Toukie Smith Dies at 74: ‘227’ Actress and Former Partner of Robert De Niro Remembered

Actress and former fashion model Toukie Smith, best known for her television role in the popular sitcom 227, has died at the age of 74 following a long battle with multiple sclerosis.

Smith, who also shared twin children with legendary Hollywood actor Robert De Niro, passed away on November 4, 2026, at a hospital in New York.

Her children, Airyn and Julian, confirmed the heartbreaking news, remembering their mother as a remarkable woman whose personality and presence touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

In a statement, they described her as a force of nature and said she had left an unforgettable impression on their hearts.

Her death marks the loss of a woman who built a successful career in both the fashion and entertainment industries while maintaining a relatively private personal life.

Who Was Toukie Smith?

Born Doris Smith on September 25, 1952, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Toukie Smith eventually became a recognizable name in the modeling and acting industries.

Her nickname, Toukie, reportedly came from her grandmother and followed her throughout her professional career.

After completing her education at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York in 1972, Smith began pursuing opportunities in fashion.

Her natural presence and distinctive appearance quickly attracted attention, helping her establish herself in a highly competitive industry.

She went on to work with several internationally recognized fashion designers, including Hubert de Givenchy, Thierry Mugler and Issey Miyake.

Her growing reputation reached another milestone in 1978 when she was named Bloomingdale’s Model of the Year.

Although modeling brought her considerable recognition, Smith eventually decided to explore a different creative direction.

Toukie Smith’s Acting Career and Role in ‘227’

After establishing herself in fashion, Toukie Smith began pursuing acting opportunities.

One of her early television appearances came in the popular crime drama Miami Vice, which helped introduce her to a wider television audience.

Her career continued developing, and in 1989 she joined the cast of the NBC sitcom 227, playing the character Eva Rawley.

The comedy series was a major part of American television during its run, and her appearance helped establish her place in the entertainment world.

Smith also appeared in several films throughout her career, including Talkin’ Dirty After Dark, I Like It Like That and The Preacher’s Wife.

Her work across television and cinema demonstrated that her talents extended well beyond the fashion industry.

Toukie Smith and Robert De Niro’s Relationship

Away from her professional achievements, Toukie Smith was also known for her relationship with Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro.

The pair began dating in 1988 and remained together until 1996.

Although De Niro was already one of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars, the couple generally preferred keeping their relationship and personal affairs away from public attention.

During their relationship, they welcomed twin children, Airyn and Julian, in October 1995.

The twins were born through a surrogate, and both parents made efforts to protect their children’s privacy while they were growing up.

Smith once explained why she appreciated keeping her personal life away from public attention.

In a 1990 interview, she expressed her belief that privacy was something worth protecting, explaining that one of the best things about having a private life was that it remained private.

That approach reflected how she handled much of her personal life throughout her years in the spotlight.

Toukie Smith’s Children Confirm Her Death

The heartbreaking news of Smith’s passing was confirmed by her twin children, Airyn and Julian.

According to their statement, their mother died on November 4 at a New York hospital after a long and courageous struggle with multiple sclerosis.

They described her as an extraordinary person whose influence would remain with them forever.

Their words reflected the deep love and admiration they had for their mother, as well as the difficult loss they are now facing.

For those who knew Smith personally, her passing represents the loss of someone remembered not only for her professional accomplishments but also for her personality and the relationships she built throughout her life.

What Was Toukie Smith’s Cause of Death?

According to the statement released by her children, Toukie Smith had been battling multiple sclerosis for a long period before her death.

Multiple sclerosis, commonly known as MS, is a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord.

The disease can interfere with communication between the brain and different parts of the body, potentially causing symptoms that vary significantly from one person to another.

Smith’s family described her battle as courageous, although they have kept further personal medical details private.

Her passing has brought renewed attention to the challenges faced by people living with long-term neurological conditions and the families who support them.

Robert De Niro Has Not Publicly Commented

Following the announcement of Smith’s death, attention also turned toward Robert De Niro, with whom she shared two children.

At the time of the original report, the actor had not publicly commented on her passing.

Despite their relationship ending in 1996, the two will always share an important connection through their children.

Smith’s family has asked for privacy as they deal with the loss of their mother.

Her legacy, meanwhile, remains connected to the many different chapters of her life, from her early modeling success to her television appearances and her role as a mother.

Remembering Toukie Smith’s Life and Legacy

Toukie Smith built a career that crossed two very different industries, earning recognition in the fashion world before becoming a familiar face on television and in film.

She worked alongside major names in fashion, appeared in popular television productions and became part of a Hollywood family through her relationship with Robert De Niro.

But beyond the headlines and professional achievements, she was also a mother whose children remember her with tremendous love.

Her death at 74 has brought an end to a life filled with creativity, ambition and personal milestones.

Toukie Smith will be remembered by her family, friends and those who appreciated her work throughout the years.

Our deepest condolences go out to Airyn, Julian and everyone mourning her loss. May she rest in peace.