Toukie Smith, actress, model, and former partner of Robert De Niro, has died
The American artist passed away at a New York hospital after a long battle with multiple sclerosis.
The American model and actress Toukie Smith, known for her role in the television series 227 and for having been in a relationship with actor Robert De Niro, has died at the age of 74, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Smith died in a New York hospital after a long battle with multiple sclerosis, a disease that affects the central nervous system. The news was confirmed by her twin sons, Airyn and Julian De Niro, who highlighted their mother's personal and professional legacy.
Born Doris Smith in Philadelphia in 1952, she began her career in the fashion world in 1972. She worked with renowned designers such as Givenchy, Thierry Mugler, Issey Miyake, and Chanel, and appeared in publications such as Vogue, Ebony, and Cosmopolitan. In 1978, she was named Model of the Year by Bloomingdale's.
Her career was closely linked to that of her brother, the designer Willi Smith, considered an influential figure in American fashion, who passed away in 1987.
From the runway to acting
During the 1980s, Smith made the leap to acting. She appeared in the series "Miami Vice" and gained wider recognition for her role as Eva Rawley in the television comedy 227, which aired on NBC. She also appeared in films such as Talkin' Dirty After Dark (1991), I Like It Like That (1994), and "The Preacher's Wife" (1996), the latter starring Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington.
As recalled by the Los Angeles Times, Smith also ventured into the business world, running a catering service and a restaurant in New York.
A romantic relationship with Robert De Niro and the twins
The actress had a romantic relationship with Robert De Niro between 1988 and 1996. During that time, the couple had twin sons, born in 1995 via surrogacy.
In a statement reported by Deadline, her children remembered Smith as a woman who left a profound mark on their lives and whose career helped pave the way for new generations of models and African American designers.
Her daughter Airyn also posted a message in her honor on Instagram: "I will always love you, Mom."
Smith leaves behind a legacy that spans fashion, television, and film, after more than two decades of artistic activity.
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