Toukie Smith, the actress and former fashion model best known for her role in the popular sitcom 227, has died at the age of 74. Smith, who also shared twin children with acclaimed actor Robert De Niro, passed away following a lengthy battle with multiple sclerosis.
Her children, Airyn and Julian, confirmed the sad news in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. According to the statement, Smith died on November 4 at a hospital in New York. They described their mother as a remarkable woman whose strength, love, and personality touched the lives of many people.
Born Doris Smith in Philadelphia on September 25, 1952, she later became widely recognized by the nickname Toukie, which was given to her by her grandmother.
Smith’s journey into the fashion industry began after she graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York in 1972. She quickly established herself as a successful model and worked with several internationally recognized fashion designers, including Hubert de Givenchy, Thierry Mugler, and Issey Miyake.
Her growing popularity in the modeling industry earned her the title of Bloomingdale’s Model of the Year in 1978, marking an important achievement in her career.
However, Smith’s ambitions extended beyond fashion. She eventually moved into acting, appearing in television productions such as Miami Vice. In 1989, she secured one of her most recognizable roles as Eva Rawley in the NBC sitcom 227, which helped introduce her to an even wider audience.
She also appeared in several films throughout her acting career, including Talkin’ Dirty After Dark, I Like It Like That, and The Preacher’s Wife.
Her Relationship With Robert De Niro
Outside her professional achievements, Smith was also known for her long-term relationship with Academy Award-winning actor Robert De Niro.
The pair began dating in 1988 and remained together until 1996. During their relationship, they welcomed twins, Airyn and Julian, in October 1995 through a surrogate.
Despite their connection to the entertainment industry, Smith and De Niro generally chose to keep their family life away from public attention.
In a 1990 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Smith shared her thoughts about maintaining personal boundaries, explaining that she appreciated the privacy that came with keeping her personal life out of the spotlight.
Her approach reflected her preference for separating her public career from her private relationships.
As news of her passing emerges, attention has turned to the legacy she leaves behind. From her achievements in the fashion world to her memorable television and film appearances, Toukie Smith built a career that reached across different areas of entertainment.
She will be remembered for her contributions to fashion and acting, as well as the lasting memories she created with her family, friends, and fans.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to her children, relatives, friends, and everyone mourning her loss.