Tawny Kitaen Net Worth

Tawny Kitaen, the American actress and media personality, had an estimated net worth of $500,000 at the time of her death in May 2021. Known for her unforgettable appearances in rock music videos during the 1980s, Kitaen became one of the most recognizable faces of the glam rock era. Her fame skyrocketed after starring in Whitesnake’s hit videos “Here I Go Again” and “Is This Love,” where her striking beauty and charisma made her a pop culture sensation. Beyond her video appearances, Tawny also made a name for herself in film, television, and later reality TV, carving out a career that blended glamour, controversy, and resilience.

Tawny Kitaen Net Worth	$500,000
Date of Birth	August 6, 1961
Place of Birth	San Diego, California
Nationality	American
Profession	Actress and Media Personality

Table of Contents

Early Life

Julie Tawny Kitaen was born on August 6, 1961, in San Diego, California. She was the eldest child of Linda Kitaen, a homemaker, and Terry Kitaen, who worked in the neon sign business. Raised in the Jewish faith, Tawny struggled with dyslexia as a child, which led her to drop out of Mission Bay High School at age 14.

Her fascination with fame began early — at 14, she attended a Peter Frampton concert and was struck by the glamorous lifestyle of rock stars and their partners. From that moment, she decided she wanted to be part of that world, setting her on a path toward modeling, acting, and entertainment.

Modeling

Kitaen began her career as a model and commercial actress in the early 1980s, appearing in television ads for Jack LaLanne’s European Health Spas. Her early modeling success led to her appearing on the covers of Ratt’s 1983 self-titled EP and 1984’s “Out of the Cellar” album — a connection made through her then-boyfriend, Ratt guitarist Robbin Crosby.

Her acting debut came in 1983 with a small role in the TV film Malibu. The following year, she gained more visibility after starring in The Perils of Gwendoline in the Land of the Yik-Yak, a fantasy adventure film that quickly became a cult classic. However, it was her role in Tom Hanks’ 1984 comedy Bachelor Party that introduced her to a wider audience. She continued to land parts in movies such as Witchboard (1986), Instant Justice (1986), and White Hot (1989).

Rise to Fame in Glam Rock and Television

Tawny Kitaen’s biggest claim to fame came through her association with the rock world. She appeared in several music videos for Whitesnake, including “Here I Go Again,” “Still of the Night,” and “Is This Love,” cementing her place in rock history. Her performances — particularly her iconic car-top dance in “Here I Go Again” — became symbols of 1980s rock glamour.

In addition to her music video fame, Kitaen built a strong television career. She starred as Lisa DiNapoli in Santa Barbara (1989), appeared on Seinfeld as Jerry’s girlfriend, and portrayed DJ Mona Loveland in The New WKRP in Cincinnati from 1991 to 1993. She also co-hosted America’s Funniest People from 1992 to 1994 and lent her voice to Annabelle in the animated series Eek! the Cat.

Relationships

Tawny Kitaen’s personal life often attracted as much attention as her career. She dated guitarist Robbin Crosby in her youth and later married David Coverdale, the lead singer of Whitesnake, in 1989. Their marriage, however, lasted only two years.

In 1997, she married baseball pitcher Chuck Finley, with whom she had two daughters, Wynter and Raine. Their relationship ended in 2002 after a domestic violence incident that led to Kitaen’s arrest. Despite the controversies, Tawny often spoke about her love for her children and her efforts to overcome personal struggles.

Struggles with Addiction

Kitaen faced a series of personal and legal challenges throughout her life, many related to substance abuse. In 2006, she was arrested for cocaine possession but completed a rehabilitation program that led to the dismissal of her charges. She was also arrested for DUI in 2009 and again in 2019.

Her battles with addiction became public when she joined the VH1 reality shows The Surreal Life (2006) and Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew (2008). Through these appearances, Tawny sought redemption and a second chance at rebuilding her image.

Death

Tawny Kitaen passed away on May 7, 2021, at her home in Newport Beach, California, at the age of 59. Her death was later attributed to dilated cardiomyopathy, a form of heart disease. Police ruled out drugs or alcohol as contributing factors.

Her death was met with an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow entertainers, many remembering her as a captivating figure who defined an era of music videos and rock stardom.