Tawny Kitaen, known for her role in “Bachelor Party” and starring in various rock music videos, has died. She was 59.
The Orange County Coroner’s office confirmed her death in a news release, using her legal name Tawny Kitaen Finley and revealing that she died at her home in Newport Beach, California, on Friday. The cause of death was not immediately released.
In an Instagram post her children Wynter and Raine Finley, whom she shared with her ex-husband major league baseball player Chuck Finley, announced the late actress’ death.
“We are heartbroken and saddened to announce the death of our mom,” they wrote. “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. We miss her and love her and we know her legacy will live on forever.”
Kitaen starred alongside Tom Hanks in the 1984 comedy “Bachelor Party” as Hank’s bride-to-be, and appeared in a 1991 episode of “Seinfeld” as Jerry Seinfeld’s girlfriend. She also starred in other 1980s movies like “Witchboard” and “Crystal Heart.”
While gaining attention in the acting industry, Kitaen also made a name for herself in the music industry. She appeared in many music videos and also was the face of album covers for the band Ratt. She starred in music videos like “Here I Go Again” and “Still of the Night” by the 1980s rock band Whitesnake and also starred in Ratt’s “Back for More” video released in 1984.
Her agent Michael Goldberg said Kitaen was “a joy” and “loved” talking about her experiences.
“It was my pleasure to represent Tawny. She was a joy to work with. She was always doing interviews on various podcasts and radio shows, and loved sharing the stories of her life. I’ll miss her,” he said in a statement obtained by USA TODAY.
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She recently had roles in comedy TV series “Moms Anonymous” and mini-series “Large @ Life.” Other TV credits included a stint as co-host of “America’s Funniest People” and on the reality shows “The Surreal Life” and “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew,” in which she revealed her struggle with substance abuse.
David Coverdale, Whitesnake lead singer and Kitaen’s ex-husband expressed his condolences on Twitter.
“Just woke up to some very sad, unexpected news…Waiting on confirmation…but, if it is true, my sincere condolences to her children, her family, friends & fans,” he wrote.
