Remembering Toukie Smith: ‘227’ actress and trailblazing model dies at 74 after multiple sclerosis battle

NEW YORK — Toukie Smith, the trailblazing model, actress and former longtime partner of Academy Award-winning actor Robert De Niro, has died at 74.

Smith, best known for portraying Eva Rawley on NBC’s popular sitcom 227, died Nov. 4 at a New York hospital following a lengthy battle with multiple sclerosis.

Smith and De Niro shared an eight-year relationship from 1988 to 1996. Although they never married, the couple welcomed twin children, Airyn and Julian De Niro, in October 1995.

Their children confirmed Smith’s death in a statement released Nov. 9, remembering their mother as a remarkable woman whose influence extended beyond entertainment.

Beyond her Hollywood connections, Smith built an accomplished career in fashion, television and film. She helped break barriers for Black models during an era when the industry offered limited opportunities.

Toukie Smith’s Children Pay Tribute to Their Mother

In a statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter, Airyn and Julian remembered their mother’s personality, accomplishments and lasting influence.

“Toukie was a force of nature,” the siblings said. “She left an indelible mark on our hearts and on everyone lucky enough to know her.”

The twins also recognized their mother’s contributions to fashion and her family’s creative legacy.

Meanwhile, Airyn shared a childhood photograph with Smith on Instagram, accompanied by a heartfelt message.

“I’ll always love you, Mom,” she wrote.

In a 2025 interview with Them, Airyn recalled hearing relatives speak warmly about her mother during family gatherings.

“Whenever I’m at a family gathering on my dad’s side, people would always talk about how much they love my mom,” Airyn said.

She also remembered hearing how happy her father had been during his relationship with Smith.

“I want to be remembered the way that people remember her,” Airyn said.

From Philadelphia to International Fashion Runways

Born Doris Smith on Sept. 25, 1952, in Philadelphia, Smith received her nickname from her grandmother.

She later attended New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology before launching her modeling career in 1972.

Smith worked with renowned designers, including Hubert de Givenchy, Thierry Mugler, Issey Miyake and Patrick Kelly.

Her photographs appeared in major publications, including Vogue, Ebony, Cosmopolitan and Seventeen.

In 1978, Bloomingdale’s recognized Smith as its Model of the Year, marking another milestone in her career.

Toukie Smith’s Close Bond With Brother Willi Smith

Smith also shared a close personal and professional relationship with her older brother, acclaimed fashion designer Willi Smith.

He founded WilliWear, a groundbreaking fashion label that brought accessible, street-inspired clothing into mainstream fashion.

Toukie frequently modeled his designs and supported his creative vision.

However, tragedy struck the family when Willi died in 1987 at 39 from AIDS-related complications.

Smith later worked to preserve her brother’s legacy and discussed her hopes of establishing a museum showcasing his designs.

Toukie Smith Found Television Success on ‘227’

After establishing herself in fashion, Smith transitioned into acting during the 1980s.

She appeared on NBC’s crime drama Miami Vice before joining the cast of 227 in 1989.

Smith portrayed Eva Rawley, an artist who moved into the show’s apartment building and later became its manager.

The popular sitcom starred Marla Gibbs and followed a middle-class Black family living in Washington, D.C.

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

Beyond acting, she explored entrepreneurship through a catering business and a New York restaurant.

Smith is survived by her children, Airyn and Julian, her brother Norman Smith-Harllee and her nephew Eliazar Smith-Harllee.