In our ongoing series #WomenThatDid ENTITY profiles inspirational and famous women in history whose impact on our world can still be felt today. If you have a suggestion for a historical powerhouse you would like to see featured tweet us with the hashtag #WomenThatDid.
NAME: Joyce Brothers
LIFETIME: October 20, 1927 – May 13, 2013
WHAT SHE IS KNOWN FOR: Joyce Brothers was an American psychologist, television personality, and columnist. She wrote a daily advice column from 1960 until her death in 2013.
WHY WE LOVE HER: She attended Cornell University for her undergrad and received her Ph.D. from Columbia University. Brothers entered into stardom in 1955 when she became the only female contestant to win the top prize on the $64,000 Question. On the game show, her topic of expertise was boxing, suggested to her by the show’s executives. Because she was an avid reader, she learned everything she could about the sport. She then used her good memory to help her win. Three years later she presented a television show that would allow her to dispense psychological advice to television audiences. She pioneered the field and became the “face of American psychology.” On her show she gave relationship advice and answered questions from the audience. Her show ran for 40 years, and she was called the “founding mother of television psychology.” She wrote a monthly column in Good Housekeeping and had another syndicated column that, at its peak, was published in more than 300 newspapers. She also published three books during her run. She has inspired contemporary television personalities, like Dr. Laura Schlessinger and Dr. Phil. One of her most famous quotes is, “Success is a state of mind. If you want success, start thinking of yourself as a success.”
FUN FACT: Because Brothers did so well on the game show, she won a spot as a sports commentator at a boxing match between Carmen Basilio and Sugar Ray Robinson. She became the first female boxing commentator.
