Phoebe Maltz Bovy remembers Dr. Ruth and Richard Simmonsand the 1980s sensibilities that defined their identities [Video]

Had July 13, 2024, been the slow-news day it first seemed, it would have been the moment to remember two greats whose deaths were announced on that date: celebrity sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer (who passed away on Friday) and fitness impresario Richard Simmons (whose body was found by his housekeeper Saturday morning). Instead, someone had to go and attempt to assassinate Donald Trump.

This was also bad for other reasons (political violence, not good for democracy), but let us take this moment to remember the other two so that they not be forgotten for having gone and died on the wrong day. The alternative is to do as a woman on my Toronto streetcar was and watch video of the assassination attempt with an intensity that suggested maybe this lady was going to figure it out on a level that exceeds what forensic experts are capable of.

Dr. Ruth and Richard Simmons seem somehow of a piece. It’s the kitchy wellness angle …