The Struggle for Recognition in the Digital Age
Once a staple of daytime television in the 80s and 90s, Sally Lowenthal, better known as Sally Jessy Raphael, is now facing a surprising challenge: recognition. The beloved former talk show host recently took to Instagram to share her frustrations about the platform’s refusal to verify her account, despite providing ample proof of her identity.
“So, Instagram doesn’t want to give me my blue check – no matter what proof I send them,” the 89-year-old lamented in a post, accompanied by 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.”
A Pioneer in Daytime Television
Sally Jessy Raphael began hosting “The Sally Jessy Raphael Show” in October 1983. Later renamed “Sally,” the show ran until May 2002. It was one of the first syndicated talk shows that actively involved audience participation, paving the way for other prominent female hosts, including Oprah Winfrey, whose show debuted three years after Sally’s.
Over 20 seasons, Raphael interviewed countless celebrities, always maintaining a special admiration for Audrey Hepburn. Reflecting on her interview with the iconic actress, she shared, “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,” as she told the DailyMail.
The Signature Look
Throughout her career and into retirement, Raphael has maintained a distinctive look that sets her apart. Her signature red glasses became a necessity early in her career when she realized she couldn’t read the teleprompter during filming.
“When we started, I looked at the teleprompter and I said, ‘I can’t read that! I’m going blind!’” she recounted. Searching for a new prescription, she found an ad offering an eye test, glasses, and a Pap smear. Despite the unusual combination, she booked an appointment and was told she needed a more expensive pair of glasses, which only came in red.
“You got it,” she said, not anticipating the resistance from her show’s producers who objected to the glasses. “I had to fight to have the glasses. Producers tried to change them. Those shadowy figures objected to everything.” She now owns over 200 pairs of red glasses.
A Modest Social Media Following
As of August 2, Raphael has fewer than 650 followers on Instagram. Despite her modest following compared to other talk show hosts, her fans are vocal and supportive.
“The Icon, the Legend of daytime TV, Ms. Sally Jessy Raphael needs her Blue Check Mark,” one fan commented.
“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,” another added.
Others suggested showing support in different ways: “We should flood your feed with blue hearts it’s so much better than a blue checkmark.”
Do you remember watching Sally on TV? Share your memories in the comments!
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