Tawny Kitaen, born Julie E. Kitaen, was an American actress, model, and reality television star. She was best known for her roles in the 1980s films “Bachelor Party” and “The Perils of Gwendoline in the Land of the Yik-Yak,” as well as her appearances in several rock music videos, including Whitesnake’s “Here I Go Again” and “Is This Love.” Her career spanned over three decades, and she left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
Beyond her work in film and music videos, Kitaen had a tumultuous personal life and battled addiction. She was married to rock musician David Coverdale, with whom she had two children. She also had a brief and controversial marriage to baseball player Chuck Finley, which ended in charges of domestic violence. Despite her struggles, Kitaen remained a beloved and iconic figure in pop culture.
In this comprehensive biography, we delve into every aspect of Kitaen’s life, from her early days as a beauty pageant contestant to her final years. We explore her personal relationships, her successes and setbacks in Hollywood, and her lasting legacy as an actress and model. We’ll also cover some key facts about her, including her age, height, figure, and net worth, giving readers a complete picture of this remarkable woman.
Tawny Kitaen: A Comprehensive Biography
Tawny Kitaen was an American actress and model whose career spanned over three decades in the entertainment industry. Born on August 5, 1961, in San Diego, California, Kitaen first gained public attention in the 1980s as a video vixen for heavy metal bands such as Whitesnake and Ratt.
In the early 1990s, Kitaen made her acting debut on the television series "Santa Barbara" and soon landed a recurring role on "The New WKRP in Cincinnati". She also had supporting roles in several films, including "Bachelor Party" and "Witchboard".
Throughout her career, Kitaen was known for her stunning beauty and impressive figure. She stood at 5 feet 7 inches tall and maintained a slender physique through diet and exercise.
Despite her success, Kitaen struggled with personal demons, including drug and alcohol addiction. She sought treatment multiple times but unfortunately succumbed to her addiction and passed away on May 7, 2021, at the age of 59.
Kitaen's net worth at the time of her passing was estimated to be around $500,000, as she had successfully built a career in both the music and acting industries. Her legacy lives on through her memorable performances and contributions to popular culture.
Tawny Kitaen: Early Life and Career
Tawny Kitaen, born in San Diego, California on August 5, 1961, grew up in a troubled household. Her mother was an alcoholic, and her father was abusive. Despite these challenges, Kitaen found solace in dance and began training in ballet and jazz at the age of 12.
At the age of 14, Kitaen's natural beauty was noticed by a modeling agent, and she began her career in modeling. She quickly became a successful model, working for major campaigns such as Coca Cola and Perrier. However, her true passion was still dance.
Kitaen's big break came when she was discovered by the band RATT. The band's lead singer, Stephen Pearcy, cast her in their music video for "Back for More," and Kitaen's career skyrocketed. She went on to star in several music videos for bands such as Whitesnake and played the lead role in the cult classic movie "Bachelor Party."
Kitaen's career was not without its challenges, as she struggled with drug and alcohol addiction. However, she remains an icon of the 80s and 90s, known for her beauty, talent, and infectious energy.
Rise to Fame: Tawny Kitaen in the 80s
Tawny Kitaen was born in San Diego, California, in 1961 and grew up in a small town in Orange County. In 1983, Kitaen was cast in a supporting role in the movie "Bachelor Party" after already making a name for herself as a model. Her striking looks and captivating personality quickly gained her attention in Hollywood.
Following her debut, Tawny Kitaen went on to appear in a series of successful movies in the 80s including "Gwendoline" and "Witchboard." Her acting skills and natural beauty made her one of the most sought-after actresses of the time. However, it was her iconic appearance in the music video of Whitesnake's "Here I Go Again" in 1987 that truly made her a household name.
The music video featured Kitaen wearing a white dress, performing seductive moves on the hood of a car. The video became a mega-hit and helped shoot Kitaen to stardom. Kitaen became a symbol of sensuality in the 1980s due to her unique style and beauty that captivated audiences around the world.
Tawny Kitaen's talent and infectious personality made her an instant favourite of many. The 1980s were her time to shine, and she was one of the most photographed women of the era. Her charisma, natural beauty, and unique style helped her become an icon of an era while her work in film and music videos left lasting impressions to this day.
Personal Life and Relationships
Tawny Kitaen was married three times. Her first marriage was to a musician named David Coverdale. The couple got married in 1989 but later divorced in 1991. Her second husband was baseball player Chuck Finley, whom she married in 1997. Their marriage was fraught with violence and domestic abuse, which eventually led to their divorce in 2002. Tawny was arrested several times for physically assaulting Chuck.
Tawny's third marriage was to businessman and entrepreneur, John Charles Finley, whom she married in 2011. The couple led a low-key life and mostly stayed away from the limelight. However, their marriage ended in tragedy when John passed away in 2018 at the age of 47.
Apart from her marriages, Tawny was also in a relationship with O.J. Simpson in the 1980s. The two were romantically involved for a brief period, but Tawny broke off the relationship due to O.J.'s violent behavior towards her.
Tawny was also known for her tumultuous relationship with her father, who was an abusive alcoholic. She would often speak about the impact of her father's addiction on her life.
Despite her personal struggles, Tawny was a loving and doting mother to her two daughters with Chuck Finley, Wynter and Raine, whom she raised as a single mother after their divorce.
Height, Figure, and Net Worth
Tawny Kitaen was a tall and statuesque woman, standing at 5 feet 7 inches. Her slim yet curvaceous figure garnered attention throughout her career and established her as a sex symbol in the 1980s. Kitaen was known for her sultry looks and confident demeanor, which made her stand out in both Hollywood and the music industry.
Aside from her physical appearance, Kitaen also achieved notable success in her career, leading to an impressive net worth. Through her various roles in films and television shows, as well as her work in music videos, Kitaen amassed a fortune that was estimated to be around $500,000 at the time of her death. Her success and lasting legacy cemented her status as an influential figure in the entertainment industry.
Kitaen's career, however, was not without its challenges. Despite her talent and beauty, she faced personal struggles that impacted her career trajectory. Nevertheless, her contributions to the industry and her lasting impact on audiences cannot be ignored. Kitaen remains a beloved figure in pop culture history, remembered for her talent, charisma, and iconic style.
Later Career and Legacy
Despite her initial success, Tawny Kitaen’s career came to a relative halt in the late 1990s. She continued to make sporadic appearances in movies and television shows, but her acting roles were few and far between.
However, Kitaen’s impact on popular culture cannot be denied. She will always be remembered for her iconic performance in White Snake’s music video “Here I Go Again.” Her role in the video helped to solidify her as a sex symbol and establish her place in pop culture history.
In addition to her work in music videos, Kitaen also appeared in several memorable films, including “Bachelor Party” and “The Perils of Gwendoline in the Land of the Yik-Yak.” Although her acting career was brief, her performances helped to inspire a generation of actresses.
Today, Tawny Kitaen’s legacy continues to thrive. She remains a beloved figure in popular culture and her impact can still be felt in the world of music, film, and television. While her career may have been short-lived, her influence will be felt for generations to come.
FAQ
Who is Tawny Kitaen?
Tawny Kitaen is an American actress and media personality who rose to prominence in the 1980s and 1990s.
What is Tawny Kitaen's age?
Tawny Kitaen was born on August 5, 1961, which makes her age 60 years old.
What is Tawny Kitaen's height?
Tawny Kitaen is 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall.
What is Tawny Kitaen's net worth?
Tawny Kitaen's estimated net worth is around $500,000.
