Tammy Faye Flashback: RARE Interviews About PTL Scandal

Tammy Faye spoke with ET many times over the years about the downfall of her and Jim Bakker's religious empire. In these rare interviews, Tammy shared how she navigated one of the most talked about scandals of the '80s. Following the televangelist couple's exit from 'The PTL Club' and Heritage USA in 1987, Jim and Tammy opened up about their public feud with Jerry Falwell, appearing on 'Nightline' and, of course, her trademark makeup. Tammy sat down with ET in 1997 to discuss her battle with colon cancer, and why she believed Jim was unfairly targeted by the justice system. The couple went their separate ways following his prison sentence in 1989, but she continued to praise her ex-husband. Upon the debut of her documentary, 'The Eyes of Tammy Faye,' in 2000, Tammy revealed why she wanted to participate in the RuPaul-narrated film, and reflected on her struggle with drug addiction. Jessica Chastain and Andrew Garfield portray Tammy and Jim, respectively, in the documentary’s biopic adaptation, ‘The Eyes of Tammy Faye,’ in theaters Sept. 17.

[@davids.6330]

Jessica did a great job portraying her and making her real - May Tammy RIP!!

[@beverlygraham9510]

True that

[@nidhideshpande8180]

Exactlyyyy....totally agree with this....

[@australiamyway]

Great movie. Brilliant

[@wagithi5643]

I cried so much watching that movie.

[@Trillidotia]

@@wagithi5643 You cried? Why? Those two had no remorse. Of course, none of those televangelists do. They have no shame.

[@coryavila01]

I just saw The Eyes of Tammy Faye and came away liking her portrayal so much, I wanted to learn more about her. She seems like a genuinely nice person.

[@MyFragranceTrail]

Watching all things Tammy Faye since seeing “The Eyes of Tammy Faye”. Ms.Baker didn’t deserve the manipulative monster, Jim. Tammy was sweet, kind, eccentric and pure. I hope she is resting peaceful in the arms of the Lord.

[@iamkalivingston]

Me too lol

[@jmed14]

She deserved it. You don't think she knew the money she was pulling in? Just like drug dealers the church and their leaders are not taxed. You really think she didn't know that kids were staving while she was wearing a fur coat. Jeez ppl

[@Hanover-ek4jy]

She was seduced by Greed!

[@missionpossible6796]

Nonsense! She was just as greedy as him.

[@alesiajames5532]

sameeee

[@JustNess78]

This was a fabulous compilation of interviews. I came here after watching the HBO movie and was overwhelmed with all the uploads on Tammy Faye and the PTL. This summed everything up beautifully. Thank you. And God bless Tammy Faye, may she rest in peace with our Lord.

[@samanthapickering935]

What is the 🎥 movie

[@JustNess78]

@@samanthapickering935 It's called The Eyes of Tammy Faye and it's on HBO

[@Lovethatbling]

Tammy seemed so likable , lovable and fun to talk to💖She had a wonderful energy about her✨

[@australiamyway]

Yes

[@webhead01]

I absolutely LOVED this woman. I hope she rests in peace ✝

[@jonhohensee3258]

web - She was a strange human being.

[@teecee313]

@. Jim Bakker

[@michelleweatherspoon8087]

Me too

[@jonhohensee3258]

@@michelleweatherspoon8087 - Why? She was crazy. The makeup should have been the first clue.

[@michelleweatherspoon8087]

@@jonhohensee3258 the make-up industry is a multibillion-dollar industry. Tammy had mommy issues. Her mother was always gaslighting her. Main thing is she strived to do God's work. She wasn't perfect but none of us are or else Jesus would not have chose to die to save us

[@wakaywa]

I love and miss this girl. Since day one I’ve loved her and still do. She loved unconditionally. That was her life. If Tammy Faye was here, she would spread that message. Just saw the movie today. Take tissues.

[@margaretwardlow5500]

Yeah! Wasn’t it great! Jessica did such a great job!

[@coryavila01]

I really enjoyed the movie. Only watched it cuz I'm a Jessica Chastain fan, but it made me aware of the trials Tammy dealt with. Bless her ♥.

[@Xane_Dragon]

​@@coryavila01 The trials of wealth, fame and fur 💀

[@bettyboop0092006]

May she Rest In Peace . Watching the new movie I had to search her online how can you not like this woman she is who she is ❤️

[@viviansilveira7327]

Roubando dinheiro dos fiéis?

[@daniellecochranwatkins269]

I love Tammy Faye!! She was definitely a woman before her time , I was a kid when all this happened so when I look back a realize what actually happened she handled all the lies with such grace and love that it inferriated her enemies so much that they had no choice but to leave her alone ❤ she is still a witness 💕🙏

[@Vania.Carolinaa]

That’s exactly it! She was way ahead of her time.

