Questions like “Is Dr. Ruth still alive?” are common. Sadly, the response is not yes. Recently, at the age of 96, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, a titan in the field of sex therapy, passed away.
Not everyone was familiar with Dr. Ruth, as she was lovingly called. In 1980, it all started with a little radio program called “Sexually Speaking.” This 15-minute show evolved into a live, hour-long call-in sensation in less than a year. With her infectious enthusiasm and endearing German accent, Dr. Ruth gave candid talks about sex that audiences had never heard before.
Her popularity went beyond radio. Over 35 publications have been written by Dr. Ruth, including the bestselling “Dr. Ruth’s Encyclopaedia of Sex” and the enduring “Sex for Dummies.” Through games, videos, syndicated newspaper pieces, and even her own website, her voice was heard by millions of people worldwide.
Dr Ruth was an interesting person. Her modest height (4 ft 7 inch) and contagious excitement allowed everyone to recognize her right away. She was also welcomed by the public, making appearances on programs like “Quantum Leap” and even making a brief appearance in a Batman comic book!
There is much more to Dr. Ruth than just her media appearances. She dismantled barriers and made it acceptable to discuss sex in an honest and open manner. Future generations will continue to be impacted by her.
Who is Dr. Ruth Westheimer?
Legend to remember, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, or just Dr. Ruth, had a life story as interesting as her career. Regretfully, Dr. Ruth, who was 96 years old, passed away in July 2024.
Dr. Ruth was born into a Jewish household in Germany, and her early years were tragic. At the tender age of ten, she was sent to Switzerland in order to escape the Nazis. She moved to Israel after the Second World War and worked as a sniper for the Haganah.
After studying psychology in Paris, Dr. Ruth continued her trip by moving to the United States. She worked hard to obtain her doctorate and become a licensed sex therapist.
Dr. Ruth’s radio program, “Sexually Speaking,” debuted in 1980 and quickly gained national attention. She became well-known due to her friendly, transparent approach to sex education. Soon after, Dr. Ruth’s TV show debuted, confirming her position as the nation’s preferred sex therapist. “Get some,” her catchphrase, became instantly recognisable.
Numerous books related to sex and sexuality were written by Dr. Ruth. She is no more but her influence is still felt today through these books. If we talk about Dr. Ruth net worth, then it may be tricky to guess, what her real riches are in the legacy she left behind by elevating the conversation about sex to a mainstream conversation.
Early Life and Survival
The growing wave of Nazi persecution influenced Dr. Ruth’s early years. She was born Karola Ruth Siegel in 1928 in Wiesenfeld, Germany. She was a young Jewish child in Frankfurt who saw her father arrested in 1938 during Kristallnacht. In January 1939, Ruth’s mother and grandmother sent her, then ten years old, to Switzerland on the Kindertransport, a choice that would save her life but shatter her family.
Dr. Ruth would carry the anguish of loss and separation with her for the rest of her life. Her family perished in the Holocaust, and she never saw them again. She would frequently remark, years later, “Looking at my four grandchildren: Hitler lost and I won,” serving as a moving reminder of how she managed to survive and have a family in spite of the horrific circumstances of her early life.
From Orphan to Soldier: The Israel Years
The sixteen-year-old Ruth travelled to Mandatory Palestine, which was ruled by the British. She joined the Jewish paramilitary group known as the Haganah there, which would eventually form the backbone of the Israel Defence Forces. Despite her small stature—Dr. Ruth was a legendary 4’7″ (140 cm) tall—she received sniper and scout training.
Dr. Ruth was momentarily rendered paralyzed after being severely injured by an exploding shell during the Palestine War (1947–1949). Her zeal and dedication to Israel remained unfazed by her close encounter with death. Dr. Ruth was a lifelong ardent Zionist who visited Israel every year and saw it as her “real home.”
Dr. Ruth Education and Early Career
In 1950, as her injuries healed, Dr. Ruth relocated to France. She didn’t finish high school, but she studied psychology at the Sorbonne and obtained an undergraduate degree there. Her lifelong quest of knowledge and her interest in interpersonal interactions and human behavior began during this time.
At the age of 28, Dr. Ruth moved to Washington Heights, Manhattan, when she came to the United States in 1956. She pursued graduate studies while earning a living as a maid. Her hard work paid off, as she graduated with a doctorate in education from Columbia University in 1970 and a master’s degree in sociology from The New School in 1959.
Dr. Ruth trained as a sex therapist at New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Centre because she was interested in human sexuality. She received the training that would eventually make her renowned while working with trailblazing sex therapist Helen Singer Kaplan.
The Birth of “Dr. Ruth”
When Dr. Ruth was 52 years old in 1980, her media career got underway. Her radio program, “Sexually Speaking,” made its premiere on New York City’s WYNY-FM. A fifteen-minute program that aired at midnight at first swiftly became a phenomenon. It was the highest-rated radio program in the biggest market in the nation by 1983.
