Who Is Sally Jessy Raphael? Age, Biography and Wiki
Sally Jessy Raphael was born on February 25, 1935, making her 90 years old in 2025. Known for her iconic red glasses and vibrant personality, she gained fame as a talk show host of "The Sally Jessy Raphael Show," which aired from 1983 to 2002. Over the years, she has become a household name in American television, recognized for her candid discussions on a variety of controversial topics. Sally's rich career includes not just hosting but also participating in various philanthropic efforts and public speaking engagements.
| Occupation | Journalist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 25, 1935 |
| Age | 90 Years |
| Birth Place | Easton, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Sally Jessy Raphael's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Sally Jessy Raphael stands at approximately 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm). Although her weight has fluctuated throughout her life, it is currently estimated around 145 pounds (66 kg). Her body measurements are generally reported as 36-28-36 inches. As she has aged, Sally has embraced a healthy lifestyle, which she credits for maintaining her energetic presence.
By 2000, both Raphael and The Jerry Springer Show were in decline. As one media critic observed, Springer's ratings were the lowest they had been in three years, but Raphael's ratings were the lowest they had been in 12 years. Raphael was already having problems with her syndicator: she believed that USA Networks Inc.
was more interested in doing promotion for Springer, whose show was more popular than hers, and for Maury Povich, who had recently left Paramount Television to join USA's syndication arm, than they ever were for her own show. She celebrated her 3,500th episode in early 1998.
By March 2002, it was announced that, after an 18-year run, her show was being cancelled. In 2002, Raphael was named by Talkers Magazine to both their 25 Greatest Radio Talk Show Hosts of all time (#5), and the 25 Greatest Television Talk Show Hosts of all time (#11). She was one of only three personalities to make both the radio and the TV lists.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Sally Jessy Raphael is not officially known to be dating anyone publicly. She was previously married to her husband, Karl S. Raphael, with whom she shares a deep bond. Following their separation, which occurred in the late 1990s, she has remained private about her romantic life. Sally has also embraced her role as a grandmother, cherishing time spent with her family, which remains an important part of her life.
She attended and graduated from Easton Area High School. She also spent time in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where her father, Jesse Lowenthal, was in the rum exporting business and her mother, Zelda Lowenthal (aka Dede Lowry), ran an art gallery. She has a younger brother, Steven Lowenthal.
Net Worth and Salary
Sally Jessy Raphael has an estimated net worth of around $8 million as of 2025. Her wealth has been accumulated through her successful television career, various business ventures, and her own production company. She has also earned income from book deals and public speaking engagements.
Career, Business and Investments
Sally Jessy Raphael’s career spans several decades, establishing her as a pioneer in daytime television. Her show was known for tackling tough subjects with empathy and candor, paving the way for future talk show hosts. Beyond her television career, she has dabbled in writing, authoring books that serve as memoirs and guides based on her experiences.
In recent years, Sally has invested in digital media platforms, recognizing the shift in how audiences consume content. She has also supported numerous charities aimed at empowering women and supporting mental health awareness.
One of those fans turned out to be iconic talk show host Phil Donahue, who happened to hear her show one night and liked how she related to the audience. His encouragement led to a tryout on television, where producer Burt Dubrow gave her a chance to be a guest host on his talk show.
She was not very polished, but people who had loved her radio show were very positive about her being on TV. Her non-threatening and common-sense manner appealed to Dubrow, who believed she would gain more confidence as she got some TV experience. By mid-October 1983, she was given her own show on KSDK-TV in St. Louis.
The Sally Jessy Raphael Show was only a half-hour, but it was the beginning of her successful career as a talk show host.
Social Network
Sally Jessy Raphael has maintained an active presence on social media platforms, particularly Facebook and Instagram. She often shares insights into her life, career achievements, and philanthropic initiatives, interacting with fans and promoting causes close to her heart.
Education
Sally attended Easton High School before moving on to seek higher education at New York University. Her academic background in media and broadcasting laid a strong foundation for her illustrious career in television, allowing her to navigate the ever-evolving entertainment industry.
She spent some of her teenage years in Scarsdale, New York, where one of her first media jobs was at the local AM radio station, WFAS. In the late 1950s, the station had a program by and for junior high school students and Raphael had the opportunity to read the news on the air.
She later attended the Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and went to the Caribbean / West Indies islands to attend the University of Puerto Rico in San Juan. Raphael studied acting under the tutelage of Sanford Meisner at New York City's noted Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre.
