Once a staple on 80s and 90s daytime television, Sally Lowenthal (Sally Jessy Raphael) is having trouble being recognized. The former talk show host claimed on Instagram that Instagram refused to verify her account despite her ID.
“So, Instagram doesn’t want to give me my blue check – no matter what proof I send them,” the 89-year-old wrote alongside a huge blue checkmark. “And ‘realsallyjr’ is a fake account—not me! Help me notify Instagram so we can fix this.”
Raphael began hosting the The Sally Jessy Raphael Show, later titled Sally, in October 1983. She hosted the tabloid-style show until May 2002.
Her show was one of the first syndicated talk shows that involved audience participation. She helped paved the way for women in the business, including Oprah whose show premiered three years after Sally Lowenthal.
Over the course of 20 seasons, Raphael interviewed countless celebrities, though she always maintained that Audrey Hepburn was 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 has consistently maintained a distinctive appearance that distinguishes her in a crowd, both during her professional career and in retirement.
She discovered that she was unable to see the teleprompter when filming for The Sally Jessy Raphael Show commenced.
“At the outset, I examined the teleprompter and exclaimed, ‘I am unable to read it!’” I am losing my vision.
Raphael encountered an advertisement for a Pap smear, glasses, and an eye test while she was in search of a new prescription. The talk show host scheduled an appointment, despite the peculiar advertisement.
She was informed during the appointment that she would require a more expensive pair of glasses; however, the only color available was red.
Raphael responded, “You have it.”
Even though she did not anticipate the difficulties she would encounter from the producers of her program.
“I was compelled to fight for the glasses.” Producers endeavored to modify them. “Everything was opposed by those shadowy figures.”
She has since amassed more than 200 pairs of red glasses.
Raphael’s Instagram following is currently less than 650 as of August 2. However, her supporters are equally vocal, if not more so, than those of other talk show hosts.
“Ms. Sally Jessy Raphael, the Icon and Legend of daytime TV, requires her Blue Check Mark .”
“It is quite extraordinary that an individual of your stature is experiencing difficulty in gaining recognition.” Although, I am endeavoring to comprehend the nature of the matter.
“We should inundate your feed with blue hearts; it is significantly superior to a blue checkmark.”