Tawny Kitaen passed away Friday. She was 59. Kitaen was a hard-rock icon.
Kitaen was the red-hot girl writhing on top of the car in the MTV-immortalized video for Whitesnake’s 1987 hit “Here I Go Again.” She was in four other Whitesnake videos, including “Still of the Night,” “Is This Love,” “The Deeper the Love” and “Fool for Your Loving.” Kitaen was married to Whitesnake singer David Coverdale from 1989-91.
Kitaen previously dated Ratt guitarist Robbin Crosby, appearing on two Ratt album covers and in the “Back for More” video.
Kitaen had an affair with O.J. Simpson and survived.
Kitaen was married to MLB pitcher Chuck Finley from 1997-2002. Their union ended when she was charged with domestic abuse.
Kitaen played the female lead in one of Tom Hanks’ earliest movies, “Bachelor Party.” It’s hilarious, and not a typical Hanks film.
Kitaen led a wild life.
I met Kitaen on several occasions, once when she was in the offices of the Post-Gazette to promote a re-imagining of “WKRP in Cincinnati.” (It lasted two seasons.) She wore a mini-dress made of what appeared to be clingy pink saran wrap. It was quite flattering.
I re-introduced myself, having previously met her backstage at a Whitesnake show. She could not possibly have been more charming and gracious.
Julie “Tawny” Kitaen, RIP. Just another heart in need of rescue… =
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