Tawny Little—born Tawny Elaine Godin—is a name that bridges two worlds: the glamorous stage of the Miss America pageant and the polished professionalism of television journalism. Although her highest public visibility came in the 1970s through the early 2000s, interest in her life story continues today. Many online searches revolve around “who is Tawny Little,” “Tawny Little age,” “Tawny Little net worth,” “Tawny Little Instagram,” and even unrelated associations such as the children’s book “Tawny Scrawny Lion.”
This detailed article explores all major facets of her life, from childhood to career, marriages, children, family background, Hollywood connections, and her widely discussed relationship with John Schneider. Each major question people search about her has been answered thoroughly to provide an in-depth understanding of this iconic American media figure.
Who Is Tawny Little?
Tawny Little is an American television journalist, actress, and former beauty queen. She rose to national fame when she was crowned Miss America 1976, representing the state of New York. Her victory marked the beginning of a long and successful career that expanded far beyond pageantry.
After her Miss America reign, Tawny transitioned into broadcasting, becoming a well-known news anchor and television host in Los Angeles. Her charm, poise, and polished speaking style earned her positions on major shows including AM Los Angeles, Eye on LA, Hollywood Close-Up, and Love Report, along with several news desk roles for major California TV stations.
Beyond television, she also made appearances in numerous films and shows, further establishing herself as a recognized figure in American entertainment.
Tawny Little Age — How Old Is She?
Tawny Little was born on September 15, 1956, in Portland, Maine, USA.
As of 2025, she is 69 years old.
Her youthful rise to fame—as Miss America at just 19 years old—contributed significantly to her early success. Over the decades, she maintained a credible and respected media presence even as she transitioned into more mature roles in journalism.
Early Life, Parents & Family Background
While detailed public information about her father, mother, and extended family history is limited, what is known is that Tawny was raised in a working-class environment, spending portions of her childhood in Yonkers, New York, and Toronto, Canada.
Father and Siblings (Brothers and Sisters)
Tawny Little’s father’s name has not been widely publicized, as she has generally kept her family background private. The same applies to possible siblings—no authoritative sources confirm the identities of any brothers or sisters, and she has never made them a major part of her public narrative.
Like many public figures of the 1970s and 1980s, Tawny maintained a boundary between her media persona and personal roots, a contrast to the social-media-driven transparency expected of celebrities today.
Rise to Fame: Miss America Journey
In the mid-1970s, Tawny Godin entered the world of pageantry. Her natural poise and confident presence allowed her to win Miss New York 1975, which propelled her into the national competition.
She became Miss America 1976, one of the most memorable winners of that era. Her polished interviews and warmth helped her stand out. That success opened doors into the broadcasting world—an industry she would go on to thrive in for more than two decades.
Tawny Little as a News Anchor
Following her Miss America duties, Tawny Little began a successful broadcasting career in Los Angeles.
Some of her most notable roles included:
1. KABC-TV (Los Angeles)
- Co-host of AM Los Angeles
- Host of Eye on LA
- Anchor for Eyewitness News
- Host on Hollywood Close-Up
These shows combined lifestyle, celebrity interviews, and local news—perfectly suited to her versatility.
2. KCAL-TV
In the early 1990s, she joined KCAL-TV where she anchored Prime 9 News, the network’s signature prime-time news block.
3. KCOP-TV
From 1995–1999, she worked as co-anchor for UPN News 13, expanding her reputation as a dependable and recognizable news personality.
Film & Television Appearances
While her primary career was in journalism, Tawny Little appeared in multiple Hollywood productions in smaller roles. Some of her film and TV appearances include:
- Rocky II
- Hart to Hart
- T.J. Hooker
- Benson
These cameos typically took advantage of her familiar public persona and poised screen presence.
Tawny Little and the “Tawny Scrawny Lion” Confusion
A surprising number of searches connect Tawny Little to the classic Little Golden Book “Tawny Scrawny Lion.”
However, they are not related in any way.
About the Book
- Tawny Scrawny Lion is a 1952 children’s book
- Written by Kathryn Jackson
- Illustrated by Gustaf Tenggren
- Part of the famous Little Golden Books series
The similarity is only in the word “Tawny”, which refers to color, not the former Miss America.