[@australiamyway]

Yes she would be an Instagram star that’s for sure. Many Instagram people try and replicate this positive energy. For her it was real

[@lindadrewl]

I loved Tammy & still miss her. She truly loved people & Jesus. People who criticize her should spend a few days in her shoes.

[@richardmeyer2007]

Tammy Faye was so full of love and kindness… she was taken for a ride by him

[@marlenejojo1]

I believe he just screwed up honestly. I seen him say in an interview somewhere how special she was and you could tell he never got over losing her.

[@cindyb8775]

@@marlenejojo1 I agree with you. I loved her. And I believe he is sincere in his beliefs. He has paid in many ways for his sins. maybe not financially as he should but just maybe in ways worse than that. I miss Tammy Faye

[@wendylederer367]

She knew what was going on.That’s why she had a breakdown.She actually had a conscious more than any televangelist I’ve seen but not enough to give up her lavish lifestyle.

[@wendylederer367]

There’s no honor among thieves! They took advantage of gullible people as all televangelist do and lived a lavish lifestyle. It’s no ones fault but their own that their empire crumbled and was taken over by another crook. Don’t get me wrong I like Tammy Fay. I like the fact that she was so loving and accepting of all people. That is very rare among fundamentalist or most “Christians” for that matter but she was trying to blame her problems on other people rather than taking ownership of what she had done wrong.

[@JohnnyGNV]

@@wendylederer367 But they were so attacked and singled out - don't people think that the Televangelists of today live lavish lifestyles? I mean to a certain extent, it WAS THEIR ministry - they built it up and worked on it and I think it just got too big too fast - I'm not saying that they were completely innocent but the way they were treated was terrible -

[@PhilVerryChannel]

She was 100 real. No reason to doubt her.

[@r.p.mcmurphy6623]

😂

[@devsox1]

"I raised a chicken from the dead and I'm scared to death of chickens the only chicken I get near is Kentucky Fried" I LOVE HER!!! 😂 🙏❤️

[@andyroo9381]

At her core, Tammy Faye was a kind and decent woman. She and Jim got caught up in raising funds to keep PTL going as well as Heritage USA. They both were turned upside down by it all.

[@marilynkennedy8236]

I don't know much about Jim and Tammy Bakker but the more I watch videos about the whole PTL scandal the more I am wondering if Jim was brought down by jealous people. I know he made a lot of mistakes but I think there is a lot more to this story than meets the eye. I am from the UK so I don't know a lot about the scandal.

[@andyroo9381]

@@marilynkennedy8236 I think you should try to view the actual documentary which the movie was based on. "The Eyes Of Tammy Faye" is a documentary which gives some insight to the couple and to Tammy Faye, herself. As far as your hunch is concerned; Jerry Falwell helped to bring them down. He was a greedy and manipulative bastard that had his own following. If you are really interested, I do encourage you to seek out the actual documentary. It is narrated by RuPaul!

[@marilynkennedy8236]

@@andyroo9381 Thank you very much for your reply Andy. Also for telling me about the documentary . Have you seen the recent film? The more I see of this case, the more I think Jerry Falwell was mixed up in it.

[@andyroo9381]

@@marilynkennedy8236 Indeed, Miss Kennedy, you are very welcome. I wanted to see the film but never made it. I wasn't in a rush to see the Hollywood version only because I own the actual documentary on DVD. I figured I already knew what the movie was about because I have seen the real thing several times over. LOL! I'm sure you can find it on Netflix or some other streaming site. It changed my mind about Tammy Faye Bakker-Messner. Lastly, Jerry Falwell was an evil man - a wolf in sheep's clothing. About one year ago, his son and his son's wife were caught up in a scandal. His son, Jerry Falwell Jr. was head of his father's religious empire but turns out to be a "swinger". Apparently he enjoyed watching his wife have sex with younger men. So, you can see what we are dealing with here in America. Honestly, I do not care what he does with his personal life but don't stand on a pulpit and judge others with a smelly finger. He has the nerve to call gay people "immoral" HA!

[@marilynkennedy8236]

@@andyroo9381 Thank you so much for your reply. The hypocrisy shown by Jerry Falwell is truly amazing. I don't know a lot about him either only that he was very instrumental in the "Moral Majority" in America. I did hear something about a scandal to do with his son though. Pat Robertson was another one involved in the "Moral Majority" wasn't he? I have got that expression right haven't I? They make Jim and Tammy look like angels.

[@DeedeeSch1]

She was a very sweet person. God rest her soul!!!

