Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Tai Collins

Tanquil "Tai" Lisa Collins (born July 10, 1962), known professionally as Tai Collins, is an American model, actress, screenwriter, and former beauty pageant titleholder who won the Miss Virginia USA crown in 1983. Born in Roanoke, Virginia, Collins pursued modeling in New York City following her pageant success and later transitioned into television writing and production, contributing scripts to series such as Baywatch (including 11 episodes), SAF3, and She Spies. She also appeared as an actress in Baywatch and other projects, while maintaining a career in modeling that included a nude pictorial and interview in the October 1991 issue of Playboy. Collins gained national attention in 1991 amid allegations of an extramarital affair with then-Virginia Governor Charles Robb during his tenure from 1982 to 1986, claims she detailed in her Playboy feature and public statements, asserting the relationship began in summer 1983 when she was 21 and Robb was the married governor. Robb categorically denied any sexual involvement or affair, acknowledging only a non-sexual massage incident at a hotel party but rejecting broader accusations of infidelity, drug use, or impropriety tied to the matter. The dispute, amplified by media coverage and Collins' pageant background, contributed to Robb's political vulnerabilities during his subsequent U.S. Senate campaigns, though no legal charges resulted and Collins described her intent as avoiding a "mudslinging contest." Beyond these events, Collins has engaged in philanthropy and screenwriting, living part-time in Malibu, California, and Cape Town, South Africa.

Early Life

Upbringing and Education

Tanquil Lisa Collins, professionally known as Tai Collins, was born on July 10, 1962, in . She was raised in by her mother, Norma Sizemore Collins, alongside siblings including brother Timmothy Collins. Collins attended and graduated from High School in as part of the Class of 1980. During her high school years, she participated in events such as homecoming activities, reflecting typical adolescent involvement in school social functions. No records indicate formal pursuits immediately following graduation, prior to her entry into public-facing activities.

Beauty Pageant Career

Miss Virginia USA 1983

Tai Collins, then 20 years old and hailing from Virginia Beach, entered and won the 1983 pageant, earning the right to represent at the national level. The competition, typical of state-level pageants affiliated with the system, evaluated contestants on criteria including , , and segments, though specific details of Collins' performances—such as any talent demonstration—are not documented in contemporary records. Her victory provided immediate public visibility, positioning her as a professional model and fashion designer in the public eye and opening doors to broader opportunities in the entertainment industry. This exposure propelled her initial career steps, including a subsequent move to to pursue modeling professionally. As the state titleholder, Collins advanced to the Miss USA 1983 competition on May 21, 1983, but did not place among the finalists or semi-finalists, with of ultimately crowned. Judging at the national level emphasized poise, intelligence, and overall presentation, but no particular factors for her elimination—beyond standard competitive outcomes—have been publicly detailed.

Modeling Career

Playboy Appearance and Public Image

In October 1991, Tai Collins appeared on the cover and posed for a nude pictorial in magazine's issue, which included the feature article "Tai Collins: The Woman Senator Couldn't Resist." The photoshoot, conducted amid heightened attention, showcased Collins in various poses, including one referencing a white robe associated with prior events, as part of her professional modeling portfolio. This appearance marked a significant escalation in her modeling career, following earlier work such as modeling during her time in , where she had served as a part-time salesgirl and runway model for a local store. The Playboy feature capitalized on Collins's existing public profile from her 1983 Miss Virginia USA title and subsequent visibility, positioning her as a high-profile figure in men's magazine modeling during the early . Promotion included a multi-city media tour, with Collins appearing on programs like on September 4, 1991, to discuss the shoot and her career trajectory. These efforts contributed to a public image blending poise with provocative glamour, though contemporaneous reports noted inconsistencies in her statements, such as varying accounts of the photoshoot's timing relative to personal events. Collins has publicly identified as a devout Christian, a self-description reported in media coverage surrounding the Playboy release, which contrasted with her decision to pose nude and sell the photographs for publication. This drew commentary on perceived tensions between her professed faith and professional choices, shaping a multifaceted that emphasized independence and reinvention over alignment with traditional expectations. No further major modeling appearances in similar publications are documented post-1991, with her career pivot evident in subsequent relocations and pursuits.

