Iconic 90s talk show host no longer recognizable as she claims Instagram won’t verify her account
Once a prominent figure on daytime television during the 1980s and 1990s, Sally Lowenthal, widely known as Sally Jessy Raphael, is currently struggling with public recognition.
The former talk show host has expressed frustration on Instagram, revealing that the platform has denied her request for account verification despite her providing ample proof of identity.
“So, Instagram doesn’t want to give me my blue check – no matter what proof I send them,” the 89-year-old wrote, alongside an image of a large blue checkmark. “AND there’s a fake account called ‘realsallyjr’, and that’s NOT ME! Help me let Instagram know, so we can fix this.”
Raphael began hosting The Sally Jessy Raphael Show, later renamed Sally, in October 1983 and continued until May 2002. Her show was among the pioneering syndicated talk shows that featured audience participation, setting a precedent for future hosts, including Oprah Winfrey, whose show debuted three years later.
Throughout her 20-season run, Raphael interviewed numerous celebrities, with Audrey Hepburn remaining her favorite. “I was so awestruck, I could hardly ask a question. Everything she did, I admired. Everything she had done in her life I found to be exemplary,” she told the DailyMail.
Raphael is known for her distinctive style, particularly her signature red glasses. During the early days of her show, she struggled with her eyesight and responded to an unusual ad for a comprehensive eye test, which included a Pap smear.
Although the only available color for the glasses was red, Raphael embraced the choice, ultimately amassing a collection of over 200 pairs.
Currently, Raphael has fewer than 650 followers on Instagram. Despite this, her loyal fans continue to express their support fervently. Comments on her posts include:
“The Icon, the Legend of daytime TV, Ms. Sally Jessy Raphael needs her Blue Check Mark ?”
“That’s pretty crazy that someone as famous as you are is having trouble with being recognized. I’m trying to understand what the issue is though”
“We should flood your feed with blue hearts it’s so much better than a blue checkmark”
Share your memories of Sally Jessy Raphael in the comments.
