Remembering Toukie Smith: A Fashion Icon and Beloved Actress Passes Away

Toukie Smith, the iconic American model and actress, has passed away at 74 after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. Known for her roles in 'Miami Vice' and '227', her vibrant legacy continues to inspire. Smith's personal life included a notable relationship with Robert De Niro and the joy of motherhood with her twin sons. Explore her remarkable journey through the worlds of fashion and television.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 10, 2026, 14:44 IST

A Life Remembered

Toukie Smith, the pioneering American model and actress, has sadly passed away at the age of 74 on November 4, 2026, after a long battle with multiple sclerosis, as confirmed by her twin children, Airyn and Julian.

In a heartfelt statement, her children celebrated her vibrant legacy, describing her as a remarkable force who left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered throughout her life and career.

A Multifaceted Career in Fashion and Entertainment

Born Doris A. Smith in Philadelphia on September 25, 1952, she gained fame as a model in the 1970s, which paved the way for her successful transition into acting. Notably, she was the sister of the renowned fashion designer Willi Smith.

Smith's television career took off in the late 1980s when she made her debut in the NBC crime series Miami Vice, appearing in three episodes during its fourth season as Angie, an assistant to a character portrayed by Sheena Easton. She later starred in the 1988 film Me and Him, but her most significant role came when she joined the cast of the beloved NBC sitcom 227.

Initially a guest star in the fourth season, her performance as Eva Rawley, the building manager, earned her a spot in the main cast for the show's fifth and final season, which aired from 1989 to 1990. Over her 24 episodes, she became a fan favorite. Throughout the 1990s, she continued to build her filmography with roles in projects like Talkin' Dirty After Dark, I Like It Like That, Joe's Apartment, and The Preacher's Wife, with her last screen appearance in the 1999 film Goosed.

Personal Life and Enduring Legacy

Outside of her professional life, Smith was known for her high-profile relationship with actor Robert De Niro, which lasted from 1988 to 1996. The couple welcomed twin sons, Airyn and Julian, through in vitro fertilization and surrogacy. She is also survived by her brother, Norman Smith-Harllee, and her nephew, Eliazar Smith.