Political Controversy

Alleged Affair with

In April 1991, Tai Collins publicly alleged that she had engaged in an extramarital affair with then-Virginia Governor lasting approximately 18 months, beginning in mid-1983 when she was 20 years old and serving as , while Robb was 44 and in his first year as governor. Collins claimed the relationship initiated after meeting Robb at a , 1983, birthday party in Beach, where he allegedly took her out publicly despite her youth and his marital status to Lynda Bird Johnson since 1967. She further detailed encounters including private communications and physical intimacy, culminating in sexual relations at New York's Pierre Hotel in February 1984. Collins' timeline places the affair squarely during Robb's governorship from January 1982 to January 1986, overlapping with her pageant activities in 1983, though contemporaneous reports noted inconsistencies such as varying accounts of initial meetings and the frequency of hotel stays that she adjusted in subsequent interviews. These claims emerged amid her transition, followed immediately by her nude pictorial in Playboy's October 1991 issue, which featured allegations of the tryst and capitalized on the publicity. This sequence raises questions about motivational consistency, as her post-allegation embrace of explicit media work contrasts with any prior public emphasis on personal or moral principles, potentially indicating opportunistic rather than retrospective ethical disclosure.

Responses and Media Coverage

In response to Tai Collins' allegations of an extramarital affair, Senator Chuck Robb issued a categorical denial of any sexual relationship on April 27, 1991, describing her claims of intimacy in a New York hotel as "absolutely, categorically untrue." He later acknowledged elements of an "indiscreet friendship," admitting that he shared a bottle of wine with Collins in a suite at the Pierre Hotel in February 1984 and received a massage from her during the encounter, while maintaining no sexual contact occurred. Collins, in contrast, consistently upheld her account of a sexual affair spanning 1983 to 1984, reiterating details such as the hotel meeting in subsequent statements and her September 1991 Playboy interview, where she described consummation of the relationship there. Media coverage in 1991 extensively scrutinized the conflicting narratives, with outlets like and documenting Robb's representatives' assertions that Collins had leveled "a series of inconsistent and false charges." Reports highlighted the absence of corroborating evidence such as tests or from either party, focusing instead on the empirical details of the admitted interaction against Collins' broader claims of ongoing intimacy and post-breakup by Robb associates. Coverage from UPI and others noted Collins' dismay at Robb's denials, framing the dispute as a "mudslinging contest" without resolution through independent verification.

Long-Term Implications

The 1991 scandal involving allegations of an affair with Senator significantly elevated Tai Collins' public notoriety, resulting in high-profile appearances and her nude pictorial in the October 1991 issue of , where she detailed her claims of a spanning 1983–1984. Despite Robb's consistent denials of —acknowledging only a nude in a hotel room in 1984—the absence of corroborating evidence or left Collins' assertions unverified, contributing to perceptions of inconsistency that undermined her in subsequent public discourse. No formal charges, lawsuits, or investigations targeted Collins personally, allowing her to avoid legal while the episode highlighted how unproven personal allegations against public figures can amplify visibility without proportional scrutiny, particularly in narratives adjacent to Democratic politicians where for accusers has often been minimized. Long-term, the prompted Collins to relocate to , where she pursued greater privacy by shifting focus from modeling to behind-the-scenes endeavors and , efforts aimed at redefining her public image beyond the controversy. In 1992, she co-founded the A Chance for Children Foundation, a nonprofit providing programs for at-risk and homeless youth, including summer camps and educational support, which she has led as for over three decades. By 2013, her two decades of service earned the Dream Builder Award from LA Family Housing for aiding homeless children, reflecting a deliberate pivot toward verifiable positive impact amid enduring associations with the unresolved . This trajectory underscores causal intersections between individual choices—publicizing private encounters with a prominent —and lasting reputational effects, where initial notoriety fades but persists due to evidentiary gaps, even as institutional media coverage rarely demands equivalent rigor from figures in such stories.

Entertainment Career

Acting Roles

Collins began her acting career with guest appearances in action television series shortly after her modeling prominence. In 1992, she portrayed the recurring lifeguard character in two episodes of . In 1993, she appeared in the action film , directed by Christian Drew Sidaris, alongside stars and Suzi Simpson. Her television roles continued in 1994 with a as Kristen in the "Sea Quentin" of , a syndicated adventure series produced by the creators of . In 1995, Collins played Julie in , the supernatural spin-off of , appearing in episodes that blended lifeguard action with mystery elements. These roles, often featuring her as supporting characters in beach or rescue-themed narratives, marked her limited on-screen output, totaling fewer than a dozen credited appearances across the . No further acting credits are documented after 1995, aligning with her shift toward behind-the-scenes contributions in entertainment.

