Toukie Smith, the model and actress who made a name for herself in both the fashion industry and television, has died at the age of 74 following a long battle with multiple sclerosis. Smith, who was previously in a relationship with Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro, leaves behind a lasting legacy in entertainment and fashion.
Her twin children, Airyn and Julian, confirmed the news of her death. In a statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter, they revealed that their mother passed away on November 4 at a hospital in New York after what they described as a “long, courageous battle” with multiple sclerosis.
“Toukie was a force of nature,” Airyn and Julian said in their statement to The Hollywood Reporter. They added that their mother had left an unforgettable impression on their hearts, as well as on everyone who had been fortunate enough to know her.
Born Doris Smith in Philadelphia on September 25, 1952, she would eventually become widely known by the name Toukie, a nickname given to her by her grandmother.
After graduating from New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology in 1972, Smith began pursuing a career in modeling. Her rise in the fashion world came quickly, attracting attention and opening doors to opportunities that would help establish her as a recognizable figure in the industry.
Throughout her modeling career, she worked alongside some of fashion’s most influential designers, including Hubert de Givenchy, Thierry Mugler and Issey Miyake. Her growing success reached another milestone in 1978 when she was named Bloomingdale’s Model of the Year, further cementing her reputation in the fashion world.
However, the runway was only one part of Smith’s professional journey. Rather than limiting herself to modeling, she eventually decided to explore acting, opening another chapter in her career.
She made appearances in several television productions, including the popular crime drama Miami Vice, before securing one of her best-known roles. In 1989, Smith joined the cast of NBC’s sitcom 227, playing the character Eva Rawley.
Toukie Smith’s Career Extended Beyond Television
Smith also brought her talent to the big screen, appearing in several films throughout her acting career. Her movie credits included Talkin’ Dirty After Dark, I Like It Like That and The Preacher’s Wife, demonstrating her versatility across different types of entertainment.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Smith also shared a significant chapter of her personal life with Robert De Niro. The two began their relationship in 1988 and remained together until 1996.
During their time together, the couple welcomed twin children, Airyn and Julian, in October 1995. The children were born through a surrogate, marking an important moment in their lives as a family.
Despite their connection to two prominent figures in the entertainment industry, Smith and De Niro generally chose to keep their relationship and family life away from public attention.
In a 1990 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Smith offered a simple explanation for why she valued her privacy, making it clear that she preferred to keep her personal affairs out of the spotlight.
“What’s great about a private life is it’s private,” she said.
Her approach reflected her desire to maintain a distinction between her public career and her life outside the entertainment industry.
Robert De Niro has not yet publicly commented on Toukie Smith’s passing.
Our deepest condolences go out to Airyn and Julian, along with all of Toukie Smith’s family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time. May she rest in peace.