Julie E. “Tawny” Kitaen has passed away at the age of 59. From Whitesnake’s music videos to her iconic movie career, she was a familiar face for many who lived through the 1980’s even if it was a passing glance at MTV.
Alongside the recent passing of Eddie Van Halen, many symbols of the 80’s are slowly reaching their expiration date, besides the music.
The 1990’s frontmen are infamous for checking out early in their excessive style. The public was aware of its decline by the time Oliver Stone’s Natural Born Killers released in 1997, putting the social decay on full display for an audience that appeared to celebrate its performative effort.
The 80’s doesn’t seem to be the right decade to deserve this late 50s, early 60s breaking news announcements. Many figures of the time were revered as optimistic and indestructible like the television heroes that thrived including He-Man and Robocop. Even in the face of excess and greed, the most famous singers and actors were miles away from the 50s icons like Buddy Holly or Ritchie Valens who went as soon as they came.
As the 21st century marches on, fans speculate how long the 80’s aesthetic can be carried by the new generation. A lot of the moments can fade from public memory if icons like Tawny Kitaen aren’t introduced to those who never lived to see the wall-to-wall coverage of Whitesnake and their dominance of MTV.
Her memory will surely be cherished as many fans and close friends commemorate her legacy.
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