Screenwriting and Production

Collins authored 11 episodes of the television series Baywatch between 1995 and 2000, marking her entry into professional screenwriting. These contributions included scripts focused on lifeguard rescues and interpersonal dramas, such as the episode "Sweet Dreams," which aired on November 29, 1995, and featured themes of aspiration and peril. Her work on Baywatch built on prior acting appearances in the series, shifting emphasis to narrative development under creator Gregory J. Bonann. In 2013, Collins co-created SAF3, an action-drama series depicting first responders combating water-based threats, for which she served as writer on 19 episodes and across 20 episodes. The pilot episode, "Hero's Last Mission," co-written with Bonann, premiered on September 21, 2013, establishing the show's premise of integrated search-and-rescue operations. Production occurred primarily in , , aligning with her part-time residence there alongside , which facilitated location-specific creative decisions. She also contributed writing to episodes of She Spies in 2002, expanding her television credits. These roles underscore a progression toward production oversight, leveraging experience from Baywatch collaborations.

Later Life and Philanthropy

Philanthropic Activities

Collins co-founded the A Chance for Children Foundation in 1992 with Greg Bonann, serving as its to empower at-risk through goal-setting opportunities, skill-building tools, programs, and scholarships. The foundation's initiatives include experiential outings such as beach visits, swimming lessons, and SCUBA diving certification to promote and personal development among underprivileged children. In partnership with Shoes That Fit, the foundation distributed 491 pairs of new shoes to students at Harmony Elementary School in Los Angeles on May 5, 2023, targeting low-income children lacking proper footwear. A similar effort in November 2019 provided shoes to elementary students in Washington, D.C., addressing basic needs to support educational attendance and self-esteem. Collins' work earned recognition in 2011 for aiding homeless youth, as noted in a profile highlighting her transition to sustained charitable impact. The foundation has operated for over two decades, focusing on direct interventions for vulnerable populations without reliance on broad advocacy claims.

Residence and Current Pursuits

As of the mid-2020s, Tai Collins divides her time between residences in , and , , reflecting her long-standing professional and philanthropic ties to both coastal regions. Her foundation, A Chance for Children, is headquartered in Malibu with a address there, underscoring her primary base in the area. In , her involvement stems from collaborative projects in the Province, including work in townships like , though no permanent address has been publicly confirmed beyond periodic stays. Born on July 10, 1962, Collins turned 63 in 2025 and has adopted a low-profile existence, with verifiable indicating stability in these dual locales but scant details on daily routines or new ventures. Post-2020 searches yield no major professional updates, such as credits or media appearances, suggesting a shift toward private pursuits amid an empirical absence of high-visibility activities. This quietude aligns with her earlier expressed preference for legacy through rather than ongoing fame, as noted in prior interviews, though recent empirical data remains limited to foundational affiliations rather than personal milestones.

