Joyce Brothers, the Jewish psychologist who broke ground with her TV advice show, died of natural causes on Monday in New York. She was 85 years old.
Brothers’ 1950s program helped normalize the public discussion of psychological issues, setting the stage for future media psychologists. She went on to become a syndicated columnist, author of 15 books, and a frequent guest on “Johnny Carson.” She also made cameos in movies and on TV shows including “Happy Days,” and “The Simpsons.”
Before earning her psychology degree at Cornell and her masters at Columbia, Brothers became well-known with a 1955 appearance on a game show, “The $64,000 Question.” Brothers won the top prize, thanks to her extensive knowledge of boxing.
Brothers is survived by sister Elaine Goldsmith, daughter Lisa Brothers Arbisser, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She died of natural causes, her publicist said.
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