'227' Actress And Model Toukie Smith Passed Away At The Age Of 74, What Was The Cause Of Her Death?
Toukie Smith died at age 74. The '227' actress and runway model's twins confirmed her passing. Here's the reason for her death.
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Add BollywoodShaadis on GoogleActress and runway model Toukie Smith passed away at age 74. Her twins, whom she shared with former partner Robert De Niro, confirmed the report about Toukie's passing. Toukie was a famous model of her time. In the 1970s and 1980s, Toukie became one of the high-fashion runway and print models who worked with several major brands, as well as her famous brother and legendary fashion designer, Willi Smith.
Beyond modeling, Toukie Smith drew attention in entertainment and is best known for her role as 'Eva Rawley' in the movie 227. The model, who also owned a restaurant, reportedly passed away on November 4, 2026. And it was on Monday (November 9, 2026) that Toukie's twins confirmed that their mom had passed away. One of her kids, Airyn, shared mom's photos on social media and wrote, "I'll always love you, Mom."
The reason for runway model Toukie Smith's passing at 74
According to a report by USA Today, Toukie Smith's twin revealed that their mother passed away after a 'long, courageous battle' with multiple sclerosis. While it was not revealed how long she had been suffering from the mentioned health issue, according to several public sources, multiple sclerosis occurs when the immune system attacks the protective sheath that covers the nerves.
Reportedly, there is no cure for the condition; however, the symptoms could be managed. Speaking of Toukie Smith, she was born Doris Smith in 1952, and her stage name was given by her grandmother. She once revealed that the name Toukie came from a children's label meaning 'energy,' and because she had a lot of energy, her grandmother nicknamed her 'Toukie'.
Toukie Smith's professional and personal life
Speaking of her professional life, Smith began her modeling career in 1972 while attending the Fashion Institute of Technology. She worked with some of the most famous designers in the world, including Yves Saint Laurent, Hubert de Givenchy, Thierry Mugler, Issey Miyake, and Patrick Kelly.
She even collaborated with Vogue, Ebony, and Cosmopolitan. She also worked with her designer brother, Willi Smith, who passed away at the age of 39 after complications from AIDS. Besides being seen in 227, she was also a part of movies like Talkin’ Dirty After Dark, I Like It Like That, and The Preacher’s Wife.
Toukie also made headlines with her personal life. She was in a relationship with Robert De Niro. While it was one of the much-talked-about tabloid topics, Toukie had rarely spoken about it. The duo reportedly started dating in 1988 and had been on and off. Speaking about the same, she once reportedly shared in an interview that what was private should be private.
The duo welcomed their twins, Airyn and Julian, in October 1995. Toukie and Robert conceived via IVF and welcomed their child via surrogacy, and it happened years after De Niro divorced Diahnne Abbott. 83-year-old Robert De Niro has been supportive of their kids. The father of 7, he supported Ariyn when his kid came out as transgender. However, he kept his personal life details with Smith mostly private. Ariyn, in an interview with Them, credited parents for their support.
We wish Toukie Smith's family strength during this tough time.
Photo Courtesy: Social Media
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