Ask American Profile 1/18/2009

Q Where is Dr. Ruth, and how many books has she written?
—Jessie Carpenter, Burlison, Tenn.

Dr. Ruth Westheimer, 80, is going strong. The feisty sex therapist and pioneering relationship psychiatrist recently completed her 34th book and is finishing another, 10 Golden Rules for Great Sex, which is scheduled for release around Valentine’s Day. She can be seen on the TV show Daily Café, which airs on the Retirement Living network, and she continues to teach weekly courses at both Yale and Princeton universities.

Q What happened to actress Gail Russell, who starred with John Wayne in Angel and the Badman? The announcer for the movie on TV talked about her “tragically short career.”
—Weldon Carroll, Graham, Texas

Russell was a dark-haired beauty hand-picked by Paramount Pictures executives and groomed for stardom, first in smaller roles and ultimately in major releases alongside John Wayne, Alan Ladd and Edward G. Robinson. Her promising career was derailed by alcoholism, which contributed to the heart attacked that killed her in 1961 at age 36.

Q I’ve been an Elvis fan forever. I’ve read that Elvis and Priscilla referred to each other as “Satnin’.” What does that mean?
—Lois Floyd, Red Bluff, Calif.

“Satnin’” was Elvis’ baby-talk nickname for his mother, Gladys, whom he felt had skin as soft as satin.

Q What can you tell me about football player Jason Taylor, who was on last year’s Dancing With the Stars? He’s gorgeous!
—Taylor Johansson, Pella, Iowa

Washington Redskins defensive end Taylor, 33, is a star both on and off the field. In addition to receiving dozens of awards for his football feats, he’s appeared on numerous TV talk shows, made the list of People magazine’s “100 Most Beautiful” and hot-footed his way—along with partner Edyta Sliwinska—to the runner-up spot on season six of Dancing With the Stars. And he’s a big guy with a big heart: The Jason Taylor Foundation, which he launched in 2004 with wife Katina, helps create better futures for children in south Florida, where Taylor got his start playing with the Miami Dolphins. “Football’s only so big,” he says. “The world is much bigger.”

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