Dr. Joyce Brothers, popular psychologist, author and columnist has died at the age of 85.
Brothers’ death was confirmed Monday by her publicist Sanford Brokaw, People reports. Brothers, who received her Ph.D. in psychology from Columbia, saw her career take off in 1955 following her appearance on The $64,000 Question when she became the only women to ever dominate the game.
According to The Associated Press, Brothers memorized 20 volumes of encyclopedia’s to prepare for her time on the show. Only one other person has won the shows top prize.
In 1956 she became a cohost for Sports Showcast.
By the 1960s Brothers’ name dominated in both print and television media, known as a popular advice columnist of her time, New York Times notes. In her columns Brothers offered advice on everything from sex to childbearing, impotence, menopause and other distasteful subjects of the time.
She also took on a handful of roles including The Jenny Benny Program, Happy Days, Taxi, Baywatch and Entourage.
Following the news of her death, Dr. Phil McGraw spoke out saying, “I was a very big fan of .I started studying psychology back in 1968 or 1969 and she was a very present force at that time.”
Continuing he states, "I truly think she was a pioneer. Here comes a woman who was articulate, educated and very credible. She talked about these things and took them mainstream and laid a lot of important groundwork for those to come later," said McGraw, host of the Dr. Phil show. "She wasn't some pop psychologist. In her advice column and her television work, gave clear analysis and advice."
Brother is survived by her sister Elaine Goldsmith, daughter, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
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