Toukie Smith Dead: '227' Actor & Former Partner Of Robert De Niro Was 74

Model and actress Toukie Smith has died at the age of 74 following a battle with multiple sclerosis, according to Nine.com.au. Born Doris A. Smith, she passed away on November 4 in a New York hospital. Her death was confirmed on Monday by her children.

Her twin children, Airyn and Julian De Niro, 31, shared an announcement with The Hollywood Reporter revealing that Smith died after a "long, courageous battle" with the neurological disorder. In the statement, Airyn and Julian remembered their mother for her "remarkable family legacy that helped shape American fashion and culture." They wrote of their mum's "beauty, grace and unmistakable presence [that] helped pave the way for generations of Black models and designers in fashion." Airyn and Julian stated that "Toukie was a force of nature" and added that she "left an indelible mark on our hearts and on everyone lucky enough to know her." Airyn also shared a tribute on Instagram featuring a childhood photo and the caption "I’ll always love you, Mom", as reported by Nine.com.au.

Smith and Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro, 83, were in a relationship from 1988 to 1996 after De Niro's first marriage to actress Diahnne Abbott. The couple never married, but they welcomed twins Julian and Airyn in 1995. The twins were conceived by in vitro fertilisation and delivered by surrogacy. De Niro has five other children with three other women, including a daughter named Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro born in 2023.

Over a 54-year career, Smith modelled for high-fashion brands including Chanel, Versace and YSL. She was also the sister of the late fashion designer Willi Smith, who was regarded as one of the most successful African-American designers in the industry. Alongside her modelling career, Smith had several acting credits during the 1980s and 1990s. Her most notable television role was playing Eva Rawley on the NBC sitcom 227.