Her open, frequently hilarious, and always educational style to talking about sex connected with the audience. Dr. Ruth was immediately recognizable due to her heavy German accent and unique voice, which has been compared to “a cross between Henry Kissinger and Minnie Mouse”. “Get some,” her motto, urged people to accept their sexuality in a responsible, healthy manner.
Television Stardom and Cultural Impact
Television prospects soon followed Dr. Ruth’s radio success. Her hosting career on the Lifetime TV network started in 1984. Later on, “Good Sex! With Dr. Ruth Westheimer” grew and took on the name “The Dr. Ruth Show.” With millions of viewers, these shows cemented Dr. Ruth’s reputation as the nation’s leading sex therapist.
Dr Ruth established herself as a television mainstay in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s. She often appeared on game shows, sitcoms, and late-night talk shows. She broke taboos and promoted more candid conversations about sexuality in mainstream media by being prepared to talk about sex honestly and shamelessly.
Dr. Ruth was not just a television influence. Among her many publications on relationships and sex is the best-selling “Sex for Dummies.” In the 1980s, she even dabbled in the field of video games when “Dr. Ruth’s Computer Game of Good Sex” was launched on different platforms.
Dr. Ruth, Advocating for Sexual Health and Education
Dr. Ruth was a steadfast supporter of comprehensive sex education throughout her career. She emphasized the value of respectful relationships, healthy sexual behavior, and contraception. She addressed everything from sexual dysfunction to the emotional components of intimacy in a loving and professional manner.
Additionally, Dr. Ruth was a pioneering and outspoken advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and homosexual rights. She advocated for acceptance and understanding using her platform when these subjects were still contentious.
Personal Life and Later Years
Dr. Ruth was upfront about having sex, but she kept certain aspects of her personal life private. She had three marriages; the third, to Fred Westheimer, lasted for 36 years until his passing in 1997. She spoke often and warmly of her family, which included her two children and four grandchildren.
Dr. Ruth was still involved and active in her nineties. She carried on penning books, giving speeches in public, and expanding her following on social media. She was featured in the 2019 Hulu documentary “Ask Dr. Ruth,” which exposed a new generation to her incredible life story.
Dr. Ruth Net Worth and Legacy
While exact figures are difficult to confirm, Dr. Ruth net worth at the time of her death was estimated to be in the millions. This wealth came from her long career in media, book sales, and various business ventures. However, Dr. Ruth’s true legacy lies not in her financial success but in her impact on American culture and attitudes toward sex.
Dr. Ruth broke ground in discussing sexuality openly and without shame. She emphasized the importance of sexual satisfaction within committed relationships and advocated for women’s sexual pleasure at a time when such topics were often ignored or considered taboo.
Her influence extended beyond sex education. As a Holocaust survivor and immigrant, Dr. Ruth often spoke about the importance of resilience and education. She was involved with various Jewish organizations and was a strong supporter of Israel throughout her life.
Final Years and Passing
Dr. Ruth was as clever and as brilliant as ever in her latter years. She remained deeply connected to her neighborhood and her Jewish beliefs, living in the same Washington Heights flat where she had reared her children.
At the age of ninety-six, Dr. Ruth passed away at her Manhattan home on July 12, 2024. As word spread of her passing, condolences from all around the world poured in, many highlighting how she had transformed the discourse surrounding relationships and sex.
Conclusion: A Life Well Lived
Throughout her almost 100-year life, Dr. Ruth Westheimer experienced many of the major events of the 20th century. She was present for every historical event, from the horrors of the Holocaust to the sexual revolution of the 1960s and beyond, and actively contributed to its formation.
Her journey from being a young refugee to being the most well-known sex therapist in America is proof of her tenacity, intellect, and unbreakable spirit. The more honest and knowledgeable conversations about sex and relationships that Dr. Ruth helped to promote are a testament to her legacy.
We honour Dr. Ruth’s embodiment of the American dream as well as her contributions to sex education and treatment when we commemorate her. Her life narrative serves as a reminder of the value of education, the necessity of having honest conversations about touchy themes, and the enduring ability for joy and connection in people, despite unfathomable hardship.
FAQ’s
Who was Dr. Ruth?
Dr. Ruth Westheimer was a renowned psychosexual therapist, media personality, and author known for her frank discussions about sex and relationships.
How old was Dr. Ruth when she passed away?
Dr. Ruth Westheimer passed away at the age of 96.
What was Dr. Ruth net worth?
While exact figures vary, Dr. Ruth’s net worth was estimated to be between $3-5 million at the time of her death.
What was Dr. Ruth famous for?
She was famous for her candid and often humorous approach to sex education through radio shows, TV appearances, and books.
Where was Dr. Ruth from originally?
Dr. Ruth was born in Germany but fled the Nazis as a child. She later lived in Switzerland and Israel before settling in the United States.
What was Dr. Ruth’s educational background?
She held a doctorate in education from Columbia University and studied human sexuality under Dr. Helen Singer Kaplan at New York Hospital-Cornell University Medical Center.
Is Dr. Ruth still alive?
No, according to the information provided in the title, she passed away at 96.