Her Impact Across Generations

Ruth Westheimer, affectionately known as “Grandma Freud,” emerged as an unexpected pop-culture figure over several decades as the radio and TV sex therapist “Dr. Ruth.” She passed away at the age of 96 on Friday.

“Dr. Ruth” became a multimedia sensation starting in the 1980s. She resonated with various generations through her candid discussions about sex on radio, TV, and in numerous books. Her journey into the media spotlight began as a syndicated talk show host, making her a significant media presence.

Dr. Ruth broke barriers by opening up conversations about sex in a time when such discussions were often taboo. Debby Herbenick from The Kinsey Institute noted, “She opened up a dialogue about sex in a country that was pretty closed-minded about having a dialogue about sex, which is no easy feat.”

Her influence continued well into the 2020s, with a forthcoming book co-written with frequent collaborator Pierre Lehu and journalist Allison Gilbert. Gilbert mentioned on Instagram, “Dr. Ruth always helped people feel seen and valued, like they truly belong. The Joy of Connections WILL BE published. It’s what Dr. Ruth wanted. I will do everything I can to take this book over the finish line in her honor. Until then, I am missing my friend.”

Before she became Dr. Ruth, she was born Karola Ruth Siegel on June 4, 1928, in Wiesenfeld, Germany, to Jewish parents. Westheimer described herself as “an orphan of the Holocaust” because she was sent from Germany as a child through the Kindertransport, which relocated Jewish children to escape Nazi persecution. As an adult, she discovered her parents’ names among the records from Auschwitz.

Her interest in sex was piqued early on when, at age 10, she sneaked a look at her parents’ “marriage manual” locked in a cabinet. After studying psychology in Paris, she moved to New York, where a part-time job at Planned Parenthood in the 1960s opened the door to her career as a sex therapist.

In 1980, her radio show “Sexually Speaking” debuted on New York’s WYNY radio station and became successful despite its late Sunday night timeslot. During her time as a sex therapist, Dr. Ruth counseled millions of Americans on various platforms. She broke new ground by discussing not only general sexual issues but also same-sex relationships at a time when such topics were rarely addressed.

Her contributions were recognized by the Library of Congress, which recently acquired her papers. Carla Hayden, the head librarian, commented that the collection would aid researchers and raise awareness of the issues her listeners faced.

In 2023, New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed her as New York’s loneliness ambassador. Hochul remarked, “Dr. Ruth Westheimer led an extraordinary life. She was brave, funny, candid, and brilliant. As New York’s first-ever Ambassador to Loneliness, we worked together to spotlight a mental health crisis impacting our seniors. We will miss her greatly. May her memory be a blessing.” Dr. Ruth lived in New York City until her passing.

Mark Levine, Manhattan borough president, reflected, “The world has lost a treasure. Dr. Ruth Westheimer radiated energy and joy to all who knew her. Her life story, beginning with a flight from the Nazis, was an inspiration. And she could always make you laugh, well into her 90s.”

Standing 4-feet, 7-inches tall, Dr. Ruth’s German accent and lively personality made her a unique figure on both radio and TV. She shared candid advice about sexuality and maintained her curiosity about the human condition throughout her life, expressing her interests even during a Television Critics Association panel in February 2019 to promote her documentary, “Ask Dr. Ruth.”

While her early career focused on sexual counseling, she later became concerned about the connections within younger generations, embracing social media and starting her own YouTube channel. She advised millennials to prioritize relationships and physical intimacy despite busy schedules, stress, or financial constraints. “Don’t be stupid. Make sure that you have time for sex,” she said in 2019. “Make sure you have a relationship, and don’t fall into the category of people who have lost the art of conversation.”

In 2022, Dr. Ruth expressed her birthday wish to assist lonely individuals in New York, highlighting the increased loneliness caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. She advised, “Loneliness is not new. Because of the virus, it is accentuated and you think about it more. Don’t just sit there and moan and groan. Pick up the phone and call somebody.”

As recently as early July, she spoke out about the need for connection and combating loneliness, which are key topics in her upcoming book. Though her career spanned several fields, she remains remembered as someone who fought for connection and understanding.

Dr. Ruth’s adventurous life included serving in Haganah, a precursor to the Israel Defense Forces, where she trained to be a sniper. She stated in an interview, “I never shot anybody, but I know how to use a gun and a hand grenade.” At 20, she was injured by shrapnel during an attack in Jerusalem and was unable to walk for several months.

Dr. Ruth’s legacy continues to impact and inspire generations, showcasing the importance of dialogue, respect, and human connection in all aspects of life.

Source: USA TODAY