Renowned Sex Therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer Passes Away at 96

World-renowned sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer has passed away at the age of 96, as confirmed by her long-time publicist Pierre Lehu. Dr. Ruth, born Karola Ruth Siegel in Frankfurt, Germany, gained fame for her groundbreaking work in the field of human intimacy. She breathed her last at her residence in Manhattan, New York City.

With a tumultuous past marred by the horrors of the Holocaust, Dr. Westheimer’s journey from surviving Auschwitz to becoming a cultural icon was nothing short of exceptional. Her enduring legacy includes starring in the movie One Woman Or Two alongside Gérard Depardieu, gracing the cover of People Magazine, and even featuring in Tom Chapin’s album This Pretty Planet.

Dr. Ruth was appointed as New York Gov. Kathy Hochul‘s Ambassador to Loneliness in a bid to tackle mental health challenges, a testament to her influence and dedication even in her later years. The documentary Ask Dr. Ruth, released on Hulu, shed light on her inspirational journey and the impact she had on millions worldwide.

Beginning her career in an anthropology job at WYNY-FM, Dr. Ruth’s expertise and humor quickly captured the attention of listeners, propelling her to national fame. Her collaboration with psychiatrist Helen Singer Kaplan paved the way for revolutionary work in sexual function treatment at Cornell University.

Through her various media appearances, including memorable moments on NBC News, Dr. Ruth dismantled taboos surrounding sexuality. Her role as Ambassador to Loneliness demonstrates her unwavering commitment to mental health issues in the post-pandemic era.