Back in 1987, a young 15-year-old from Norwalk, California, named Tiffany Renee Darwish, burst onto the scene with her debut platinum-selling album, Tiffany. Songs like “I Think We’re Alone Now” and “Could’ve Been” turned her into a pop sensation, and her mall tours became the place for every teen to be. It was a whirlwind of fame, excitement, and, as she tells it, a bit of chaos.
Reflecting on those early days, Tiffany, now 48, chats exclusively with Closer Weekly. Fame, she says, is a wild ride, and no matter when you jump on board, it comes with its share of ups and downs. “Sometimes, I just wanted to take a break, you know? Like, ‘I don’t want to work today. I want to go shopping,’” she jokes. But even through the madness, Tiffany found her groove.
Of course, life isn’t always easy. Tiffany faced her share of challenges, including conflicts with her mom and stepdad, which led her to seek emancipation in 1988. “It wasn’t a fun time,” she admits, reflecting on the situation. Now, though, Tiffany is happily moving forward, having recently separated from her second husband, Ben George, after 14 years. “Family drama? That’s in my rearview mirror now,” she says. “Having my son, Elijah, was the best day of my life, and right now, I feel like I’m living my dream.”
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Keep reading for Closer Weekly’s exclusive interview with Tiffany Renee Darwish!
So, Tiffany, what’s on your mind these days?
I’ve been on the road for the last three years, and now I’m heading back to L.A., which has been an exciting change. It’s allowed me to participate in the NAMM [National Association of Music Merchants] show in January. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned? Always take care of yourself. It’s something I’m still getting used to. I used to think I was invincible, flying everywhere, stressing over everything. But now, I’ve embraced the idea of downtime. Meditation has become my go-to for balance and self-care.
What brought you to that realization?
For years, I just kept going, thinking I could handle it all. But after some medical issues forced me to slow down, I realized that taking a nap or having a quiet moment isn’t a bad thing. It’s essential. Meditation has been a game-changer for me, helping me stay grounded and centered.
Your cover of “I Think We’re Alone Now” became iconic. Whose idea was that?
That was my producer back in the day, George Tobin. At first, I wasn’t thrilled about recording it because it was so dance-heavy, and I wanted to explore sounds more like Sheryl Crow. But I’m so glad I gave it a chance. I never get tired of singing it, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities it’s brought me.
Was there a particular song you felt really connected to back then?
Definitely “Could’ve Been.” It showcased my vocal abilities and was such a beautiful ballad. I’ve always been drawn to melancholy ballads, and I love writing songs in that style. There’s something deeply emotional about them.
Any standout moments from your career?
One of the most memorable was meeting Stevie Nicks. Helping her off stage and hearing her ask about my experience—it was surreal. It meant the world to me to connect with someone I looked up to so much. It was unforgettable.
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What about that whole Debbie Gibson rivalry? Was it real?
Not at all! We didn’t even know each other back then. It was all made up by the media, but now we’re great friends. We’ve learned to respect and support each other. We’re totally different, but that’s what makes it fun.
How did you first break into the music industry?
It all started with my mom. She noticed how outgoing I was and decided to enter me in pageants. From there, I got into dance and singing. When my mom married my stepfather, he encouraged my singing. Even though we didn’t always see eye to eye, he played a big role in my career.
What was your relationship like with your stepfather?
He came from a strict military and Baptist background, so his rules didn’t always mesh with my personality. We had our struggles, but later in life, when he was battling stage 4 cancer, I took care of him. It was an honor to be there for him, and he became a great grandfather to my son. It was a healing experience for both of us.
Did your family face any other challenges?
We’ve dealt with addiction issues, but like any family, we’ve worked through it. We’ve been open about how it affected us, and now everyone’s healthy and happy. It’s been a journey, but one that’s brought us closer together.
What sparked the emancipation battle?
I wanted to live with my grandparents, but my mom was getting back with my stepfather, and that environment wasn’t healthy for me. I realized I couldn’t handle everything expected of me while dealing with family issues. We learned that sometimes it’s better to handle things ourselves rather than relying on outside help.
What’s the status of your relationship with Ben?
We’ve been separated for about a year now. The music industry isn’t his passion, but he fully supports me. It’s not bitter or angry; it’s just that we’re going in different directions. Love isn’t always about staying together; sometimes it’s about supporting each other’s paths.
How’s your son, Elijah, doing?
He’s amazing! He’s a structural engineer and the absolute best thing in my life. I got married young because the music industry can be intense, especially for women. It’s hard to balance everything, but Elijah and my niece and nephew mean the world to me.
Any life lessons you’d like to share?
I believe in moving forward and not dwelling on the past. Every experience makes you smarter, hopefully. Life’s an adventure, and I try to embrace it fully.
Reporting by Diana Cooper
