Biography

Julie Ellen “Tawny” Kitaen (born 5 August 1961) was a renowned American actress, model, comedian, and media personality. She was known for participating in music videos for various glam rock bands, including Whitesnake’s Here I Go Again and Is This Love.

At the age of 14, she attended her first rock performance at Balboa Stadium, where she saw Peter Frampton. She began her acting career in 1983 with a modest role in the television movie Malibu after working as a model in television ads for Jack LaLanne‘s European Health Spas in the early 1980s. She starred in the second season of VH1’s Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew, which premiered in October 2008.

The Perils of Gwendoline in the Land of the Yik-Yak, Bachelor Party, Witchboard, Crystal Heart, Happy Hour, After Midnight, Here We Go Again, To Tell the Truth, Hercules and the Circle of Fire, Botched, Capitol, amongst others, and some of her TV series.

Tawny Kitaen
Tawny Kitaen: History • Bio • Photo
Wiki Facts & About Data
Full Name:	Julie Ellen “Tawny” Kitaen
Stage Name:	Tawny Kitaen
Born:	5 August 1961 (age 59 years old)
Place of Birth:	San Diego, California, United States
Died:	7 May 2021, Newport Beach, California, United States
Nationality:	American
Height:	1.7 m
Parents:	Terry Kitaen, Linda Taylor
Siblings:	N/A
Husband • Spouse:	Chuck Finley (m. 1997–2002), David Coverdale (m. 1989–1991)
Boyfriend • Partner:	N/A
Children:	Wynter Merin Finley, Raine Finley
Occupation:	Actress • TV Personality
Net Worth:	US$500,000

Early Life & Education 

Tawny Kitaen was born in San Diego, California, on August 5, 1961. Kitaen gave herself the nickname “Tawny” when she was 12 years old. 

She was born to Terry Kitaen (father) and Linda Taylor (mother).

Because of her dyslexia, Tawny Kitaen struggled in school and eventually dropped out of Mission Bay High School in San Diego. She supplemented her income by modeling and performing in modest roles.

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Career

In the early 1980s, Tawny Kitaen was a model who modeled and appeared in television ads for Jack LaLanne‘s European Health Spas. She had also modeled for the band’s debut EP Ratt (1983) and debut studio album Out of the Cellar in 1984-1985.

She began her acting career in 1983 with a small part in Malibu‘s television film. After a year, she starred in the erotica adventure film “The Perils of Gwendoline in the Land of the Yik-Yak” as the titular character. 

After that, she acted in films such as Bachelor Party (1984), Witchboard (1986), White Hot, and Dead Tides. Tawny Kitaen has also appeared in multiple music videos for the band Whitesnake, including the classics Here I Go Again, Still of the Night, Is This Love, and The Deeper the Love during the 1980s. She also starred in Ratt‘s music video “Back for More.” 

As Jerry‘s girlfriend, she also appeared in the 1991 episode of The Nose Job of the American TV sitcom, Seinfeld. She also starred in 19 episodes of the Cincinnati-based TV show The New WKRP from 1991 to 1993. 

Tawny Kitaen then had a recurrent role in Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, and from 1992 to 1994, she co-hosted America’s Funniest People. She was a member of the cast of the sixth season of The Surreal Life, a reality television program on VH1, which debuted in March 2006. 

Additionally, she participated in the second season of the reality television program Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew on VH1, which premiered in October 2008. 

At her residence in Newport Beach, California, Tawny Kitaen passed away on May 7, 2021 (a Friday). She passes away at 59 years old. Her daughter Wynter Finley, who informed The New York Times that her death was not immediately known, confirmed her passing to the newspaper.

On the morning of May 8, Wynter Finley and Raine Finley, her kids, published a statement on their mother’s Instagram, which included the following: We are devastated and grieved to report the passing of our mother. We miss and adore her, and we are aware that her legacy will endure forever.” 

Tawny Kitaen made headlines during a personal quarrel with her spouse in 2002. After she allegedly physically assaulted Chuck Finley during an argument, she was detained on two misdemeanor spousal abuse charges. 

Three days after the event, Chuck Finley filed for divorce. In September of that year, Tawny Kitaen settled the legal dispute. After finishing a year of counseling, the accusations against her were withdrawn.

By participating in a reality television program in 2006, Tawny Kitaen attempted to revive her career. For the sixth season of The Surreal Life, she joined the cast. Many once-famous celebrities were seen living together in the show’s footage. On the program, Tawny Kitaen shared a stage alongside actors Florence Henderson, Corey Clark, Alexis Arquette, and others. 

Tawny Kitaen was detained for possessing cocaine in the same year. After completing a six-month rehabilitation program, the accusation against her was dropped.

Personal Life

Tawny Kitaen had a husband. From 1997 to 2002, she married Chuck Finley, her first husband.

Chuck Finley filed for divorce, which put an end to their marriage. She was accused of domestic violence in 2002 because of an incident with Chuck Finley. 

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Wynter Finley (born 18 March 1993) and Raine Finley were Chuck Finley and Tawny Kitaen‘s two daughters (born 1st June 1998). After that, in 1989, she wed David Coverdale, her second husband.

Whitesnake’s lead vocalist is David Coverdale. The couple split in 1991 as a result of a misunderstanding. She was not dating, having an affair, or dating anyone at the time of her death. She also had no boyfriend. She was straight in her sexuality. 

Net Worth

Tawny Kitaen, an actress, is thought to have had a net worth of US$500,000 at the time of her death. She hasn’t disclosed any information to the media regarding her fortune; therefore, her salary and career profits remain a mystery. 

Although she was also making a nice living as a model, her acting career was her primary source of income. Before she passed away, she led a stylish life.

Social Media

• Instagram: @tawnykitaenofficial
• Twitter: @tawny_kitaen