Tawny Kitaen, one of the original video vixens, has died. According to the Orange County, California coroner’s office, the 59-year-old passed away at her home in Newport Beach on Friday. At this point, her cause of death hasn’t been revealed.
Born Julie E. Kitaen, Tawny was featured on the cover of RATT’s self-titled 1983 debut album and “Out of the Cellar” in 1984 – at the time, she was dating RATT guitarist Robbin Crosby. A video staple, she also appeared in several Whitesnake videos, including the iconic “Here I Go Again” clip as well as “Still Of The Night,” “Is This Love,” and “The Deeper the Love.” And yes, love was involved as she was dating and ultimately married Whitesnake frontman David Coverdale, from 1989 to 1991.
Tawny also acted, but never really broke through – most notably playing Tom Hanks’ girlfriend in 1984’s “Bachelor Party.” Most recently, she was a reality show staple, but fans will always remember her best as “the girl on the hood of the Jaguar” in “Here I Go Again.”
- Kitaen, who was married to baseball player Chuck Finley from 1997 to 2002, is survived by their two daughters, Wynter and Raine. The girls announced Tawny’s death on her IG page. Her ex, David, extended his condolences on Twitter.