[@margaretwardlow5500]

Just saw, ‘The Eyes Of Tammy Faye.’ It was terrific! I would recommend even though I’m not religious. My mom ran into Tammy years ago here in Palm Springs at a local thrift store!🥰

[@ms_nyakerario.]

I just watched it today. Led me here 😊 terrific movie

[@29lookingood]

@@ms_nyakerario. Same here, just finished watching the movie 👍🏾

[@margaretwardlow5500]

@. I really enjoyed the movie, that’s all. I don’t understand how I could possibly sound like one of her victims. I would never contribute to a religious cult like that. 🤣

[@ic1815]

I love the permanently lined makeup. She was just so fabulous, in every way.

[@jonhohensee3258]

She was very odd.

[@TMYPiscesSunandMoonRising5548]

Just finished watcher her documentary, it was amazing. It was good that she was able to tell her story her way 👏🏾👏🏾. As far as Jim and Jerry, I have no words. 3/28. Just came back to say yessss Jessica Chastain for winning that Best Lead Actress 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾. Its on Hulu for those who haven't seen it.

[@Nicole-pp4zr]

What is her documentary called & where can I watch it?

[@rdred8693]

@@Nicole-pp4zr The Eyes of Tammy Faye. There are two, one made last year, one made in 2000

[@captainshamsham]

omg where can I watch??

[@harrodroach8606]

She was so lovable. Such a sweet soul. The actress did a great job in the movie.

[@mimiC0307]

I wish Tammy Faye was still on this planet, because she made it a better place.

[@MzKandiLane]

Poor girl just wanted to be loved by all as much as she loved us rip Tammy ❤️

[@richardmills1505]

God, I miss Tammy Faye. I've always been so grateful for her book, "I Will Survive... And You Will Too!". It has nothing to do with Christianity, it just helped me realize I'd survive a very rough time in my life. RIP Tammy. 🙏♥️

[@nathanbrown7307]

Thanks for commenting this now I want to read her book. 💖

[@klaudiaarriera9989]

@@nathanbrown7307 so do I

[@c.t.4837]

After watching the movie I’m here for these interviews! My heart breaks for her .. my moms name is Tammi and her mom, my Grandma’s name is Faye

[@robbiecartwright3141]

What a genuine person. She loved everyone and was a good person. RIP.....

[@australiamyway]

Yes it was real to.

[@iwatchtrashtv213]

I truly believe she believed everything she preached and she truly loved everyone.

[@alliecat4176]

The Eyes of Tammy Faye is EXCELLENT. I have a renewed respect for Tammy Faye.

[@walkiermaldonado9124]

The movie touched me and now I want to see everything about this wonderful and perfectly imperfect woman 💖

[@jennibishop718]

That is exactly how I feel after watching the movie! That is what brought me here

[@rachelshimeall4294]

She is so sweet, bless her heart

[@catmccabe400]

I met them ❤️ I’m so thankful for my visits to PTL They were so special 💙

[@fenian123]

It's ironic that Ted Turner of all people founded PTL

[@lindaadams3622]

Lol, Ted Turner had nothing to do with the founding of PTL.

[@lindseycarribean5113]

JC is an amazing actress.

[@sydneywebster6732]

She really is phenomenal. I hope she gets nominated for an Oscar.

[@margaretwardlow5500]

Me too! Oscar nomination is only right!

[@deerheart87]

I agree

[@nicholasgarrick7546]

I remember Tshirt with "make up all over them. They read "i ran into tammy faye at the mall"! 😂.

[@marigarcia739]

Wow she was an adorable lady! Strong & positive!

[@janetaeschliman3168]

Shes just so likable . There was a genuine sweetness and vulnerability that people sensed from her and it made ( makes) forgiveness very easy

[@Kendralovesskincare]

A perfect representation of God's love .... She loved EVERYONE unconditionally. She didn't deserve the pain she had in her life. She's not wrapped in God's arms.... Being love, just as she loved others.

[@CP-3333]

Rest in everlasting peace Tammy ❤

[@martindouwe6099]

Andrew Garfield deserved an Oscar also!

[@officiallypaula510]

Tammy Faye was an absolute sweetheart.

[@shelbymartin502]

She deserved so much... love her ❤

[@sl7813]

🎶 don’t give up, you’re on the brink, of a miracle 🎵

[@dariusketchup4781]

This moved me.....to wash my face....my mascara was running. 😭😭😭🤣🤣🤣

[@beachstreet101]

Tammy Faye always seemed like a genuinely nice woman. I was a teenager in the 80’s when she was everywhere.

[@rdred8693]

Tammy Faye was a treasure, and I wish she was still around. She was a sweet heart.

