In the vibrant world of 80s and 90s daytime television, one woman stood out with her unmistakable style – Sally Jessy Raphael. The former talk show host, known for her captivating interviews and her signature red glasses, is now facing a new challenge: getting her verified status on Instagram.
Raphael’s journey with her iconic eyewear began on the set of her show, The Sally Jessy Raphael Show. As she prepared for the cameras, Raphael discovered that she was unable to read the teleprompter – her vision was failing. Rather than let this obstacle stand in her way, Raphael took action and sought out a solution.
During her search for a new prescription, Raphael stumbled upon an unexpected advertisement for a Pap smear, glasses, and an eye exam. Intrigued, she scheduled an appointment, unaware of the impact it would have on her career.
“I was informed during the appointment that I would require a more expensive pair of glasses; however, the only color available was red,” Raphael recalled. Without hesitation, she responded, “You have it.”
What Raphael didn’t anticipate were the challenges she would face from the producers of her show. They tried to modify the red glasses, but Raphael was steadfast in her commitment to this new look.
“I was compelled to fight for the glasses,” Raphael said. “Everything was opposed by those shadowy figures.”
Raphael’s determination paid off, and the red glasses became an integral part of her image. Over the years, she has amassed an impressive collection of more than 200 pairs, cementing her status as a true fashion icon.
As Raphael’s show became one of the first syndicated talk shows to feature audience participation, she helped pave the way for other women in the industry, including Oprah Winfrey, whose show premiered three years after Raphael’s.
“Everything she did, I admired. Everything she had done in her life I found to be exemplary,” Raphael said of her fellow talk show host, Audrey Hepburn, whom she considered her favorite guest.
Now, as Raphael navigates the world of social media, she is faced with a new challenge: getting her Instagram account verified. Despite her iconic status, the platform has refused to grant her the coveted blue checkmark, much to the dismay of her loyal fans.
“So, Instagram doesn’t want to give me my blue check – no matter what proof I send them,” Raphael wrote on her Instagram account. “And ‘realsallyjr’ is a fake account—not me! Help me notify Instagram so we can fix this.”
Sally Jessy Raphael’s journey is a testament to the power of determination and the impact of personal style. From her humble beginnings on the set of her show to her current struggle for social media recognition, Raphael’s story is a captivating one that continues to inspire and engage her devoted fans.
