Toukie Smith Biography: Age, Children, Robert De Niro and Career

Toukie Smith Biography

Toukie Smith was an American fashion model and actress best known for playing Eva Rawley on the NBC sitcom 227. She also appeared in Miami Vice and several films, including Talkin’ Dirty After Dark, I Like It Like That, and The Preacher’s Wife. Beyond entertainment, she worked in the restaurant business and was part of a prominent fashion family through her brother, designer Willi Smith.

Smith was also known for her former relationship with actor Robert De Niro, with whom she welcomed twin children, Airyn and Julian, in 1995.

She died on November 4, 2026, at the age of 74, following a long battle with multiple sclerosis. Her children confirmed her death in an announcement shared with the media on November 9.

Here is everything to know about Toukie Smith’s age, early life, modeling career, acting roles, family, children, relationship with Robert De Niro, and legacy.

Who Was Toukie Smith?

Toukie Smith was a model and actress who built her career in the fashion industry before transitioning into television and film.

Born Doris Smith, she became known professionally as Toukie Smith, a nickname given to her by her grandmother. She began modeling in the early 1970s and worked with prominent fashion designers, including Hubert de Givenchy, Chanel, Issey Miyake, and Thierry Mugler.

Her modeling career earned her recognition in the fashion industry, particularly after Bloomingdale’s named her its Model of the Year in 1978.

Smith later moved into acting, appearing in Miami Vice before securing the role of Eva Rawley on 227. Her work on the sitcom introduced her to a wider television audience.

Although her relationship with Robert De Niro attracted considerable public attention, Smith established her own career in fashion, television, and business.

Toukie Smith Age and Birthday

Toukie Smith was 74 years old when she died on November 4, 2026. She was born on September 25, 1952, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her birth name was Doris Smith.

Her professional name came from a nickname her grandmother gave her. In a 1990 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Smith explained that it originated from a children’s record about a little red fire engine known for having lots of energy.

The nickname eventually became the name she used throughout her modeling and acting career.

Toukie Smith’s Early Life and Education

Smith grew up in Philadelphia, where she developed an interest in fashion and creative expression.

She came from a family with strong connections to the fashion industry. Her younger brother, Willi Smith, became one of the influential American fashion designers associated with accessible streetwear.

Smith attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City before establishing herself as a professional model.

Her early modeling experience included working with her brother, whose fashion label, WilliWear, became recognized for combining fashion with everyday street style.

Her connection to Willi’s work remained important throughout her life. She once revealed that she had preserved clothing he designed for her, including pieces dating back to her sixth-grade graduation.

Toukie Smith’s Modeling Career

Toukie Smith began her modeling career in 1972 and went on to work with several established fashion designers and publications.

She modeled for designers such as Hubert de Givenchy, Chanel, Issey Miyake, and Thierry Mugler. Her work also included fashion publications such as Vogue and Ebony.

One of her significant career achievements came in 1978, when Bloomingdale’s named her Model of the Year.

Smith was also closely associated with her brother Willi Smith’s fashion work. She modeled his designs and supported his creative career.

Her modeling success helped establish her reputation during a period when the fashion industry was increasingly recognizing different styles and approaches to beauty.

Smith eventually explored opportunities outside modeling, particularly acting and business.

Who Was Toukie Smith’s Brother?

Toukie Smith’s brother was Willi Smith, a prominent American fashion designer known for his influence on contemporary streetwear.

Willi Smith founded the fashion label WilliWear, which became known for making stylish clothing more accessible to everyday consumers.

Rather than designing exclusively for high-end fashion audiences, he embraced a more relaxed approach that combined street style with contemporary fashion.

Toukie was among the people who supported his work and modeled his designs.

Willi died in 1987 at the age of 39 from complications related to AIDS. His death deeply affected Toukie, who later spoke about the loss in a Los Angeles Times interview.

She continued to honor his memory and supported events celebrating his contribution to American fashion.

His influence also remained visible in her own interest in fashion and preserving the clothing he had created.

Toukie Smith’s Acting Career

After establishing herself in modeling, Smith pursued acting during the 1980s. She made television appearances before securing one of her best-known roles on NBC’s 227. Her acting career included television productions and several films released during the 1990s.

Was Toukie Smith on Miami Vice?

Yes. Toukie Smith appeared on Miami Vice during the show’s fourth season in 1987 and 1988. She played Angie, a character connected to the storyline involving Sonny Crockett, played by Don Johnson, and singer Caitlin Davies, portrayed by Sheena Easton. Her appearances across three episodes helped introduce her to television audiences before she joined 227.

What Role Did Toukie Smith Play on 227?

Smith played Eva Rawley on NBC’s sitcom 227. She joined the show in 1989, initially appearing as a guest before becoming a recurring cast member during its final two seasons.

Eva was an artist who moved into the apartment building managed by Mary Jenkins, played by Marla Gibbs. Her character later became involved in managing the building before pursuing work at an art gallery.

Smith appeared alongside established cast members, including Marla Gibbs, Jackée Harry, Helen Martin, and Regina King.

Her role on 227 remains one of the most recognizable parts of her acting career.

Toukie Smith’s Movies and TV Shows

Smith’s screen career included television appearances and films across different genres.

