Toukie Smith, a former model and actress known for her role in the sitcom “227” and for having twins with Robert De Niro, has passed away. In the wake of her death, her children shared the challenges their mother faced leading up to her passing.
The actress died on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, in a New York hospital. Following her death, her children, Airyn and Julian, paid tribute not only to her artistic achievements but also to the personal impact she had on the lives of those fortunate enough to know her.
In a report from The Hollywood Reporter, Toukie Smith was particularly recognized for her portrayal of Eva Rawley in the sitcom “227,” which aired on NBC.
She joined the cast in 1989, appearing alongside Marla Gibbs, who played Mary Jenkins. In her role, she portrayed an artist who moved into the Lexington Place building, eventually becoming one of its managers.
This role introduced her to a much broader audience, yet her career in show business began nearly two decades earlier.
Toukie’s Rise to Fame Was Closely Tied to Her Family
Born Doris Smith in Philadelphia on September 25, 1952, Toukie began her modeling career in 1972 after completing courses at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Throughout her career, she worked with top fashion designers, including Hubert de Givenchy, Thierry Mugler, Issey Miyake, and Patrick Kelly. Her face graced the covers and pages of prestigious magazines such as Vogue, Ebony, Cosmopolitan, Redbook, and Seventeen. Additionally, she walked the runway for Yves Saint Laurent.
In 1978, Bloomingdale’s honored her as “Model of the Year.” Her journey also led her to collaborate with renowned photographers like Jean-Paul Goude and Guy Bourdin.
Toukie’s early inspirations in fashion came from her older brother, Willi Smith, a highly regarded fashion designer known for his iconic brand WilliWear and his influence on American fashion.
At the start of her career, she often wore her brother’s creations. The death of Willi in 1987 due to AIDS-related complications had a profound impact on her, a struggle she later spoke about publicly.
Toukie transitioned into film and television after establishing her modeling stature. Before joining the cast of “227,” she appeared in three episodes of “Miami Vice,” portraying Angie, Caitlin Davies’ assistant, played by Sheena Easton.
She also featured in several films, including “Talkin’ Dirty After Dark” (1991), “I Like It Like That” (1994), “Joe’s Apartment” (1996), and “The Preacher’s Wife” (1996). In the 1990s, she ventured into the restaurant industry, opening her establishment on West Houston Street in New York.
Outside of her professional life, Toukie garnered attention for her relationship with actor Robert De Niro, as the couple was together from 1988 to 1996.
They welcomed twins, Airyn and Julian, through IVF, carried by a surrogate. Years later, the twins publicly shared some of the challenging experiences their mother faced.
Airyn and Julian Reveal Their Mother’s Struggles Prior to Her Passing
In their statement, Airyn and Julian disclosed that their mother suffered from multiple sclerosis.
According to the Mayo Clinic, this chronic condition occurs when the immune system attacks the protective sheath covering nerve fibers, disrupting the transmission between the brain and the rest of the body.
The twins described their mother’s journey as a “long and courageous battle.” However, they did not specify when Toukie was diagnosed or the symptoms she experienced, nor did they establish a direct link between her condition and her death.
In their tribute, Airyn and Julian emphasized their mother’s significance in the fashion world, particularly as a black model during a time when black women were often underrepresented in the industry. They noted that Toukie was part of a remarkable family legacy that helped shape American fashion and culture.
“Her beauty, grace, and unmatched presence helped pave the way for generations of black models and designers in the fashion world,” they remarked.
Airyn shared a personal homage to her mother on Instagram, posting a heartwarming childhood photo of herself nestled in Toukie’s arms. In the picture, Toukie wears a white top, large hoop earrings, and braided hair adorned with a pink flower, while both mother and daughter sport smiles.
In her caption, Airyn wrote, “I will always love you, mom 💗,” relating her fond memories through various posts shared before Toukie’s passing.
On September 27, 2024, Airyn had also shared a photo from her mother’s birthday celebration, showing Toukie at the center of a restaurant table, surrounded by loved ones leaning toward the camera.
Airyn previously reflected on the admirable qualities she sought to inherit from her mother, recognizing the deep connection they shared.
Decades Earlier, Toukie Shared a More Intimate Side of Her Life
In a February 1990 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Toukie spoke about the loss of her mother and older brother, who passed away two years apart.
Her brother Willi passed away in 1987, which Toukie described as a “devastating” experience. To cope with this painful period, she sought solace in therapy, support groups, singing, and the presence of family and friends.
Toukie was also dedicated to planning a charity gala in Willi’s honor. Associated with Willi Smith Day in New York, the event supported organizations that helped children, especially those affected by AIDS.
Toukie ensured that the celebration stayed true to her brother’s spirit: a playful approach to fashion and a belief that style should be accessible to everyone.
Toukie reflected on her brother’s joyful spirit and light-hearted approach to fashion, stating, “Willi always had a way of playing with fashion.” She cherished several pieces he created, including a dress she wore to her sixth-grade graduation and expressed the desire to create a fashion museum dedicated to his legacy.
This interview also revealed her humor, candidness, and love for originality. Toukie mentioned her hair experiments and colorful wardrobe, proclaiming her individuality: “I have curves, darling. I’m not all angles.“
When asked about her private life, particularly her relationship with Robert De Niro, she cleverly sidestepped the question, saying, “The wonderful thing about privacy is that it stays private.“
This response encapsulated her view of fame: sharing experiences freely while preserving the intimacy of her most cherished relationships.
Years later, Airyn conveyed how her mother’s self-assurance and kindness shaped her own outlook on life, expressing a desire to honor that legacy.
Airyn Once Revealed What She Hoped to Inherit from Her Mother
In an April 2025 interview with Them, Airyn discussed the women who influenced her identity, including Toukie.
The transgender woman shared how her journey toward embracing her femininity and identity has connected her to the black female figures she looks up to.
“A big part of my transition is also tied to the influence that black women have had on me,” she shared. “Embracing this new identity while being prouder of my black heritage brings me closer to them in a way.”
Airyn’s reflections were also filled with personal memories and stories shared by Toukie’s loved ones, showcasing to her the impact her mother had on those around her.
The qualities that Airyn admired in her mother were not only representative of Toukie’s celebrity but also her warmth and connection with others, which Airyn hoped to carry forward.
Just months before her mother’s death, Airyn expressed a profound aspiration that resonates especially today amidst the family photos and tributes shared: “I want to be like her. I want people to remember me like they remember her.“
