Welcome! Check out today's deaths, recent deaths, or our deaths stats.

Feeling experimental? Head on over to our newest (and darkest) feature: Next-2-Die™ predictions

Ruth Westheimer

German-american sex therapist.

Born June 4th, 1928 in Wiesenfeld.

Died July 12th, 2024 at 96 years old in Manhattan. [ref]

Occupations
radio personality, sex educator, sex therapist, sniper, sociologist, stage actor, television actor, television presenter, university teacher, voice actor, writer
Website
Wikipedia
Twitter

Dr. Ruth Westheimer, renowned sex therapist and media personality, passed away at the age of 96 on July 12, 2024. Born on June 4, 1928, in Frankfurt, Germany, she survived the Holocaust as a child and later moved to Israel where she studied psychology at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. In 1956, Dr. Westheimer moved to the United States and continued her studies in psychology and human sexuality, earning her doctorate from Columbia University. She then began her career as a sex therapist, championing open and honest discussions about topics that were often considered taboo. Over the years, Dr. Westheimer became a household name through her popular radio and television shows, where she answered questions about sex and relationships with her signature straightforward and humorous approach. She also authored several books on the subject, including the best-selling book "Sex for Dummies." In addition to her work in the field of human sexuality, Dr. Westheimer was an advocate for women's rights and LGBTQ+ rights. She was also a strong supporter of Israel and served as a sniper in the Haganah during the Israeli War of Independence. Dr. Westheimer's impact on society was significant, as she helped break down stigmas and promote healthy dialogue about sex and relationships. She received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and an appointment as an honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as countless individuals around the world who have been touched by her wisdom and guidance. Dr. Ruth Westheimer will be remembered as a pioneering figure in the field of sex therapy and a fearless advocate for honest conversations about human sexuality.

I discovered to my joy, that it is life, not death, that has no limits. Gabriel García Márquez