Toukie Smith, Former Partner of Robert De Niro and '227' Actress, Dead at 74 — Her Children Release a Personal Statement

Toukie Smith, the former model and "227" actress who shared twin children with Robert De Niro, has died. Her family has revealed what she faced before her death.

The actress died on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at a New York hospital. Her children, Airyn and Julian, later shared a statement honoring their mother's career and the impression she left on those who knew her.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Toukie was known to television audiences for playing Eva Rawley on NBC's "227."

She joined the sitcom in 1989 alongside Marla Gibbs, who played Mary Jenkins. Toukie portrayed an artist who moved into the Lexington Place apartment building and later helped manage the property.

The role introduced her to a wider television audience, but her career in the spotlight had begun nearly two decades earlier.

Toukie's Rise to Fame Was Closely Tied to Her Family

Born Doris Smith in Philadelphia on September 25, 1952, Toukie began modeling in 1972 after attending the Fashion Institute of Technology.

She worked with designers including Hubert de Givenchy, Thierry Mugler, Issey Miyake, and Patrick Kelly. Her work appeared in Vogue, Ebony, Cosmopolitan, Redbook, and Seventeen. She also modeled for Yves Saint Laurent.

In 1978, Bloomingdale's named her model of the year. Her career also brought her together with photographers Jean-Paul Goude and Guy Bourdin.

Fashion was already part of her family through her older brother, Willi Smith, the influential designer behind WilliWear.

Toukie modeled Willi's creations during her early career. He died in 1987 at age 39 from complications related to AIDS, a loss she would later discuss publicly.

Toukie eventually expanded into acting. Before "227," she appeared in three episodes of "Miami Vice," playing Angie, an assistant to Caitlin Davies, portrayed by Sheena Easton.

Her film credits included "Talkin' Dirty After Dark" (1991), "I Like It Like That" (1994), "Joe's Apartment" (1996), and "The Preacher's Wife" (1996). She also operated a restaurant bearing her name on West Houston Street in New York during the 1990s.

Away from her professional work, Toukie's relationship with Robert De Niro drew public attention. The two were partners from 1988 to 1996.

They became parents to twins Airyn and Julian, who were conceived through in vitro fertilization and delivered by a surrogate mother. Years later, the twins would speak publicly about a difficult part of their mother's life.

Airyn and Julian Reveal What Their Mother Faced Before Her Death

In their announcement, Airyn and Julian revealed that Toukie had been living with multiple sclerosis (MS).

According to the Mayo Clinic, MS is a disease in which the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers, disrupting communication between the brain and the rest of the body.

The condition can cause weakness, numbness, vision changes, and difficulty walking. Symptoms and progression vary from person to person. Although there is no cure, treatments can help manage the disease.

The twins described their mother's experience as a "long, courageous battle." The family did not disclose when Toukie was diagnosed, which symptoms she experienced, or whether MS directly caused her death.

Their statement also acknowledged Toukie's contribution to fashion, particularly her role as a Black model. They said their mother "shared in a remarkable family legacy that helped shape American fashion and culture."

"Her beauty, grace and unmistakable presence helped pave the way for generations of Black models and designers in fashion," they added.

The twins also spoke about the impression Toukie made on people beyond her professional accomplishments. "Toukie was a force of nature," they said. "She left an indelible mark on our hearts and on everyone lucky enough to know her."

Airyn's Personal Tribute Offers a Different Glimpse of Toukie

Airyn shared a personal Instagram tribute featuring a childhood photograph of herself with Toukie.

In the image, Toukie wears a white top, large hoop earrings, and braided hair decorated with a pink flower. She smiles while holding a young Airyn close, who is also smiling.

"I'll always love you, Mom 💗," Airyn wrote in the post. The image joined other family photographs Airyn had shared before her mother's death.

On September 27, 2024, she posted a birthday photograph showing Toukie seated at the center of a restaurant table. Four loved ones gather around her, leaning toward the camera, while a colorful birthday balloon hangs behind them.

"Happy Birthday mom I love you so much 💗," Airyn wrote.

An earlier post from January 2024 captured a moment from the twins' infancy.

In the photograph, Toukie wears a bright red outfit and holds one baby, while Robert, dressed in black, carries the other. Both children wear light-colored clothing as their parents pose close together.

Airyn captioned the image, "I'm definitely more like my mama 💗🥹."

Airyn's words also hinted at a deeper connection. Before Toukie's death, she had spoken about the qualities she recognized in her mother and hoped to develop in herself.

Some of those qualities were apparent in an interview Toukie gave years before her children became adults.

Decades Earlier, Toukie Shared a More Private Side of Her Life

In a February 1990 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Toukie discussed losing her mother and older brother in consecutive years.

Her mother died in 1986, followed by Willi in 1987. Toukie described her brother's death as "devastating." She said therapy, support groups, singing, and the support of family and friends helped her cope.

Toukie was also involved in organizing a benefit in Willi's memory. The event, connected to Willi Smith Day in New York, was intended to support organizations serving children, including those affected by AIDS.

She wanted the celebration to reflect her brother's playful approach to design and his belief that fashion should be accessible.

"Willi always had fun with fashion," she told the newspaper. "He had a special energy and a love of keeping clothes from being too serious."

Toukie had preserved clothing Willi designed for her, including a dress from her sixth-grade graduation. She also discussed the possibility of establishing a fashion museum to display his creations.

The interview revealed her humor and individuality as well. Toukie spoke about experimenting with hairstyles, wearing colorful clothes, and resisting conventional expectations about a model's appearance.

"I'm round, Honey. I'm not angular," she said while discussing her figure.

Although she spoke candidly about family and fashion, Toukie was more guarded when asked about Robert. "What's great about a private life is it's private," she told the newspaper.

Her comments reflected a distinction she maintained between sharing her experiences and protecting her closest relationships.

Decades later, Airyn would describe how Toukie's confidence and warmth had shaped her own approach to life.

Airyn Once Revealed What She Hoped to Carry Forward From Her Mother

In an April 2025 interview with Them, Airyn discussed the women who influenced her identity, including Toukie.

Airyn, who is transgender, spoke about how embracing her femininity and feeling more connected to her Black identity had brought her closer to the women she admired.

"I think a big part of [my transition] is also the influence Black women have had on me," she said. "I think stepping into this new identity, while also being more proud of my Blackness, makes me feel closer to them in some way."

Toukie's influence was especially personal. Airyn recalled watching her mother interact with others in public. She admired the way Toukie carried herself and made people feel welcome.

"The way [my mom] would conduct or hold herself, the way that I saw her interact with others in public when I was younger, I see myself emulating that in some way," Airyn said.

Her admiration was reinforced by stories relatives shared about Toukie.

Airyn recalled that people on Robert's side of the family often spoke about how much they loved her mother. They also remembered how happy Robert had been during their relationship.

Those conversations gave Airyn another perspective on the impression Toukie had made on people.

While Toukie's modeling and acting careers had brought her public recognition, Airyn was drawn to the personal qualities she had witnessed growing up. She wanted to carry forward her mother's warmth and ability to connect with others.

Speaking months before Toukie's death, Airyn De Niro expressed a wish that now adds meaning to the family photos and tributes she has shared. "I want to be like that," she told Them. "I want to be remembered the way that people remember her."