Toukie Smith, the American model, actress, and former partner of Hollywood star Robert De Niro, died on November 4, 2026, at the age of 74. Known for her role as Eva Rawley on the NBC sitcom 227, Smith built a successful career in fashion, television, film, and business. She died in New York City following complications related to multiple sclerosis, a neurological condition she had reportedly battled for years. Her death marks the loss of an influential figure who helped expand opportunities for Black women in American fashion and entertainment.
Who Was Toukie Smith?
Toukie Smith was an American fashion model, actress, and entrepreneur who gained recognition during the 1970s and later became a familiar television personality.
Born Doris A. Smith on September 25, 1952, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she developed an early interest in fashion and creative expression.
Her distinctive nickname, Toukie, reportedly came from her grandmother, who associated her with an energetic little red fire engine featured in a children’s song.
Smith studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City before pursuing professional modeling.
Her career eventually expanded beyond fashion into acting and restaurant ownership.
Toukie Smith Cause of Death
Toukie Smith died from complications related to multiple sclerosis on November 4, 2026.
She was reportedly receiving care at a hospital in New York City when she passed away.
Multiple sclerosis, commonly called MS, is a chronic disease affecting the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord.
The condition can interfere with communication between the brain and other parts of the body, producing symptoms that vary considerably between individuals.
Smith had reportedly lived with the illness for an extended period.
Her children confirmed her passing and remembered her as a powerful presence whose influence extended far beyond her professional achievements.
Early Life
Toukie Smith grew up in Philadelphia in a family with strong creative interests.
Her brother, Willi Smith, became one of America’s most influential fashion designers and helped popularize accessible, contemporary streetwear.
Their shared connection to fashion became an important part of Toukie’s professional journey.
After studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology, she began modeling professionally in 1972.
At a time when Black models faced significant barriers in the fashion industry, Smith established herself through her distinctive appearance, confidence, and runway presence.
Her early achievements helped create opportunities for a long and varied career.
Modeling Career
Toukie Smith became a prominent runway and editorial model during the 1970s and 1980s.
She worked with celebrated designers, including Hubert de Givenchy, Thierry Mugler, Issey Miyake, and Patrick Kelly.
She also modeled extensively for her brother’s fashion label, WilliWear, which became known for its practical and innovative designs.
Smith appeared in major fashion publications, including Vogue, Essence, Cosmopolitan, and Ebony.
Her modeling success brought recognition from major retailers and fashion professionals.
In 1978, she received Bloomingdale’s Model of the Year honors, reflecting her growing influence in the industry.
Her career helped challenge narrow beauty standards while increasing the visibility of Black models in mainstream fashion.
Role in 227
Toukie Smith gained wider television recognition through her appearance on the NBC sitcom 227.
She played Eva Rawley, an artist and building manager, during the show’s later seasons.
Smith joined the series during its fourth season and became a regular cast member for its fifth and final season, which aired from 1989 to 1990.
The sitcom, starring Marla Gibbs, centered on the lives of residents in a Washington, D.C., apartment building.
Smith’s character added a new personality to the show’s established ensemble.
Her performance introduced her to viewers who may not have been familiar with her earlier modeling career.
Movies and Television
Before joining 227, Smith appeared on the popular crime drama Miami Vice between 1987 and 1988.
She subsequently developed a film career that included comedy, drama, and supporting performances.
Her movie credits included Me and Him in 1988, Talkin’ Dirty After Dark in 1991, and I Like It Like That in 1994.
She also appeared in Joe’s Apartment and The Preacher’s Wife, both released in 1996.
Her later film work included Goosed in 1999.
Although Smith was best known for modeling and 227, her screen appearances demonstrated her ability to move between different areas of entertainment.
Robert De Niro Relationship
Toukie Smith was in a relationship with actor Robert De Niro from 1988 to 1996.
Their relationship attracted public interest because De Niro was already an internationally recognized Hollywood actor.
Despite their high-profile status, the couple maintained considerable privacy around their personal lives.
They were together for approximately eight years but never married.
Their relationship became an enduring part of Smith’s public biography, particularly because they welcomed two children together.
However, Smith had already established a successful independent career before becoming associated with De Niro.
Toukie Smith Children
Toukie Smith and Robert De Niro welcomed twin children, Airyn and Julian, in 1995.
The twins were conceived through in vitro fertilization and carried by a surrogate.
Smith maintained a relatively private family life while continuing her professional interests.
Her children later confirmed her death and paid tribute to her personality and influence.
They described their mother as a “force of nature,” reflecting the strength and energy associated with her throughout her life.
Her role as a mother remained an important part of her personal story.
Restaurant Business
Toukie Smith’s ambitions extended beyond modeling and acting.
During the 1990s, she established a New York City restaurant called Toukie’s.
She also operated a catering business known as Toukie’s Taste.
These ventures reflected her interest in food, hospitality, and entrepreneurship.
Smith reportedly donated a portion of her restaurant’s proceeds to the Smith Family Foundation.
Her involvement in hospitality demonstrated a willingness to explore new opportunities outside the entertainment industry.
Net Worth
Toukie Smith earned income through modeling, acting, and business ventures over several decades.
However, her exact net worth at the time of her death has not been reliably established.
Online estimates should be treated cautiously unless supported by credible financial documentation.
Her professional legacy is better reflected in her contributions to fashion, television, and entrepreneurship than in an unverified financial figure.
Toukie Smith Legacy
Toukie Smith helped open doors for Black models during an important period of change in American fashion.
Her runway appearances, magazine features, and collaborations with major designers contributed to broader representation within the industry.
She also successfully transitioned into television, where her performance on 227 introduced her to a new generation of audiences.
Beyond her public achievements, Smith built businesses and maintained strong family connections.
Her career reflected creativity, independence, and an ability to adapt across different industries.
Final Update
Toukie Smith died on November 4, 2026, at age 74, following complications related to multiple sclerosis.
She is remembered as a pioneering fashion model, an actress known for 227, an entrepreneur, and the mother of Robert De Niro’s twins, Airyn and Julian.
From Philadelphia to major international runways and American television, Smith created a career that extended across several decades.
Her influence on fashion representation and her contributions to entertainment remain central to her legacy.