Her notable credits include:

Her appearance in The Preacher’s Wife placed her in a production starring Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston, and Courtney B. Vance.

Although she did not pursue an extensive acting career compared with some of her contemporaries, her work in television and film remains part of her entertainment legacy.

Toukie Smith’s Restaurant Business

Acting and modeling were not Smith’s only interests. She also developed a passion for food and hospitality.

She previously operated a catering business called Toukie’s Taste, which ran for approximately three years.

The business catered events, including a wedding anniversary celebration for Sean Penn and Madonna.

In 1994, Smith opened a restaurant called Toukie’s on West Houston Street in Manhattan, New York.

The restaurant reflected her personality and interest in bringing people together through food. She was actively involved in the establishment and worked as its owner and host.

The restaurant also supported charitable causes, with some proceeds benefiting the Smith Family Foundation.

Her business ventures demonstrated another side of her career beyond fashion and entertainment.

Was Toukie Smith Married to Robert De Niro?

No. Toukie Smith and Robert De Niro were in a long-term relationship, but they never married. The couple began dating in 1988 and maintained a largely private relationship.

Smith rarely discussed her personal life publicly. In a 1990 Los Angeles Times interview, she explained her preference for privacy when asked about De Niro.

Their relationship attracted attention because De Niro was already an established Hollywood actor. They remained together for several years before separating in 1996. Although their relationship ended, they continued to share a connection through their two children.

Did Toukie Smith Have Children With Robert De Niro?

Yes. Toukie Smith and Robert De Niro welcomed twin children, Airyn and Julian, on October 20, 1995. The twins were conceived through in vitro fertilization and born through a surrogate.

Their birth was an important moment in Smith’s life, and she largely kept their upbringing away from public attention.

Both children have occasionally attracted media attention because of their famous father.

Airyn has spoken publicly about her experiences and personal journey, while Julian has pursued interests that include acting.

Smith’s children confirmed her death in November 2026 and described her as a remarkable woman whose influence extended beyond her immediate family.

Who Was Toukie Smith’s Family?

Smith’s family included several individuals connected to fashion and entertainment. Her brother, Willi Smith, was a celebrated fashion designer whose work influenced American streetwear.

She also had a brother named Norman Smith-Harllee, who was identified among her surviving family members following her death.

Her children with Robert De Niro are Airyn and Julian.

Smith also had a close relationship with her grandmother Gladys, who gave her the nickname Toukie that eventually became her professional name.

She valued her family connections and maintained a relatively private personal life despite her association with prominent entertainment figures.

Toukie Smith’s Cause of Death

Toukie Smith died on November 4, 2026, at a hospital in New York. She was 74. Her children, Airyn and Julian, confirmed the news on November 9, explaining that their mother had died following a long and courageous battle with multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic neurological condition that affects the central nervous system. It can interfere with communication between the brain and other parts of the body.

Her children remembered her as a woman whose beauty, grace, and presence helped influence generations of Black models and designers.

They also described her as a force of nature and expressed their love for their mother following her passing.

Further medical details about her illness were not publicly disclosed in the initial announcement.

Toukie Smith’s Legacy

Toukie Smith leaves behind a career that extended across modeling, acting, and business.

She became recognized in fashion during the 1970s, working with influential designers and earning recognition from Bloomingdale’s.

Her transition into acting brought her to television audiences through Miami Vice and 227. She also appeared in films that became part of her entertainment portfolio.

Her connection to Willi Smith placed her within an important chapter of American fashion history. Through her own modeling work and support for her brother, she contributed to a family legacy that extended beyond the entertainment industry.

Although her relationship with Robert De Niro brought additional public attention, Smith maintained an identity and career of her own.

Her children and the people who knew her will remember her for her personality, creative contributions, and influence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Toukie Smith

How old was Toukie Smith when she died?

Toukie Smith was 74 years old when she died on November 4, 2026.

What was Toukie Smith’s real name?

Her birth name was Doris Smith, also reported as Doris A. Smith. She became professionally known as Toukie Smith.

What was Toukie Smith famous for?

She was known for her modeling career and acting roles, particularly Eva Rawley on NBC’s 227 and her appearances on Miami Vice.

Was Toukie Smith married to Robert De Niro?

No. They were in a relationship from 1988 to 1996 but never married.

How many children did Toukie Smith have?

She had two children, twins Airyn and Julian, with Robert De Niro. They were born in October 1995 through surrogacy.

Who was Toukie Smith’s brother?

Her brother was fashion designer Willi Smith, the founder of the WilliWear fashion label.

What was Toukie Smith’s cause of death?

Her children confirmed that she died following a long battle with multiple sclerosis. She passed away in a New York hospital.

What movies and television shows featured Toukie Smith?

Her credits include 227, Miami Vice, Me and Him, Talkin’ Dirty After Dark, I Like It Like That, Joe’s Apartment, The Preacher’s Wife, and Goosed.

Was Toukie Smith a model before becoming an actress?

Yes. She began modeling in 1972 and established herself in the fashion industry before moving into acting during the 1980s.

Was Toukie Smith related to Willi Smith the fashion designer?

Yes. Willi Smith was her brother. He was an influential American designer known for making contemporary fashion more accessible.