“SURVIVOR OF MOLESTATION,BEATINGS, RAPES AND A STROKE” “How CHILD STAR Tammy Locke Found Strength Through Faith”

When I suffered a stroke in the last week of December, I didn’t realize how much it would change my life. My right side was affected—my hand hurts horribly and is numb, and my face hurts when I scratch it and is numb—My spirit is strong. Every day I thank God that I’m still here, still able to share my story. Because my life has been filled with both heartbreak and blessings, and through it all, I’ve learned that where there’s a will, there’s a way.

At just eighteen months old, my beautiful mother, Lola, took me along to an audition with
my sister Sharyl. By pure accident, I ended up getting the part—playing Sally, the daughter of
Robert Redford and Diana Hyland. That moment began my career in television, movies and commercials, where I had the honor of working with some of the greatest names of all time. From that first role on, the spotlight became my second home.

As I grew older, my love for performing only deepened. I skated professionally for the Detroit Devils Roller Derby team, appearing on television and thrilling crowds across the country. At the same time, my family supported me to launch my own radio show program, The Tammy Jean Show. I loved connecting with listeners, sharing stories with guests brought on, laughter, and music. Those were busy, exciting days—filled with drive, determination, and dreams.

During that same period, I met a remarkable group of musicians such as Russ Paul Orr, Dennis Orr, Sam Aiello, Marty Rifkin, Christopher Neilson and Jeffrey Steele known as The California Express—most of which was the family of the legendary Tex Williams. I soon left my radio and roller-derby life behind to tour with them. For five unforgettable years we headlined across the nation as Ms. Tammy Jean and The California Express. The stage lights, the audience, and the music filled my heart in a way nothing else could.

My father helped me at the age of 18 years old find a new kind of stage burning the candle at all ends—inside the world of aerospace. He brought me into Northrop Corporation, where he worked as a top electrical engineer. He started me in the F-18 Instrumentation Panel Assembly Department, where I learned to read blueprints and solder precise wires to toggle switches, making them come alive. From there, he moved me into a new department called Graphite Composites. That’s where I learned to build the F-18 “from wet to dry to fly.” Later, I worked for Hughes Helicopters on the Apache Attack Helicopter. I was truly proud to contribute to something that helped keep our country safe.

Life hasn’t always been easy. When I was a little girl, I was molested, and as I grew older, I endured beatings and being raped assaults that no one should ever face. Yet I survived. My father always told me, “Can’t got stuck in the mud—and it’s still there, choose another way” and “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Those words became the backbone of who I am. They taught me never to give up, no matter what I was facing.

My father was a proud military man, and because of him, I became a member of the American Legion Post 112 Auxiliary in Ontario. I’m proud to serve and support our veterans and I’m proud to sing for them as much as I can, and we’re always looking for new members to join us. So if you appreciate your veterans come join us! My father’s courage, discipline, and wisdom continue to guide me every single day.

When the world slowed down during COVID in 2020, I found the quiet space I needed to finally write my book. The legendary Shirley Jones had once told me that I should share my story, and her words stayed with me. So, I picked up my pen and began to write. Putting my life into words was both painful and healing. It allowed me to face my past and share the strength I found through faith and perseverance. That book became a part of my recovery — a reminder that no matter what life throws at us, we can always turn our pain into purpose.

Through every chapter of my life—from child actress to singer, from aerospace worker to stroke survivor— my faith has carried me. God gives us two wonderful things: life, and the freedom to choose how we live it. I choose to live with kindness, strength, and gratitude. I know that the Lord is almighty, and I trust Him completely.

I am proud of who I am and everything I’ve overcome. I’m still here for a reason, and I plan to keep sharing my story to inspire others who may be struggling. Because no matter what life throws your way, remember this: where there’s a will, there’s a way, choose another way—and with God’s help, you’ll find it.

Tammy Locke
CHILD STAR IN TV MOVIES & COMMERCIALS. COUNTRY SINGING HEADLINER – PRO ROLLER GAMES SKATER – RADIO SHOW HOST – AUTHOR

Mangement:
Michael Zanuck: 818-707-9747
Jerome Ro Brooks: 818-299-3303

http://www.TammyLocke.com
Tammy@TammyLocke.com