Tawny Kitae - actress, model and screen star, has passed away at the age of 59.

Born Julie E. Kitaen, the performer made 'Tawny' her favorite nickname in school. During the '80s, Kitaen was part of a number of popular music videos for the British band Whitesnake.


Her iconic appearances in the videos for "Here I Go Again", "Still of the Night", "Is This Love" and "The Deep the Love" collectively influenced the aesthetic of music videos in the metal genre.

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Born in San Diego, California, she began her entertainment career in the late 70s after graduating from high school. At that time, he was also acting in many feature films.

Tawny also played one of Jerry Seinfeld's girlfriends in the third season of "The Nose Job."

Kitaen also worked on a number of shows as a host and cast member.

She co-hosted the show "America's Funniest People" with David Coulier and later appeared on "The Surreal Life" and "Celebrity Rehab."

BHJ6PKBINVFETBIKLENXEJXQZQ Tawny Kitaen (Photo: Getty Images)

The American artist lived an eventful life that included struggles with substance abuse and run-ins with the law, both of which she sought to overcome through rehabilitation and counseling. /Telegraph/