Yesterday, Dr. Joyce Brothers, who introduced pop psychology to American television audiences departed from this world. Dr. Brothers earned her doctorate in psychology in 1953, a time when most women faced obstacles in the workplace and academia, and she earned instant notoriety when she demonstrated an exhaustive knowledge of boxing while a contestant in the "$64,000 Question" game show (her husband was a medical resident earning a $50/month stipend):
After her stupendous turn at the game show, Dr Brothers practically invented the field of media psychology, appearing on the radio, television, and syndicated advice columns. Throughout her career, Dr. Brothers displayed an affable charm, and could calmly dispense advice on topics that could fluster even a snarksmith:
Dr. Brothers also had serious geek cred, besides earning a doctorate in psychology, she even rolled some polyhedrals with Uncle Gary.
Of course, Dr Brothers did enable the careers of other self-help "gurus", such as Dr Phil and the like, but I can't blame her for the dunderheadedness of others. She herself came across as a class act, a wise counsellor, and a demystifier of formerly taboo subjects... and that is a legacy to celebrate.
She was no Dr. Ruth.
ReplyDeleteI'd forgotten she started on $64,000 Question. I hope she wasn't a cheater.
I first encountered her on "The Match Game" in the sixties. My mom LOVED the match game.
ReplyDeleteIt was the headquarters for sexual innuendo on afternoon teevee. Mom would finish watching "As the World Turns" and set up her ironing board in time for "The Match Game" and "Mike Douglas", both of which were forward operating bases for Joyce Brothers....
Dr. Phil shoulda taken a pill.
ReplyDeleteHe was no Joyce...
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I keep meaning to do something with Fox's Dr Ablow, but where does one start?
ReplyDelete