The family of Robert De Niro is experiencing profound grief following the death of his former partner, model and actress Toukie Smith, who succumbed to multiple sclerosis after a long battle.
Smith, who had twins Airyn and Julian with De Niro, passed away on November 4 at the age of 74.
The heartbreaking news comes from her children, who shared that their mother showed incredible strength throughout her illness.
This loss adds to the string of personal challenges the De Niro family has encountered recently.
Toukie Smith was well-known for her notable modeling career and her role as Eva Rawley on the NBC sitcom 227, where she starred alongside Regina King and Marla Gibbs.
A Philadelphia native, born Doris A. Smith in 1952, she entered the modeling world in the 1970s, encouraged by her brother, famous fashion designer Willi Smith.
Her unique look and vibrant personality established her as a leading figure in the industry.
Throughout her career, Smith collaborated with top luxury brands like Chanel, Versace, and Yves Saint Laurent.
Smith harbored dreams beyond modeling and ventured into acting, landing roles in productions like 227, Miami Vice, and Joe’s Apartment.
Toukie Smith, a model and 227 star who also shared two kids with ex Robert De Niro, died Nov. 4, her and De Niro’s children confirmed in a statement. She was 74. https://t.co/z8YmF2Km94 https://t.co/aU4vBO6Uzr
— E! News (@enews) November 10, 2026
Despite her success, she faced unexpected challenges in her transition to Hollywood. “Everybody has to get it right,” she once remarked, affirming her dedication to acting.
Smith also humorously commented on the harsh realities of breaking into acting compared to modeling.
She began her relationship with De Niro in 1988, around the time of his divorce from Diahnne Abbott, but kept much of their romance private.
In a 1990 interview, Smith expressed her appreciation for their private life.
Though their romantic relationship ended, they welcomed their twins via surrogate on October 20, 1995, and continued to co-parent post-separation.
Both Airyn and Julian have pursued interests in entertainment, with Julian finding success as an actor in Broadway and television.
Airyn has publicly acknowledged the impact her mother had on those around her, reflecting on the love and joy Smith brought to family gatherings.
“I want to be remembered the way that people remember her,” Airyn shared, highlighting her mother’s legacy.
Apart from her acting and modeling career, Smith was a committed philanthropist and businesswoman.
In 1994, she opened Toukie’s in Manhattan, contributing part of its profits to AIDS-related causes, honoring her brother who passed away from the disease.
“It’s time for us to come together, to connect,” she said about her restaurant.
Her lively personality was mirrored in her unusual nickname, inspired by a children’s song.
Smith’s prolonged battle with multiple sclerosis, a debilitating neurological condition affecting movement and coordination, ultimately took her life.
Details about her final days remain undisclosed, but she leaves behind her children Airyn and Julian, who confirmed her passing nearly thirty years after she and De Niro celebrated their births.
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