Dr. Ruth | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : January 22, 2025

Who is Dr. Ruth?

Dr. Ruth Westheimer, widely known as Dr. Ruth, was a pioneering sex therapist and educator who gained national fame in the 1980s. Born Karola Ruth Siegel on June 4, 1928, in Frankfurt, Germany, she survived the Holocaust and immigrated to the United States in 1956. With a master’s degree in sociology and a keen interest in human sexuality, she began her journey in sex education by working at Planned Parenthood. Dr. Ruth's forthright approach to discussing sexual matters resonated with audiences, leading her to create the landmark radio show, "Sexually Speaking," which became a national sensation.

Her significant contributions to the field of sexual health extended far beyond radio. Dr. Ruth authored over 40 books, launched a television series, and even created a board game focused on sexual well-being. Her advocacy for open discussions about sex, contraception, and LGBTQ rights challenged societal norms and educated countless listeners and readers. In recognition of her work, she received numerous accolades throughout her career, solidifying her legacy as one of America's foremost experts in sex education and therapy. Even in her later years, she remained active, recently being appointed New York’s first ambassador of loneliness and working on a new book titled "The Joy of Connections."

Early Life and Education

Ruth Westheimer, widely recognized as Dr. Ruth, was born Karola Ruth Siegel on June 4, 1928, in Frankfurt, Germany, into a privileged Orthodox Jewish family. Her father, Julius Siegel, was a successful notions wholesaler, while her mother, Irma Siegel, hailed from a cattle ranching background. Ruth exhibited a curious nature from a young age, frequently delving into her father's library, which nurtured her interest in human sexuality. However, her idyllic childhood was upended when the Nazis rose to power, particularly after Kristallnacht in 1938, leading to her family's decision to flee Germany due to escalating anti-Semitism.

In 1939, at the age of 10, Ruth was sent to Switzerland, where she found refuge in a school that transformed into an orphanage for Jewish girls. Separated from her family, she endured significant hardship and stigma but developed a strong sense of resilience. After World War II, Ruth immigrated to Israel, where she joined the Haganah, the Jewish underground militia, becoming a sniper and scout. Following Israel's declaration of independence, she was injured by a bomb on her 20th birthday. Eventually, she moved to the United States in 1956, where she pursued further studies in psychology at the Sorbonne in Paris before fully immersing herself in sex education and therapy in New York City.

Move to America, Husbands, and Children

Ruth Westheimer, better known as Dr. Ruth, experienced a significant transformation after moving to America in 1956. Upon her arrival, she settled in New York City, where she gave birth to her first child, Miriam. Despite being married to her second husband, Dan, at that time, their union was short-lived as it was primarily to legitimize her pregnancy. In order to support her daughter as a single mother, Ruth worked tirelessly as a housemaid while also attending English classes and night courses at the New School for Social Research. In 1959, she achieved a master's degree in sociology, paving the way for her future career in sex therapy and education.

Dr. Ruth's personal life saw another turning point when she met Manfred “Fred” Westheimer while skiing in the Catskills in early 1961. Their shared Jewish heritage and compatible physical attributes led to a deep connection, and they married later that year. Ruth described this marriage as true love, contrasting it with her previous two unions. The couple welcomed their son, Joel, in 1964, and Fred adopted Miriam, creating a close-knit family. Ruth and Fred remained happily married for 35 years until his passing in 1997. Through her marriages and motherhood, Dr. Ruth cultivated a foundation of family and love that would support her groundbreaking work in sexual education and therapy.

Becoming Dr. Ruth and Career Milestones

Ruth Westheimer, more popularly known as Dr. Ruth, transitioned from her traumatic early life experiences to become a highly influential sex therapist. After immigrating to New York City in 1956, she worked at Planned Parenthood where she found her passion for sex education. Dr. Ruth sought higher education, obtaining a master’s degree in sociology before making her mark at various educational institutions. Her journey took a transformative turn in the late 1970s when she began advocating for frank discussions about sexual health, believing that education was vital for social progress.

Her big break came in 1980 when she launched her radio show, "Sexually Speaking", which rapidly gained a substantial listener base thanks to her candid and humorous approach to sexuality. The show was a much-needed response to the societal silence surrounding sexual health. Ruth’s impact quickly expanded; by 1984, her show was nationally syndicated, leading to a successful television series, multiple book publications, and a renowned column in Playgirl, solidifying her status as America’s leading sex educator. Through her work, Dr. Ruth advocated for safe sex, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ inclusivity, carving out a unique legacy that will endure for generations.

Dr. Ruth's Influence on Sex Education

Dr. Ruth Westheimer, known simply as Dr. Ruth, was a pioneering figure in the field of sex education and relationships, significantly impacting how Americans approach and discuss issues surrounding sexuality. Her career began in the late 1960s at Planned Parenthood, where she led initiatives aimed at creating open dialogues about sexual health and education. Ruth's candid approach facilitated discussions on challenging topics such as contraception, unwanted pregnancies, and sexual orientation, breaking societal taboos that had long silenced these vital conversations. Her frank, nonjudgmental style resonated with listeners and viewers, earning her a place as a trusted and beloved authority on sexual matters.

