Toukie Smith passes away at 74 after battle with multiple sclerosis

Toukie Smith passes away.

American model and actress Toukie Smith, who was previously in a relationship with Hollywood star Robert De Niro, has passed away at the age of 74. Her children, twins Airyn and Julian, confirmed her death.

She passed away on November 4, 2026, after a prolonged battle with multiple sclerosis, according to Deadline.Her children paid tribute to her through a statement, remembering her personality and the influence she had on people around her. "Toukie was a force of nature. She left an indelible mark on our hearts and on everyone lucky enough to know her," Airyn and Julian said.Born Doris A. Smith on September 25, 1952, in Philadelphia, she built her career in fashion before entering the entertainment industry.

Known professionally as Toukie Smith, she became a prominent model during the 1970s. She later moved into acting and appeared in television shows and films. She was also the sister of celebrated fashion designer Willi Smith.

From fashion modelling to television

Toukie Smith first gained recognition through her work in the fashion industry during the 1970s. Her modelling career helped establish her public profile before she explored opportunities in acting.

She made her television debut with a recurring role in NBC's crime drama 'Miami Vice'.Toukie Smith appeared in three episodes during the show's fourth season, which aired in 1987–88. She played Angie, the assistant to Caitlin Davies, a pop singer portrayed by Sheena Easton. The character's storyline also involved Sonny Crockett, played by Don Johnson, who worked as Davies' bodyguard before becoming her husband.Following her television debut, Toukie Smith appeared in the 1988 film 'Me and Him'. She subsequently landed a role in the NBC sitcom '227', which became her most recognised television project.Toukie Smith first appeared as a guest during the sitcom's fourth season. She was later promoted to the main cast for its fifth and final season, which ran from 1989 to 1990. Her character, Eva Rawley, was an artist who became the manager of the apartment building at 227 Lexington Place.

She eventually left the position after receiving an opportunity to work at an art gallery. Toukie Smith appeared in 24 episodes of the series.

Toukie Smith's filmography

Smith continued to take on film roles throughout the 1990s. Her credits included 'Talkin' Dirty After Dark' in 1991 and 'I Like It Like That' in 1994. She later appeared in 'Joe's Apartment' and 'The Preacher's Wife', both released in 1996.Her final listed film credit was 'Goosed', released in 1999.

Although her screen appearances were spread across television and cinema, her modelling career remained an important part of her professional journey.

Relationship with Robert De Niro and family

Toukie Smith was in a relationship with Robert De Niro from 1988 to 1996. The former couple welcomed twin children, Airyn and Julian, through in vitro fertilisation and surrogacy. Their children later confirmed her death and shared a tribute to their mother.Toukie Smith is survived by Airyn and Julian, her brother Norman Smith-Harllee and her nephew Eliazar Smith.