Many blogs mistakenly assume a connection, but there is none. This is simply a case of similar naming leading to online search confusion.
Tawny Little’s Relationships & Marriage History
Tawny Little’s personal life has often attracted public attention, particularly due to her marriages and relationships with well-known personalities.
Here is a complete breakdown:
1. Marriage to Dr. Miles Little (1977–1981)
After winning Miss America, Tawny married Miles Little, a neurosurgeon.
This marriage ended in divorce in 1981.
2. Marriage to Actor John Schneider (1983–1986)
Her most publicized relationship was with John Schneider, star of The Dukes of Hazzard and later Smallville.
Their relationship was highly covered by the media throughout the early 1980s.
Tawny Little and John Schneider — What Happened?
The two married in 1983, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1986.
Although widely publicized, both have remained respectful when discussing the past, and the marriage is remembered as one of Hollywood’s notable 1980s celebrity relationships.
3. Marriage to Don Corsini (1986–1999)
Tawny later married Don Corsini, a major figure in the broadcasting world and general manager of KCAL/KCBS at the time.
Together they had two sons, and remained married for 13 years.
4. Marriage to Rick Welch (2000s–2014)
Tawny’s fourth marriage was to Rick Welch, a respected Los Angeles attorney.
They had one son together.
Their marriage lasted until Welch’s death in 2014.
Tawny Little’s Children — How Many Kids Does She Have?
Tawny Little is the mother of three sons:
- J.J. Corsini (born 1987)
- Chris Corsini (born 1989)
- Cole Welch (born ~1990s)
All three grew up largely out of the public eye, and Tawny prioritized giving them privacy despite her own fame.
What Is Tawny Little’s Net Worth?
There is no officially confirmed net worth published by credible financial sources.
Most “celebrity net-worth estimates” online are speculative and not verified.
However, considering:
- Her multi-decade TV career
- Miss America engagements
- Acting roles
- Marriage into financially successful families
…it is reasonable to assume she lived comfortably throughout her career.
But again—no reliable public number exists, and any specific figure would be inaccurate to claim.
Does Tawny Little Have an Instagram Account?
At present, there is no verified Instagram account or major social media profile publicly attributed to Tawny Little.
Because she rose to fame long before the social media era and stepped back from public broadcasting after the 2000s, it is not surprising that she keeps a low digital footprint.
Any Instagram or social media accounts using her name should be considered unofficial unless publicly verified.
Why People Still Search for Her Today
Even decades after winning Miss America, Tawny Little continues to draw search interest for several reasons:
- Her memorable Miss America performance
- Her long-standing career as a Los Angeles news anchor
- Public relationships with celebrities such as John Schneider
- Her enduring beauty and charisma
- Nostalgia from viewers who grew up watching her on morning television
- Curiosity about former pageant winners and what happened to them
Tawny Little represents an era of media personalities who balanced glamour and professionalism—something that remains appealing even today.
Legacy of Tawny Little
Tawny’s journey from small-town girl to Miss America to respected journalist showcases her adaptability and determination. She stood out not just for physical beauty but for her intellect, communication skills, and professionalism.
Her legacy includes:
- Helping shape entertainment and lifestyle broadcasting in Los Angeles
- Being one of the most recognizable Miss America winners of the 20th century
- Representing a generation of female anchors who paved the way for modern broadcast journalism
- Maintaining dignity and poise through public marriages, divorces, and career shifts
Although she lives a quieter life today, her contributions to media and her iconic status from the 1970s–1990s remain firmly established.
Final Thoughts (with Blog Mention)
Tawny Little’s life is a story of reinvention—from beauty queen to anchor to Hollywood figure and dedicated mother. Her long-standing influence in American entertainment and broadcast journalism continues to attract public curiosity. Whether people search for her relationships, age, career, or family, she remains a notable part of U.S. pop culture history.
If you enjoyed this detailed biography and career breakdown, make sure to explore more celebrity and classic-era entertainment profiles on moviesmod.