In the early 1980s, her radio show, “Sexually Speaking,” catapulted her into the national spotlight, attracting a diverse audience eager for information and guidance. Ruth's ability to connect with listeners through humor and straightforward advice marked a turning point in media representation of sexual education. By addressing personal queries from callers live on air, she normalized discussions about sex, helping to foster a culture of openness and acceptance. Her later ventures into television, writing, and various media platforms further solidified her influence, allowing her to reach millions of individuals seeking to learn about relationships and sexual health. Dr. Ruth will be remembered as a trailblazer who transformed the landscape of sexual education in America.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Dr. Ruth Westheimer, a pioneering sex therapist, experienced a complex and transformative personal life shaped by her early challenges and later successes. Standing at just 4 feet 7 inches tall, Ruth often worried about her appearance and potential for marriage, believing that her height and looks would deter suitors. However, she found love in her early 20s with David, an Israeli soldier, leading to their marriage in 1950. The couple moved to Paris for education but divorced after five years. Ruth later married Dan to legitimize her pregnancy with their daughter, Miriam, but this marriage was also short-lived, prompting Ruth to raise her child alone while pursuing her education.

Ultimately, Ruth found true love with Manfred “Fred” Westheimer, who she married in 1961. This relationship became the cornerstone of her personal life, providing her with stability and happiness that was absent from her previous marriages. Together, they welcomed a son, Joel, in 1964, and Fred embraced both children, adopting Miriam as his own. Ruth and Fred were inseparable for 35 years until his death in 1997. Throughout her life, Dr. Ruth not only thrived as a respected public figure but also took immense pride in her role as a mother and grandmother, raising her family with the same honesty and openness she championed in her professional work.

Net Worth and Earning: Salary from Work

Dr. Ruth Westheimer, a prominent figure in the field of sex therapy and education, built a substantial net worth throughout her illustrious career. By the 2020s, her estimated net worth was around $3 million. This wealth primarily stemmed from her long-running radio and television shows, along with lucrative book deals. With over 40 published works, including bestsellers like "Sex For Dummies", Dr. Ruth capitalized on her expertise by consistently providing knowledge and advice to a wide audience. Her financial success is a testament to the demand for her candid discussions about sexuality and relationships.

In addition to her media contributions, Dr. Ruth earned income through keynote speeches, consulting, and her private practice as a sex therapist. Her approach, characterized by humor and accessibility, resonated with audiences across generations. As her public profile grew, she received various honors and accolades, further enhancing her visibility and marketability. Dr. Ruth not only made a mark on society through her work but also secured a comfortable financial future as a leading voice in sexual health education.

FAQs

Who is Dr. Ruth?

Dr. Ruth, born Karola Ruth Westheimer, is a renowned sex therapist and author, best known for her candid discussions about sexuality and relationships. She became a household name in the 1980s with her educational radio show, "Sexually Speaking," which later expanded to television and numerous publications. Her unique blend of humor and education helped demystify sex and provided a platform for open conversations about a taboo subject.

What was Dr. Ruth's early life like?

Born in Frankfurt, Germany, in 1928, Dr. Ruth's early life was overshadowed by the rise of Nazi Germany. She fled her homeland as a child during the Holocaust, eventually finding herself in Switzerland and later in Israel. Her experiences during this tumultuous period shaped her views on relationships and sex, leading her to embrace a life dedicated to educating others about sexual health and well-being.

How did Dr. Ruth become a sex therapist?

Dr. Ruth's journey into sex therapy began in the late 1960s when she took a job at Planned Parenthood. Surrounded by open discussions about sex, she found her calling. She pursued academic qualifications in the field, earning her doctorate while simultaneously working as an associate professor of sex counseling. Her desire to bring sex education to the forefront sparked a successful career that included radio, television, and writing.

What contributions did Dr. Ruth make to sexual education?

Dr. Ruth made significant contributions to sexual education through her various platforms, including her radio show, television series, and over 40 published books. She advocated for safe sex practices, LGBTQ rights, and open conversations about sexual health. By normalizing discussions around sexuality, she played a crucial role in increasing awareness and understanding of these important topics, inspiring generations to embrace healthy relationships.

What are some of Dr. Ruth's notable works?

Dr. Ruth authored more than 40 books, including classics like "Dr. Ruth's Guide to Good Sex" and "Sex For Dummies." Her more recent works, "From You to Two" and "Stay or Go," continue to address contemporary issues in relationships. She also published a children’s book, "Crocodile, You’re Beautiful!," showcasing her commitment to educating readers of all ages about love and relationships.

How did Dr. Ruth's career evolve over the years?

Dr. Ruth's career evolved from local radio to national fame, with her work influencing various media outlets. She transitioned from radio to television and online platforms, engaging audiences through social media. Over the decades, Dr. Ruth remained an influential voice in sexual education, even becoming New York's first ambassador of loneliness before her passing. Her legacy continues to resonate in discussions about sexual health and relationships.