She helped shape the golden age of daytime TV and inspired a generation of talk show hosts. But now, at 89, Sally Jessy Raphael says she’s fighting an unexpected battle—getting verified on Instagram.
In a recent post, the iconic red-glasses-wearing host shared her frustration: despite submitting proof of her identity, Instagram has allegedly denied her the blue checkmark. Even more worrying? A fake account pretending to be her is making the rounds.
“Instagram doesn’t want to give me my blue check – no matter what proof I send them,” Raphael posted. “AND there’s a fake account called ‘realsallyjr,’ and that’s NOT ME! Help me let Instagram know, so we can fix this.”
💡 Related: 10 Online Safety Tips Everyone Should Know in 2025
A Legendary Voice in Daytime Television
Sally Jessy Raphael—born Sally Lowenthal—was a pioneer in television talk shows, hosting her groundbreaking series The Sally Jessy Raphael Show from 1983 to 2002. She championed audience participation and emotional storytelling, paving the way for stars like Oprah Winfrey and Ricki Lake.
404446 04: Talk show host Sally Jesse Raphael tapes her last show April 24, 2002 in New York City. Her last show will air this May. (Photo by Jim Lord/Getty Images)
Her 20-year career included interviews with celebrities, hard-hitting stories, and one unforgettable moment with her favorite guest—Audrey Hepburn.
“I was so awestruck, I could hardly ask a question,” Raphael recalled. “Everything she had done in her life I found to be exemplary.”
The Red Glasses That Became Her Trademark
Sally’s red glasses are as iconic as her voice. When she couldn’t see the teleprompter during her show’s early days, she rushed to get new glasses. The only option available? Red.
“You got it,” she said—and a TV fashion legacy was born.
She fought producers to keep the glasses and has since owned over 200 pairs.
💡 Read Next: When Iconic Looks Become Lifelong Statements – Celebrity Style That Made History
A Verification Fight That Raises Bigger Questions
As of August 2, Sally Jessy Raphael had fewer than 650 followers on Instagram—but her impact on media spans decades. Fans are now rallying behind her with messages of support, flooding her feed with blue hearts and calling out Instagram’s apparent oversight.
TV Personality Sally Jessy Raphael attending 17th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards on June 28, 1990 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City, New York. (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
The issue raises concerns about platform transparency, identity protection, and whether legacy figures are being overlooked in favor of viral personalities. For older influencers, digital identity protection may eventually require legal claims, consultations with a lawyer or attorney, or changes in platform-hosting regulations discussed in future tech conferences.
💡 Trending: Is Your Online Identity Safe? What to Do When Someone Pretends to Be You
Fans Speak Loudly – Even Without a Checkmark
Despite the verification issue, Sally’s fans are not staying silent:
-
“That’s pretty crazy that someone as famous as you are is having trouble being recognized.”
-
“The Icon, the Legend of daytime TV, Ms. Sally Jessy Raphael needs her Blue Check Mark 💙”
-
“We should flood your feed with blue hearts—it’s better than a checkmark.”
Final Thoughts
Sally Jessy Raphael broke barriers on television—and now she’s breaking silence on social media. While she awaits her blue checkmark, her story reminds us that digital respect, like legacy respect, must be earned—and fought for.
If you’re dealing with impersonation or social platform identity issues, consider consulting with an internet privacy attorney or exploring your rights for digital recovery. The battle for recognition isn’t just cosmetic—it’s about protecting your name, your legacy, and your identity.
💡 Also Read: 7 Things to Do If Your Social Media Account Is Hacked