References

  1. [1]
    Tanquil Lisa Collins - Biography - IMDb
    Tanquil Lisa Collins was born on July 10, 1962 in Roanoke, Virginia, USA. She is a writer and producer, known for Baywatch (1989), SAF3 (2013) and She Spies ...
  2. [2]
    Beauty linked to Robb doesn't want 'mudslinging contest' - UPI
    Apr 27, 1991 · Tanquil 'Tai' Collins, a former Miss Virginia-USA, said in a ... She was Miss Virginia in 1983 and Robb was governor from 1982-1986. On ...
  3. [3]
    Tanquil Lisa Collins - IMDb
    Tanquil Lisa Collins was born on 10 July 1962 in Roanoke, Virginia, USA. She is a writer and producer, known for Baywatch (1989), SAF3 (2013) and She Spies ...
  4. [4]
  5. [5]
    Sen. Robb Denies Report of '84 Beauty Queen Affair : Politics
    Apr 27, 1991 · “I did not commit adultery with Tai Collins; I did not engage in any sexual activity with her; I did not have an affair with her,” Robb said in ...
  6. [6]
    Charles S. Robb (1939– ) - Encyclopedia Virginia
    In April 1991, Robb's troubles deepened when a former beauty queen—Tai Collins, Miss Virginia USA in 1983—claimed she had once had an affair with him while he ...Early Life and Career · Governorship · Senate Election and Scandals
  7. [7]
    TAI BARES ALL IN MAGAZINE, TELLS OF ROBB TRYST - Daily Press
    Aug 29, 1991 · Former Miss Virginia-USA Tai Collins appears in the October Playboy with a show-all photo spread and a tell-all interview about the affair she claims she had ...
  8. [8]
    THE ANGEL FILM AWARDS HONORING SCREENPLAY WRITERS
    Tai Collins is an American screenwriter who lives part time in Malibu, California and part time in Cape Town, South Africa. She studied screenwriting at the ...
  9. [9]
    Tanquil Lisa Collins Movies & TV Shows List | Rotten Tomatoes
    Tanquil Lisa Collins ; Highest Rated: Not Available ; Lowest Rated: Not Available ; Birthday: Jul 10, 1962 ; Birthplace: Roanoke, Virginia, USA ...Missing: Tai upbringing education
  10. [10]
    Timmothy Collins Obituary (1961 - 2020) - Roanoke, VA - Legacy.com
    Nov 13, 2020 · He graduated from Patrick Henry High School, Class of 1980 with ... Timmy is survived by his mother, Norma Sizemore Collins; sister, Tai Collins ...
  11. [11]
    Tanquil Lisa Collins | Moviefone
    Tanquil Lisa Collins ... Tai" Collins was born in July, 1962 in Roanoke, Virginia. She graduated from Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke with the Class of 1980.Missing: upbringing education
  12. [12]
    Tanquil Lisa Collins - Trakt
    Lovely, sunny, and shapely blonde stunner Tanquil Lisa "Tai" Collins was born in July, 1962 in Roanoke, Virginia. She graduated from Patrick Henry High School ...
  13. [13]
    [PDF] the patriot - Virginia Room
    Amanda Black and Tai Collins while they rest during the Homecoming dance. Bottom Left: Patrick Henry was fortunate to have a visit from some folk performers.
  14. [14]
    Miss Virginia USA and Teen USA Titleholder History - Pageant Update
    Sondra Dee Jones is crowned Miss Virginia USA 1982 · Tanquil "Tai" Collins is crowned Miss Virginia USA 1983 · Susan Robinson is crowned Miss Virginia USA 1995.
  15. [15]
    Page SEVEN — Rappahannock Record 8 September 1983 ...
    The reigning Miss VirginiaUSA is Tai Collins of Virginia Beach, a professional model and fashion designer. Miss Virginia-USA winners have finished among the ...
  16. [16]
    Tai Collins Photos & Posters List - Wonderclub
    She won the title Miss Virginia USA in 1983, then went to New York City to pursue a modeling career. She made headlines in 1991 when she claimed she had had ...
  17. [17]
    TAI COLLINS, IN THE FLESH - The Washington Post
    Sep 4, 1991 · "Tai Collins, a professed devout Christian who has sold nude photographs of herself to Playboy magazine, has made a series of inconsistent and ...
  18. [18]
    Playboy October 1991, The Girls of the Big Ten Nude College Girl
    Playboy October 1991 Magazine ... Tai Collins, 1983's Miss Virginia-U.S.A., poses in a white robe, symbolic of the one that figured so prominently in her secret ...
  19. [19]
  20. [20]
    Playboy exposure puts 'Chuck Robb chapter' behind her, Collins says
    Sep 5, 1991 · Tai Collins, a professed devout Christian who has sold nude photographs of herself to Playboy magazine, has made a series of inconsistent ...
  21. [21]
    TAI-WATCH
    Tai Collins and a television show known for featuring young women running around in swimsuits. ... Here is an excerpt from the ``Sweet Dreams'' episode of `` ...
  22. [22]
    THE ROBB CHRONOLOGY - The Washington Post
    Jun 6, 1992 · Collins later said they had an affair. Robb denies it, but admits Collins gave him a nude massage.Missing: Chuck timeline
  23. [23]
    ROBB ACCUSED OF INFIDELITY, ILLEGAL DRUG USE - Daily Press
    Oct 16, 1994 · Tai Collins, a model and former Miss Virginia-USA, said on national television in 1991 that she had carried on an affair with Robb while he was ...
  24. [24]
