Toukie Smith, the former runway model and actress known for NBC’s 227, died Nov. 4 at 74 in a New York hospital after a long battle with multiple sclerosis, her children confirmed.
Smith, born Doris A. Smith in Philadelphia on Sept. 25, 1952, began modeling in 1972 after studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.
Her career included work with designers Hubert de Givenchy, Thierry Mugler and Issey Miyake. Bloomingdale’s named her Model of the Year in 1978.
Her connection to American fashion also extended through her brother, designer Willi Smith. She modeled for his WilliWear label, which helped bring his accessible approach to fashion to a wider audience.
The family’s contribution to fashion was also highlighted in the statement released by her children following her death.
Smith later moved into acting, appearing in NBC’s Miami Vice before joining the sitcom 227 in 1989. She played Eva Rawley, an artist who becomes involved in managing the apartment building at the center of the series.
Her film credits included Talkin’ Dirty After Dark, I Like It Like That, Joe’s Apartment and The Preacher’s Wife. Outside entertainment, she also pursued food-related ventures, including a catering business and a New York restaurant.
Smith’s relationship with Robert De Niro began in 1988. The couple welcomed twins, Airyn and Julian, in 1995 through surrogacy before ending their relationship in 1996.
In announcing her death, the twins described their mother as a force of nature and remembered her influence on their lives and American fashion culture.
Airyn also shared a personal tribute on social media. The family confirmed that Smith died following a prolonged battle with multiple sclerosis. Further details about her funeral arrangements were not established in the reports reviewed.
Related coverage: Barbara Palvin’s return to the Victoria’s Secret runway | Eva Marie Saint’s career.
Sources
- Los Angeles Times
- People
- The Hollywood Reporter
- Entertainment Weekly
- USA Today
- E! News
- Us Weekly
- Nine.com.au
- The Times of India
- news.com.au
