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Tawny Little, formerly known as Tawny Godin, is a well-recognized American television personality and former beauty queen. Crowned Miss America in 1976 after winning the Miss New York title in 1975, she later transitioned into a successful career in journalism and television broadcasting. Her journey from a beauty pageant contestant to a well-respected news anchor is both inspiring and remarkable.
Tawny Little’s Profile
| Birth Name | Tawny Elaine Godin |
| Current Name | Tawny Little |
| Born | September 15, 1956, in Portland, Maine, USA. |
| Age | 68 years old |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Titles | Miss America (1976), Miss New York (1975) |
| Net Worth | $200,000 |
| Height | 5′ 10½″ (1.79 m) |
| Spouses | Rick Welch (m. 2000; died 2014) Don Corsini (m. 1986; div. 1999) John Schneider (m. 1983; div. 1986) Miles Little (m. 1977; div. 1981) |
| Children | 3 (Joseph John, Chris and Cole) |
Early Life and Education
Born on September 15, 1956, in Portland, Maine, Tawny Little spent her formative years in Yonkers, New York, and Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Initially, her participation in the Miss New York pageant was meant to help her raise tuition funds for Skidmore College. However, after winning the title and later becoming Miss America, she decided to leave college and pursue new opportunities. Later, she continued her education at the University of Southern California, balancing her academic interests with her growing career in media.
Rise to Fame: Miss America 1976
Tawny Little’s crowning as Miss America in 1976 brought her national recognition and opened doors in the entertainment and broadcasting industry. Her grace, poise, and intelligence captured the hearts of many, setting her apart as a memorable titleholder. While many beauty queens of that era faded from the public eye after their reigns, Tawny leveraged her fame to carve out a lasting career in television.
Broadcasting Career
In 1977, Tawny Little began an impressive journey in television journalism, quickly making her mark as a reporter and anchor for some of Los Angeles’ most prominent TV stations. Her career took off at KABC-TV, where she took on the dual roles of reporter and anchor for Eyewitness News, delivering the day’s top stories with clarity and confidence. Beyond the news desk, she brought her vibrant energy to a variety of programs, co-hosting shows like AM Los Angeles, Eye on LA, Hollywood Close-up, and The Love Report.
After spending over a decade at KABC-TV, she moved to KCAL-TV in 1992, where she anchored Prime 9 News. She continued to expand her broadcasting experience, joining KCOP-TV in 1995 as a co-anchor for UPN News 13, where she worked until 1999. Throughout her career, she demonstrated versatility, covering a wide range of news stories and engaging with audiences in a dynamic and relatable manner.
Television and Film Appearances
Apart from her work in journalism, Tawny Little made appearances in several films and television shows. She had roles in popular productions such as Rocky II (1979), T.J. Hooker, Hart to Hart, and Benson. Her on-screen presence extended beyond journalism, showing her ability to adapt to different entertainment formats.
Tawny Little’s Game Show Win – The $128,000 Question
In 1977, she also participated as a contestant on The $128,000 Question, a popular game show hosted by Mike Darow. Competing on the topic of Shakespeare, she impressed audiences with her knowledge and secured a total prize of $8,000.
Personal Life
Tawny Little’s personal life included multiple marriages. Her first marriage was to Miles Little, a neurosurgeon in Los Angeles, from 1977 to 1981. It was through this marriage that she acquired the surname “Little,” which she kept professionally. Following their divorce, she married John Schneider, an actor famous for his role in The Dukes of Hazzard, in 1983. This marriage lasted until 1986.
In 1986, she married Don Corsini, a well-known television executive who served as the general manager of KCBS-TV and KCAL-TV. The couple had two sons, Joseph John (“J.J.”), born in 1987, and Chris, born in 1989. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1999.
In 2000, Tawny Little married Rick Welch, a Los Angeles-based lawyer, with whom she had another son, Cole. Their marriage lasted until Welch’s passing in October 2014.
Tawny Little’s Net Worth
Tawny Little has an estimated net worth of $200,000, earned through her multifaceted career as a television anchor, reporter, former Miss America, and appearances in films. While this figure highlights her professional accomplishments, her true legacy lies in her enduring impact on the media industry and her ability to inspire others through her resilience, versatility, and trailblazing spirit.
Legacy and Influence
Tawny Little’s journey from being a beauty queen to a respected television journalist showcases her versatility and determination. She successfully navigated the transition from pageantry to broadcasting, earning credibility and admiration in the industry. Her ability to connect with audiences, report compelling stories, and maintain a steady presence on television for over two decades makes her a noteworthy figure in American media history.
Her story is one of resilience, adaptability, and passion for communication. Whether in the world of beauty, journalism, or entertainment, Tawny Little left an indelible mark and continues to be remembered for her contributions to television and media.
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