Actress Tawny Kitaen, ‘Bachelor Party’ and Whitesnake video star dies at 59
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NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (NewsNation Now) — Julie E. “Tawny” Kitaen, whose appearance in numerous Whitesnake videos made her a sex symbol in the 1980s, has died at 59.
The Orange County coroner’s office said she died at her home in Newport Beach on Friday. The cause of death was not immediately released.
Her daughters, Wynter and Raine, confirmed their mother’s death on Kitaen’s Instagram account.
“We just want to say thank you for all of you, her fans and her friends, for always showing her such support and love. You gave her life everyday,” their statement said.
Kitaen was best known for portraying Tom Hanks’ girlfriend in the 1984 comedy “Bachelor Party.” She also appeared in several music videos from the 80s rock band Whitesnake, including the 1987 smash “Here I Go Again.”
Kitaen was married to Whitesnake’s lead singer, David Coverdale, from 1989 to 1991. She married baseball player Chuck Finley, with whom she had two daughters, in 1997. They divorced in 2002.
After their divorce, Kitaen appeared in several reality shows, including “The Surreal Life,” “Botched” and a season of VH1’s “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew,” which chronicled her struggle with substance abuse.
“My sincere condolences to her children, her family, friends & fans,” Coverdale tweeted on Saturday.
The Associated Press and NewsNation affiliate WFLA contributed to this report. Reporting by AP’s Daisey Nguygen and WFLA staff.