[@russianbear4959]

My grandma was into these gospels..which is fine, im Christian but Lgbtq, just saw the trailer and thought huh..., yeah I think I remember her, or her songs. Well in my opinion, Tammy had that love and faith as Jesus did back then..open, loving, More than forgiving..Id give tammy a Huge hug

[@margaretwardlow5500]

You gotta see movie…. Wonderful!

[@russianbear4959]

@@margaretwardlow5500 I did...and was mostly her side..she tried and still loved ppl. Sad story

[@jeffreyzeiss1326]

I believe Tammy Faye Bakker was genuine in her love of Jesus Christ. Her husband not so much

[@WaterspoutsOfTheDeep]

The fruits of Jim Bakers life we see as he continued and still is producing harvest for Christ. Tammy... So I disagree.

[@lauraseebaugh9589]

He’s back on tv with his 2 nd wife. He should have stayed in jail.

[@rs3007]

I can see why PTL was loved, bc of Tammy! Not Jim Baker or the others but her ❤️🫶 her beautiful spirit

[@Tim_Shu]

Remember you don't have to pay to go to Church 🙄

[@WaterspoutsOfTheDeep]

You don't have to do anything except "love thy neighbor, and love God." Loving God however is giving the first fruits of ones life to him. That's tithing. Whether it be your income, your time volunteering, or contributing in some other way. Many people choose to tithe.

[@troyguidry1104]

Love this woman r.i.p🙏

[@lv67890]

What a beautiful spirit she was. And a true Christian to LGBTQ peoples. I remember what she did for the community. What a class act.

[@altagraciacharles6029]

If the church preached acceptance and love like they do, I would be more involved ❤

[@matthewramsey5239]

Loved and I miss Tammy Faye! She took us gays in before any of you ho’s did. 👼

[@whereismyxanax]

You're not born that way. You message a choice to go against God and nature and you chose sin. Ask Jesus to forgive you and save you!

[@smpeace2683]

@@whereismyxanax Agreed. God our Maker is about to judge us all. And SOON ! COME LORD JESUS !

[@michaelhart7282]

@@whereismyxanax oh get the F outta here!!

[@JJ_Justice]

@@whereismyxanax how do you know? Or were you just born the way you are as well

[@torontoash45]

that was a big mistake .. Since when do gays get special attention Matthew? what i hate are people who are always trying to take their alternative lifestyles and making them political or social . Nobody in public needs to know about your aborrent lifestyle ..that is for behind closed doors

[@priceleatherbarrow6234]

She is proof of God's love for all.

[@australiamyway]

Hello from Australia. Yes beyond her years. Do not judge others.

[@BlackDahlia776]

God helps those that help themselves.

[@everettmoore2480]

How could a woman of God just be such an awesome person

[@vannieloumarshall7232]

It’s not difficult. There are many of us women of God who are awesome! 😊❤️

[@nicoladawson2861]

Will never forget how hilarious Phil Hartman was in those skits!!!

[@BBB-fe9up]

I used to laugh at them but feel differently now. I liked Hartman but feel differently.

[@kathleenpulis]

I got to meet her, she was very sweet RIP dear lady.

[@eileenbennett293]

Over the years, I've completely changed my view of Tammy Faye. She was a wonderful woman of God. No doubt in my mind she is at peace now with the Lord.

[@Maddyrose-]

Rest in Peace Tammy, she was such a light❤❤❤

[@jacute106]

Im not religious at all but she sure does have a magnetism and charm about her that is very rare and you cant help but to like her.

[@skinsey85]

"The public, they don't make up their own mind. They just take the side of what they read". Whoa, how true. I was a baby when it went down so I don't remember when it happened but I did hear about it quite a bit through the years growing up and it was the media bashing her. I thought she was bonkers cus that's how she was portrayed. I don't know what drew me to the movie but I'm glad I clicked cus the opinion I had all these years was so completely uninformed.

[@googleuser4772]

Jessica Chastain! Wow! What an actress. Thank God, that she won the OSCAR 2022. Hands down, no competition there. Well done Jessica xx

[@tracyso73]

In watching the movie and her level of compassion and seeking truth in all human experiences, no matter the cost, you realize her courage came right from the Heart of our Savior. For those who believe in Him, we will each of us come to know her and truly how she served Him. To God's Glory revealed in us all. Well done, my good and faithful servant.

[@samanthapickering935]

What is the name of the 🎥 movie

[@AngelinaX23]

Tammy Sue inherited her sincere and forgiving nature.

[@bpkolos1974]

Tammy, You're a wonderful woman and a vibrant personality! Rest in peace, dear sister in Christ, You've done a tremendous great job here on Earth!

