Remembering Toukie Smith: Trailblazing Model and Beloved ‘227’ Actress Dies at 74
NEW YORK, November 9, 2026 — Toukie Smith, the pioneering fashion model and actress whose work spanned designer runways, the NBC sitcom 227 and major motion pictures, has died at 74. Her children, Airyn and Julian De Niro, confirmed that she died November 4 in a New York hospital following what they described as a long battle with multiple sclerosis.
Born Doris A. Smith in Philadelphia in 1952, she built a career that challenged narrow expectations of Black beauty in fashion and brought her distinctive style and personality to television audiences.
From Philadelphia to the world’s fashion runways
Smith studied at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology and began modeling in 1972. Her career took her into the orbit of leading designers, including Hubert de Givenchy, Thierry Mugler, Issey Miyake and Yves Saint Laurent. Her photographs appeared in publications including Vogue, Ebony and Cosmopolitan.
In 1978, Bloomingdale’s named her Model of the Year. At a time when Black models still faced significant barriers to prominent fashion assignments, Smith helped broaden the image of glamour presented to American audiences.
Her family also contributed to fashion history. Her brother, the late Willi Smith, was the influential designer behind WilliWear, a label celebrated for bringing accessible, expressive streetwear into the mainstream.
A memorable presence on 227
After establishing herself in fashion, Smith transitioned to acting in the late 1980s. She appeared on Miami Vice and became widely known as Eva Rawley on NBC’s 227, the beloved sitcom starring Marla Gibbs. Her appearances during the show’s final seasons introduced her to a wider television audience.
Smith’s film credits included Talkin’ Dirty After Dark, I Like It Like That, Joe’s Apartment and The Preacher’s Wife. She also pursued entrepreneurial ventures, including a restaurant in New York City.
Family remembers a mother
Smith’s twins, Airyn and Julian De Niro, announced her death on November 9. She shared the children with actor Robert De Niro, with whom she had a relationship from 1988 to 1996. Her family said she had battled multiple sclerosis, a chronic neurological disease affecting the central nervous system.
In a social-media tribute, Airyn expressed enduring love for her mother. The family has not publicly provided extensive additional details about Smith’s illness.
More than one chapter in entertainment history
Smith’s life cannot be reduced to a single television role or famous relationship. She made her mark in fashion before moving into acting, connecting two industries in which Black women have often had to fight for visibility and opportunity. Her work and presence remain part of the cultural history of American fashion and television.
The Brownstone perspective
At Brownstone Worldwide, we remember Toukie Smith as a woman who moved across creative worlds with confidence: from fashion editorials and runways to sitcom television and film. Her career reminds us that Black cultural influence has never been confined to one medium.
We extend condolences to her children, family, friends and those who grew up watching her work.
Question for the Neighborhood: What is your favorite memory of Toukie Smith—her fashion career, her role on 227, or one of her films?
