Toukie Smith death, Digi Mart USA News: Actress and model Toukie Smith has died at the age of 74 at a hospital in New York, according to her twins, Airyn and Julian De Niro, who confirmed the death to The Hollywood Reporter. The family said Smith died after a long and courageous battle with multiple sclerosis.
The twins are the children of actor Robert De Niro, with whom Smith was in a relationship between 1988 and 1996. The children were conceived using eggs and sperm from the couple and a surrogate mother, as Smith did not carry them herself.
In a statement, the children said Smith was part of a remarkable family legacy “that helped shape American fashion and culture.” They also said her beauty, grace and distinctive radiance helped pave the way for generations of Black models and designers in the fashion world.
Smith first became known as a fashion model and was named Model of the Year by the department store Bloomingdale’s in 1978. She was also only the second African American model to have a mannequin made in her likeness.
She modeled for well-known brands including Issey Miyake and Givenchy.
Smith later turned to acting. She is best known for roles in the series 227 and Miami Vice.
She appeared in 24 episodes of 227 between 1989 and 1990, and played Angie in three episodes of Miami Vice between 1987 and 1988. She also appeared in films including Joe’s Apartment, Talkin’ Dirty After Dark and The Preacher’s Wife.
Her brother was the well-known fashion designer Willi Smith, who died of AIDS in 1987 at age 39. Smith had previously modeled and walked the runway for his brand.
Willi Smith once owned a restaurant in New York named after her, called Toukie’s.
