radio show “Sexually Speaking” debuted in 1980 and quickly became a hit, running for a decade. She was a regular guest on TV talk shows and wrote numerous bestselling books on sex and relationships. Her frank yet nonjudgmental manner, combined with her diminutive stature and strong German accent, helped to make her a cultural icon.

In recent years, Dr. Ruth opened up about her early life in the documentary “Ask Dr. Ruth,” which premiered on Hulu in 2019. She was also the subject of a Lifetime special and appeared on various TV shows, including “The Arsenio Hall Show” and “Late Night with Conan O’Brien.”

Throughout her career, Dr. Ruth received numerous awards and honors, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and the Leo Baeck Medal for her humanitarian work promoting tolerance and social justice. She was also a member of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Dr. Ruth passed away on July 12, 2024, at her home in New York City, surrounded by her family. Her son and daughter were by her side, holding her hand.

Dr. Ruth’s legacy as a pioneering sex therapist and media personality will live on, as will her impact on American culture and the way we discuss human sexuality. She will be remembered for her humor, her frankness, and her dedication to helping people understand and enjoy their sexuality.