Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Renowned Celebrity Sex Therapist, Dies at 96

Dr. Ruth Westheimer, the celebrated sex therapist known for her candid and educational approach to sexual health, has died at the age of 96.

According to her longtime publicist Pierre Lehu, Westheimer passed away peacefully at her Manhattan home on July 12, 2024. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Westheimer gained prominence in the early 1980s with her late-night radio show, “Sexually Speaking,” where she offered frank advice on sexual issues.

Her popularity soared with “The Dr. Ruth Show,” which attracted 2 million viewers weekly by 1985.

She also authored several influential books, including “Dr. Ruth’s Guide to Good Sex” and “Sex for Dummies,” and taught at prestigious institutions such as Yale, Princeton, Columbia, and Hunter College.

A strong advocate for safe sex, Westheimer broke taboos by openly discussing topics like “penis,” “vagina,” and “condom.” She also supported gay and abortion rights, which earned her both admiration and controversy during the Reagan era.

In addition to her professional achievements, Westheimer became a cultural icon, making appearances on late-night TV, co-starring in the 1985 film “One Woman Or Two,” and featuring on the cover of People magazine.

Her contributions extended to music and entertainment, with notable appearances on Tom Chapin’s album and Playboy videos, as well as a one-woman play, “Becoming Dr. Ruth,” and a board game, “Dr. Ruth’s Game of Good Sex.”

Westheimer was married three times, with her third marriage to fellow Holocaust survivor Manfred “Fred” Westheimer lasting 36 years until his death in 1997. She is survived by two children and four grandchildren.