Sally Lowenthal (born February 25, 1935), better known as Sally Jessy Raphael, is an American retired talk show host. She is best known for her program Sally, which was originally called The Sally Jessy Raphael Show.
Over her career, she became a prominent figure in daytime television, gaining popularity for her approachable style and engaging interviews. Her show tackled a variety of topics and often featured personal stories from guests. Sally Jessy Raphael remains an influential name in American television history.
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Sally Jessy Raphael Net Worth
Sally Jessy Raphael has a net worth of $40 million. She hosted her own program from 1983 to 2002, starting as a local half-hour show in St. Louis before becoming nationally syndicated and expanding to a full hour. From 2005 to 2008, she hosted a daily radio show.
In September 1993, she signed a contract with Multimedia Inc. worth $25 million over five years, about $44 million adjusted for inflation. She signed another contract until the show ended, airing nearly 4,000 episodes.
Early life
Sally Lowenthal was born on February 25, 1935, in Easton, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Easton Area High School and spent time in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where her father, Jesse Lowenthal, was in the rum export business, and her mother, Zelda Lowenthal (aka Dede Lowry), ran an art gallery. She has a younger brother, Steven Lowenthal.
Sally worked at WFAS, an AM radio station in Scarsdale, New York. She studied at Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Puerto Rico, and Columbia University, training in acting under Sanford Meisner. She adopted the professional name Sally Jessy Raphael.
Career
After graduating from Columbia University, Sally Jessy Raphael became a news correspondent covering Central America for Associated Press (A.P.) and United Press International (U.P.I.). Her fluency in English and Spanish helped her translate easily.
She gained media experience in Puerto Rico, working in radio and television, including hosting a TV cooking show. While in radio, she met her second husband, Karl Soderlund, general manager of a radio station. They moved to Miami, Florida, where she befriended journalist Larry King.
Personal life
Sally Jessy Raphael was first married in 1956 to Andrew Vladimir; they divorced seven years later. They had two daughters, Allison and Andrea, and two grandsons, Max and Kyle. Allison died at age 33 on February 2, 1992, from an accidental overdose caused by several prescribed and over-the-counter drugs.
In 1963, Raphael married Karl Soderlund, who later became her manager. They had one adopted son, Jason, and three foster children. They were married for 57 years until Soderlund’s death in 2020.
What happened to Sally’s daughter Raphael?
Allison Raphael, 33, died of an accidental overdose of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Her mom tells Ladies Home Journal the impact on her has been negative.
Conclusion
Sally Jessy Raphael’s net worth is a reflection of her successful and influential career in daytime television. Her journey in the media industry showcases her talent, resilience, and business acumen.
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FAQs about Sally Jessy Raphael’s Net Worth
- What is Sally Jessy Raphael’s net worth? – Approximately $40 million.
- What were the key sources of her wealth? – Her television show, radio program, and real estate investments.
- Why is Sally Jessy Raphael famous? – For hosting “The Sally Jessy Raphael Show.”
- Where does Sally Jessy Raphael live? – She owns a townhouse in Manhattan and had an estate in Pawling, New York.
- Was Sally Jessy Raphael married? – Yes, she was married twice, most recently to Karl Soderlund until his passing in 2020.
