Tawny Kitaen biography

Synopsis

Early Life and Career

Actress and television personality Tawny Kitaen was born Julie Kitaen on August 5, 1961, in San Diego, California. Around the age of 12, Kitaen gave herself the nickname "Tawny." She had a hard time at school because of her dyslexia, and she eventually dropped out of Mission Bay High School in San Diego. To support herself, Kitaen landed some modeling work and some small acting roles.

Kitaen's big break came in 1984 with the film Bachelor Party. She starred opposite Tom Hanks as his bride-to-be in this raunchy comedy. Not too long after the film's release, Kitaen received an even more substantial career boost from her work in another medium. She started dating rocker David Coverdale of Whitesnake, and she appeared in several music videos for the rock group, including the No. 1 hit "Here I Go Again." Showcasing her good looks, big hair and long legs, these videos helped make Kitaen a popular sex symbol at the time.

Kitaen married Coverdale in 1989, but the union proved to be short-lived. The couple soon divorced, and Kitaen became involved with professional baseball player Chuck Finley. While experiencing some ups and downs in her personal life, her career seemed to be going strong. Kitaen had a lot of television work, starring in the comedy series The New WKRP in Cincinnati and co-hosting America's Funniest People with Dave Coulier.

In 1997, Kitaen married Finley. The couple already had a daughter, Wynter, before tying the knot. They soon expanded their family with the birth of another girl, Raine, in 1998. By this time, Kitaen had largely dropped out of the professional world to raise her children.

Assault and Drug Use

In 2002, Kitaen made headlines for a domestic dispute between her and her husband. She was arrested on two charges of misdemeanor spousal abuse after she allegedly physically assaulted Finley during an argument. Finley filed for divorce three days after the incident. That September, Kitaen reached a settlement in the case. The charges against her were dropped after she completed a year of counseling.

Kitaen tried to resurrect her career by appearing on a reality television series in 2006. She joined the cast of The Surreal Life for its sixth season. The show filmed a group of once-famous celebrities living together under one roof. Kitaen appeared with actress Florence Henderson; American Idol contestant Corey Clark; performer Alexis Arquette; and others on the show.