By admin 
The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Toukie Smith, the actress and former fashion model who rose to fame through her work in television and the fashion industry. Smith, who also shared two children with Hollywood star Robert De Niro, has died at the age of 74 following a lengthy battle with multiple sclerosis.
Her twin children, Airyn and Julian, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. According to the family, Smith passed away on November 4 at a hospital in New York.
Remembering their mother, the twins described her as a “force of nature,” expressing how deeply she had touched their lives and the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Born Doris Smith in Philadelphia on September 25, 1952, she eventually became known professionally as Toukie, a nickname given to her by her grandmother.
Her journey to success began in the world of fashion. After graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York in 1972, Smith entered the modeling industry and quickly attracted attention.
Throughout her career, she worked with some of the most respected names in fashion, including Hubert de Givenchy, Thierry Mugler and Issey Miyake. Her growing influence eventually earned her the title of Bloomingdale’s Model of the Year in 1978.
But Smith wasn’t content to limit herself to modeling. She soon explored acting, opening another chapter in a career that would take her to television and the big screen.
She appeared in popular productions, including Miami Vice, before securing one of her best-known roles as Eva Rawley in the NBC sitcom 227 in 1989.
Her film credits also included Talkin’ Dirty After Dark, I Like It Like That and The Preacher’s Wife, further establishing her presence in the entertainment industry.
Her relationship with Robert De Niro and their two children
Beyond her professional achievements, Smith’s personal life attracted public attention through her relationship with Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro.
The two began dating in 1988 and remained together until 1996. During their relationship, they welcomed twin children, Airyn and Julian, in October 1995 through a surrogate.
Despite their connection to one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, Smith and De Niro generally kept their family life away from public attention.
In a 1990 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Smith offered a simple explanation for her preference for privacy.
“What’s great about a private life is it’s private,” she said.
It was a perspective she appeared to maintain throughout much of her life, choosing to let her professional work speak for itself rather than constantly sharing details of her personal world.
Smith’s passing marks the end of a life that crossed two demanding industries, fashion and entertainment, while leaving behind a legacy through her work and, most importantly, her family.
Robert De Niro had not publicly commented on her death at the time of publication.
Our deepest condolences go out to Airyn, Julian and everyone who loved Toukie Smith. May she rest in peace.