    * Rubbed the Wrong Way: Sen. Charles... - Los Angeles Times
    Sep 6, 1991 · Charles Robb of Virginia only got a back rub from lingerie model Tai Collins at a hotel, and the rest of her story about an 18-month affair ...Missing: scandal | Show results with:scandal<|control11|><|separator|>
  25. [25]
    ROBB EXPLAINS, IN A LETTER
    In 1991 a former Miss Virginia-U.S.A., Tai Collins of Roanoke, claimed she had an affair with Robb during that period. Robb denied the affair, although he ...
  26. [26]
    Chuck Robb Sex Scandal Figure Gets Her Wish
    May 24, 2011 · Tai Collins, the former Miss Virginia-USA who alleged a sexual affair with former Sen. Chuck Robb, hubby of Lynda Bird Johnson, once told the Roanoke Times ...
  27. [27]
    L.A. Family Housing Awards Raise $900,000 to Help Homeless
    The event honored Baywatch's Tai Collins, who runs the nonprofit A Chance for Children, with the Dream Builder Award. The key art community was a strong ...
  28. [28]
    Former Roanoker Tai Collins to appear on 'Today'
    Jun 20, 2009 · In an interview with The Roanoke Times 18 years ago, Tai Collins said she wanted to be remembered for doing good deeds, ...
  29. [29]
    Tai Collins - Openwaterpedia
    Apr 25, 2016 · Tai Collins is a former model, actress, screenwriter of Baywatch and SAF3 and former Miss Virginia USA 1983.Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  30. [30]
    Julie - Baywatch | Fandom
    Tai Collins previously played another lifeguard named Sharon in two episodes of the parent series Baywatch. Tai was also a screenwriter for Baywatch, ...
  31. [31]
    Tai Collins - Free nude pics, galleries & more at Babepedia
    Tai Collins Biography. Personal. Age: 63 years young. Born: Tuesday 10th of July 1962. Years active: 1983-present (started around 20 years old; 42 years active).<|separator|>
  32. [32]
    Tanquil Lisa Collins - Filmaffinity
    Tanquil Lisa Collins is a writer and actor who was born in 1962 in United States known for Baywatch (TV Series), SAF3 (TV Series), Enemy Gold and Thunder in ...
  33. [33]
    "Thunder in Paradise" Sea Quentin (TV Episode 1994) - IMDb
    Rating 8.2/10 (77) Tanquil Lisa Collins · Kristen; (as Tai Collins). Russ Wheeler · Thunder; (voice). Brian Donahue · Paine · Virginia Light · Lady Dumont.
  34. [34]
    Tanquil Lisa Collins Movies and TV Shows - Plex
    Actor · 5 credits ; 2011. Miss USA Pageant (TV Series) · as Miss Virginia Usa 1983 ; 1995. Baywatch Nights (TV Series) · as Julie ; 1994. Thunder in Paradise (TV ...Missing: roles | Show results with:roles
  35. [35]
    Tanquil Lisa Collins - TV Guide
    Tanquil Lisa Collins. Profession Actress, Writer, Producer. created by. 1 Credit. SAF3. written by. 2 Credits. She Spies · Baywatch. Actress. 4 Credits.<|separator|>
  36. [36]
    Tai Collins | Baywatch | Fandom
    Tanquil "Tai" Lisa Collins (Born July 10, 1962) is an actress, model, screenwriter, philanthropist and former Miss Virginia USA who wrote 11 episodes for ...Characters portrayed by Tai... · Other Baywatch roles
  37. [37]
    SAF3 - Wikipedia
    SAF3. Also known as, Rescue 3. Genre, Action-drama. Created by. Gregory J. Bonann · Tai Collins. Directed by. Gregory J. Bonann; Gary Capo; Phil Scarpaci; Casey ...
  38. [38]
    Baywatch creator shoots new series in Cape Town - News24
    Oct 23, 2013 · Baywatch creator Gregory J Bonnann teamed with his old writer Tai Collins to create a new version of the iconic beach rescue TV series - SAF3 ...
  39. [39]
    SAF3 (TV Series 2013–2014) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
    Tanquil Lisa Collins · Tanquil Lisa Collins. created by (as Tai Collins). 19 episodes • 2013–2014. Tanquil Lisa Collins · Tanquil Lisa Collins. teleplay (as Tai ...
  40. [40]
    A Chance for Children Foundation Inc - GuideStar Profile
    Mission. A Chance for Children strives to empower at-risk youth by providing the opportunities to set goals and the tools to achieve them.
  41. [41]
    Getting down and dirty with Lend a Hand - The Today Show
    Jun 22, 2009 · Our TODAY team first spent a day by the water with some of the kids with whom the organization's founders, Greg Bonann and Tai Collins, work.
  42. [42]
    Why Do I Take At-Risk Children to SCUBA Dive …because ALL ...
    Greg's vision was to give these children a chance to experience the beach, fresh air, and a place to run. He wanted them to learn to swim, be water safe, have ...Missing: causes | Show results with:causes
  43. [43]
    Tai Collins and A Chance for Children Give Shoes To 491 Kids in ...
    Jun 2, 2023 · Actor and producer Tai Collins, known for her dedication to philanthropy and improving the lives of underprivileged children, partnered with Bob ...
  44. [44]
    Organizations Donate New Shoes to D.C. Schools
    Nov 22, 2019 · The two organizations partnered on behalf of the co-founder of A Chance for Children and Shoes That Fit board member, Tai Collins, to provide ...Missing: causes | Show results with:causes