Toni Grant, one of the first voices in radio psychology and a staple of Los Angeles’ ’70s and ’80s pop culture, died on March 27 in Beverly Hills. No cause of death has been disclosed.
Grant was first featured as a guest on Bill Balance’s “Feminine Forum.” Her success as part of the show led her to her own call-in talk show in 1975, capitalizing on the newly popular concept of airwave therapy.
The licensed psychologist’s show gained a large following due to her entertaining yet informative advice. By 1981, her radio show was nationally syndicated and at one point aired on more than 180 radio stations.
Grant was known for her somewhat controversial advice, with some critics labeling her as an anti-feminist for her emphasis on the importance of femininity and charm as well as uncommitted intimacy. Grant defended herself, saying that she constantly spoke on behalf of women. She later wrote a bestselling book called “Being a Woman: Fulfilling Your Femininity and Finding Love.”
The radio psychologist inspired Alan Rudolph’s 1984 dramedy “Choose Me,” a film about sex and love in Los Angeles — popular topics in Grant’s talk show — that features radio host Dr. Nancy Love, played by Geneviève Bujold.
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Grant is survived by her husband, her daughters and four grandchildren.
