Tamara "Tammy" Faye Messner (March 7, 1942 – July 20, 2007) was an American Christian singer, evangelist, entrepreneur, author, talk show host, and television personality. She was the former wife of televangelist, and later convicted felon, Jim Bakker, and she co-hosted with him on The PTL Club from 1976 to 1987. She was known for her tendency to wear heavy makeup—particularly mascara and false eyelashes—and for her eyebrows, which were tattooed on. She was a participant in the 2004 season of the reality show, The Surreal Life.
Measurements: 34C-26-37 (Source: Celebrity Sleuth magazine).
Is a successful singer who recorded over 25 gospel albums.
Was educated at North Central Bible College in Minneapolis.
Before she and her first husband had their own show, the couple were introduced by Pat Robertson (I) in the 1960s.
She & her ex-husband, Jim had both hosted popular religious talk shows for more than 2 decades, "700 Club, The" (1966), from 1966-1973, and "P.T.L. Club, The" (1976), from 1976-1987.
On her first husband's 47th birthday, he hosted his last television show from Heritage U.S.A., and more than fifteen years later on his 63rd birthday, he went back on the air, a second time in Branson, Missouri [2 January 2003].
Mother of Jay Bakker and Tammy Sue Bakker Chapman.
Her documentary Eyes of Tammy Faye, The (2000) was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.
Was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1996. Although surgery to remove the tumor was successful, she was diagnosed with lung cancer in March 2004.