[@Commonsense471]

The movie was excellent

[@Pinkladie2002]

So sad that this sweet and pure soul was taken too soon while Jim continues to scam people.

[@geminijohnson4019]

I remember watching that SNL skit, hilarious

[@karenwagy9857]

I use to pledge monthly to Jim & Tammy Bakkers ministry up until the scandals broke out. I had always believed it was the both of them until I recently saw her documentary "The Eyes Of Tammy Faye" I am just so happy I learned otherwise. It made me realize that she too fell victim to her own husband Jim Bakker, just like so many other's. The only thing Tammy was ever guilty of, was taking her vows of marriage before God seriously & taking the phrase "stand by your man" to another level, despite learning about all Jim's lies & the skeletons he had in his closet! She truly was the nurturing one with a beautiful heart & a true love for the Lord. She was Jim's biggest cheerleader, while Jim was the narcissistic destroyer! May she rest in peace 🕯🕯 If her children happen to read this, you can truly be proud of your mother & the legacy she left behind!! 🙏💖

[@GoBlue1956]

They weren’t afraid of telling the truth or answering the hard questions unless it was the IRS asking the questions.

[@devsox1]

Tammy was an angel. Jim gives me the creeps

[@deliveryguy7402]

She said they had a heart for hurting people. They hurt thousands when the stole their money. They were liars and thieves. I know. My mom was one of those hurt.

[@katiebrowner8463]

I love Tammy Bakker. May God bless her and may she rest in peace

[@estherwallace1874]

Leave them alone😢

[@ritasielicki6617]

This wonderful lady "is" walking with the Lord and angels. She is still loved. RIP our dear Tammy Faye.

[@ipekkomurcu]

Now watching this, I can see that Jessica did a wonderful job, as always :)

[@joannrice6031]

I really believe she had a hard life. Tammy truly is a fearing and loving Godly human. She unfortunately like every one who was poor and then became rich. Regardless of how they used the money. We cannot judge. We are not in her heels.

[@tumbleweeeeeed]

They scraped all the makeup off Tammy Faye, and found Jimmy Hoffa😁

[@pepper1dancer]

Love Tammy Faye !!

[@linapagliari8003]

Beautiful lady Tammy rip😔🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@kathrynhall1136]

Rejoice In Peace To The Late Great Mrs. Tammy Feye And Continued To Soar With Majestic Eagles 🕊

[@PatriciaRoman-sr5ho]

Ex husband is a cheat and a con artist but she was cool

[@merricat3025]

I think she was very naive and gullible. Jim, yeah a cheat, but Jerry Falwell was even worse

[@Nazahlovesyousoshe]

SNL has always been savage 😂

[@annhale7595]

Love you Tammy! You did a lot that was good. You really did love people.❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕🎉

[@tracyso73]

Forever the optimist.

[@kidnplay3978]

2:10 That girl playing Tammy 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@marymary20]

Jan Hooks….she was a national treasure.

[@jazzycat312]

I remember the media and public slaughtered both of them. I don't know how they held it together, except for their faith. Tammy is dead and everyone is understanding what a loving person she was. This would have brought her so much joy, but she didn't live long enough to ever receive it. Rest for her sweet soul now.

[@lollylove1107]

She should have taken over PTL when he was found guilty.

[@Lunnalee100]

She was a very sweet and kind woman

[@dabigdikdangler]

Before the Hornets and the Panthers I think the PTL scandal helped put Charlotte on the map

[@denisemarinez2143]

This man is STILL scamming people to this day

[@christopherm5958]

If there is a hell I'm sure these two are relaxing in a nice warm pool. 🤣

[@joeshuler2886]

TFB couldn’t be competed with. I didn’t understand until I watched the Jessica chastain movie.

[@crystalroe6944]

Tammy Faye never acted like an old lady she was full of pep and joy from good and bad times😊

[@tmp1111]

I always liked her. I used to watch her in my early 20's. She interviewed a gay minister in 1986 when no one was talking about how aids folks were treated like lepers RIP ❤

[@whatshappeningmedia6860]

Swaggart had alot to do with their problems, because of jealousy....But it came back to bite him in the end too.

[@raulcarlosgomez65]

I love Tammy Faye ❤️❤️

[@song4you80]

Love ❤ and miss you Tammy Faye.

[@kimberlyelliott7933]

I always loved her ❤

[@Kyle-g9m]

She's fabulous

[@michaelmurray5505]

I was wondering what happen to these people.I am listening to her and what's going on Today, how the people in Charge and how they are treating politicians and American citizens. She is all of a sudden making a lot of sense.