Dr. Joyce Brothers Dies From Respiratory Failure at 85

Dr. Joyce Brothers, a pioneer of mass media psychology, died Tuesday at the age of 85 at her home in Fort Lee, N.J., according to The Washington Post.

Her daughter, Lisa Brothers Arbisser, said she died of respiratory failure, according to the Associated Press.

Brothers, who was made famous for her advice offerings to the masses in various forms of media, made a career in magazines, newspapers, radio and television. Her syndicated column ran in more than 300 newspapers and in Good Housekeeping magazine, according to The Washington Post. The doctor, who held a PhD in psychology, wrote a number of self-help books.

But Brothers probably got the most recognition for her television appearances, where a variety of callers could have access to the professional counselor's services. Her 1950s television show also lead to cameo appearance on "Happy Days" and more than 100 appearances on The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson, according to USA Today. She was also a featured character on "The Simpsons."

The therapist, who was known for her simple demeanor and calmness in giving advice was married to Milton Brothers, USA Today reported. In 1955, while he was still in medical school and Brothers had just given up her teaching positions at Hunter College and Columbia University to be home with her newborn, the couple found themselves needing money.

So Brothers entered the television quiz show, "The $64,000 Question." After advancing to final stages of the game show by answering questions on boxing, the show was put under scrutiny for being scripted. Brothers always swore she never was given information on the questions, according to USA Today.

But in more serious television and radio instances, Brothers dissuaded callers from suicide. In her 1990 book "Widowed," she discussed her own suicidal thoughts after her husband's death, according to The New York Times. Dr. Milton Brothers died in 1989.