Toukie Smith, the former partner of legendary Hollywood actor Robert De Niro, has passed away at the age of 74, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in the realms of fashion, acting, and culinary arts. Her twin sons, Aaron Kendrick De Niro and Julian Henry De Niro, confirmed the sad news, stating that their beloved mother breathed her last on Wednesday, November 4, following a courageous and long-standing battle with multiple sclerosis.
"Toukie was a true force of nature, a guiding light, and an inspiration to everyone around her," her grieving children, whom she shared with the acclaimed star of The Intern, said in an emotional joint statement released to the media. "She has left an indelible mark on our hearts and on the lives of everyone who was lucky enough to know her warm spirit and vibrant personality."
Born on September 25, 1952, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Toukie Smith rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s as a high-fashion supermodel. Standing tall with a striking presence, she became a muse for several top-tier international designers and graced the covers of numerous prestigious fashion magazines worldwide.
Her unique style and commanding runway walk cemented her status as a trailblazer for African American models in the global fashion industry during a transformative era. Transitioning successfully from the world of high fashion to acting, Smith made her mark on both stage and screen.
She is fondly remembered by television audiences for her memorable recurring role as Eva Rawley in the popular NBC sitcom 227, which aired during the late 1980s. Her comedic timing, charisma, and natural screen presence quickly won over millions of viewers, expanding her fan base far beyond the fashion community.
In addition to her modeling and acting achievements, Smith was also a successful entrepreneur and restaurateur. Along with her brother, the renowned fashion designer Willi Smith, she founded a vibrant and popular restaurant in Manhattan named after her.
The establishment became a cultural hub for artists, designers, and celebrities in New York City, celebrated for its welcoming atmosphere and soulful comfort food. Her high-profile relationship with Robert De Niro during the late 1980s and early 1990s frequently placed her in the media spotlight.
Though the couple eventually parted ways, they shared a deep bond and successfully co-parented their twin sons, who were born via surrogate in 1995. Throughout her life, Smith remained fiercely protective of her family while continuing to pursue her diverse creative passions.
In her later years, Smith shifted her focus toward health advocacy and supporting philanthropic causes close to her heart, particularly organizations dedicated to neurological research and multiple sclerosis awareness. Despite facing significant health challenges in privacy, she maintained her trademark optimism, grace, and resilience, traits that defined both her personal and professional life.
Tributes have begun pouring in from across the entertainment and fashion industries as friends, former colleagues, and fans remember her extraordinary life. Industry veterans and younger models alike have taken to social media to express their condolences, praising her pioneering contributions to fashion and her unforgettable warmth as a human being.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be kept private, with family and close friends gathering to celebrate her remarkable journey. As the global entertainment community mourns her loss, the memory of Toukie Smith will undoubtedly endure through her timeless contributions to culture, fashion, and the hearts of her devoted family.