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NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (AP) — Tawny Kitaen, the sultry, red-haired actress who appeared in rock videos during MTV’s heyday and starred opposite Tom Hanks in the 1984 comedy “Bachelor Party,” is deceased. She was 59 years old.
The Orange County Coroner’s Office said she died Friday at her home in Newport Beach. The cause of death was not immediately revealed.
Her daughters, Wynter and Raine, confirmed their mother’s death on Kitaen’s Instagram account.
“We just want to thank you for all of you, his fans and his friends, for always showing him such support and love. You gave it life every day,” their statement read.
Kitaen became the rock world’s “video vixen” after appearing on the cover of two albums by heavy metal band Ratt and starring in several music videos for Whitesnake, including the 1987 hit song “Here I Go Again.” The video, which aired repeatedly on the burgeoning Music Television Network, featured Kitaen performing cartwheels on the hood of a Jaguar.
She also starred as Tom Hanks’ character’s fiancée in the comedy “Bachelor Party” and Jerry Seinfeld’s girlfriend in a 1991 episode of “Seinfeld.” 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 drug addiction.
Kitaen had a tumultuous personal life, which included a brief marriage to Whitesnake lead singer David Coverdale and a rocky marriage to baseball pitcher Chuck Finley, with whom she had two daughters.
“My sincere condolences to his children, family, friends and fans,” Coverdale tweeted on Saturday.
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