'Bachelor Party' actress and '80s music video star Tawny Kitaen's cause of death revealed
The cause of death for 1980s rock music video star Tawny Kitaen was revealed on Wednesday – five months after her death at age 59.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department in California confirmed to several media outlets that the star's cause of death was dilated cardiomyopathy, a common type of heart disease. Other significant factors included mild coronary atherosclerosis and the medications mirtazapine, mirtazapine metabolite, alprazolam, acetaminophen, pregabalin and hydrocodone.
Kitaen, perhaps best known for her role in "Bachelor Party," died on May 7 in her home in Newport Beach, Calif.
In an Instagram post, her children Wynter and Raine Finley, whom she shared with her ex-husband, retired Major League Baseball player Chuck Finley, announced the actress' death.
"We are heartbroken and saddened to announce the death of our mom," children Wynter and Raine Finley wrote on Instagram back in May. "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."
Tawny Kitaen: 'Bachelor Party' actress and 'Here I Go Again' music video star, dies at 59
Kitaen starred alongside Tom Hanks in the 1984 comedy "Bachelor Party" as Hank's bride-to-be, and she appeared in a 1991 episode of "Seinfeld" as Jerry Seinfeld's girlfriend. She also starred in 1980s movies like "Witchboard" and "Crystal Heart."
Kitaen also made a name for herself in the music industry. She appeared in music videos and also was the face of album covers for the band Ratt. She starred in music videos including "Here I Go Again" and "Still of the Night" by the 1980s rock band Whitesnake and starred in Ratt's music video "Back for More" in 1984.
Kitaen had more recent roles in the comedy TV series "Moms Anonymous" and the miniseries "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.
Contributing: Elise Brisco
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tawny Kitaen's cause of death revealed by California authorities
