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Exploring the Life of Dr. Ruth Westheimer Through Iconic Images

Martin Ruiz03 mins

Dr. Ruth Westheimer: A Legacy of Sexual Education

Dr. Ruth Westheimer, the iconic sex therapist whose cheerful and disarming advice helped educate millions of Americans about sexual desires and practices, has died, her publicist Pierre Lehu told CNN on Saturday. She was 96.

“Dr. Ruth” — as she was more commonly known — was a leading advocate of sexual education, dispensing colorful, witty advice in her distinctive German accent.

Her Journey in Media

Westheimer’s first radio call-in show, “Sexually Speaking,” debuted in New York in 1980 and proved so popular that it quickly became syndicated around the country. This success catapulted her to TV fame in the mid-1980s with her eponymous “The Dr. Ruth Show.”

Over the next several decades, she hosted various other TV shows, continuing to joyfully offer sex advice to the public well into her 90s.

The Making of Dr. Ruth

At age 10, on the eve of World War II, Westheimer was sent to Switzerland by her parents.
At age 10, on the eve of World War II, Westheimer was sent to Switzerland by her parents.

Unique Background

As a teenager, Westheimer lived in Jerusalem and trained as a sniper with the Haganah, a controversial Zionist militant group which later became part of the Israel Defense Forces.
As a teenager, Westheimer lived in Jerusalem and trained as a sniper with the Haganah.
Westheimer speaks during an American Society of Newspaper Editors convention in April 1986.
Westheimer speaks during an American Society of Newspaper Editors convention in April 1986.
Sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer talks with rock singer Cyndi Lauper in New York, Jan. 17, 1985.
Westheimer with singer Cyndi Lauper in New York in January 1985.

Notable Achievements and Cultural Impact

Westheimer holds a copy of one of her books in Beverly Hills, California, in 1986.
Westheimer holds a copy of her work in Beverly Hills, California, in 1986.
Los Angeles, CA - 1990: Doctor Ruth Westheimer promotional photo for the unsold ABC tv series 'Dr Ruth's House', episode 'Pilot'.
Westheimer poses for a portrait in Los Angeles in 1990.
Westheimer on the set of 'Quantum Leap' with actor Dean Stockwell and director Stuart Margolin in 1993.
Westheimer on the set of ‘Quantum Leap’ with actor Dean Stockwell and director Stuart Margolin in 1993.

Personal Reflections and Current Endeavors

Westheimer reaches for the top of the cake at a surprise birthday party in New York in 1993.
Westheimer reaches for the top of the cake at a surprise birthday party in New York in 1993.
Westheimer rides on the back of a motorcycle during New York's Salute to Israel Parade in May 1996.
Westheimer rides on a motorcycle during New York’s Salute to Israel Parade in May 1996.
President Bill Clinton greets Westheimer at a state dinner for King Mohammed VI of Morocco at the White House in June 2000.
President Bill Clinton greets Westheimer at a state dinner at the White House in 2000.

Continued Advocacy and Influence

Holocaust survivor Ruth Westheimer lights a candle during the Annual Gathering of Remembrance in New York April 23, 2006.
Westheimer lights a candle during a Holocaust remembrance event in New York in April 2006.
Sir Paul McCartney shakes hands with Westheimer at Yale University's commencement ceremonies in May 2008.
Sir Paul McCartney shakes hands with Westheimer at Yale University’s commencement ceremonies in May 2008.

Dr. Ruth Westheimer leaves behind a profound legacy that has reshaped discussions around sexuality, offering guidance to countless individuals and promoting a culture of openness and acceptance.


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