The actress and former supermodel died in New York after a prolonged battle with multiple sclerosis, leaving behind a legacy in entertainment, fashion and her family.

NEW YORK — November 9, 2026 — Toukie Smith, the celebrated model and actress best known for her role on the NBC sitcom 227, has died at the age of 74 following a long battle with multiple sclerosis.

Her death was confirmed by her children, twins Airyn and Julian De Niro, whom she shared with Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro.

According to a statement the twins provided to The Hollywood Reporter, Smith died on Wednesday, November 4, at a New York hospital after what they described as a prolonged and courageous struggle with the neurological disease.

The news has brought renewed attention to Smith's decades-long career, which included groundbreaking work in fashion, memorable television appearances and roles in several Hollywood films.

Toukie Smith's Children Confirm Her Death

Smith's children confirmed the loss on Monday, November 9.

Her daughter, Airyn De Niro, also shared an emotional tribute on social media, posting a photograph of herself with her mother.

Alongside the image, Airyn wrote, "I’ll always love you, Mom."

She later shared another tribute through Instagram Stories, honoring her mother's memory.

The messages offered a personal glimpse into the family's grief following Smith's death.

USA TODAY reported that it had contacted representatives for Robert De Niro and Julian De Niro for additional comment.

Toukie Smith's Battle With Multiple Sclerosis

Smith had been living with multiple sclerosis, commonly known as MS, a chronic neurological condition affecting the central nervous system.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the disease occurs when the immune system attacks myelin, the protective covering surrounding nerve fibers.

This damage can interfere with communication between the brain and other parts of the body.

Symptoms vary considerably but may include numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, coordination difficulties and problems with walking.

Although there is currently no cure for multiple sclerosis, treatments are available to help manage symptoms and, in some cases, slow disease progression.

Smith's family described her illness as a lengthy struggle, although the original report did not specify when she was diagnosed.

From Doris Smith to Toukie Smith

Born Doris Smith, the future actress and fashion model became widely known by the nickname Toukie.

In a 1990 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Smith explained that her grandmother gave her the nickname after hearing a children's record featuring an energetic little red fire engine.

The name reflected Smith's lively personality and remained with her throughout her professional career.

Long before she became a familiar face on television, Smith had already established herself in the fashion industry.

A Remarkable Career in Fashion

Smith began modeling in 1972 while attending New York's Fashion Institute of Technology.

Her career quickly developed as she worked with some of the industry's most influential designers and fashion houses.

Among the designers associated with her modeling career were Yves Saint Laurent, Hubert de Givenchy, Thierry Mugler, Issey Miyake and Patrick Kelly.

Her photographs appeared in prominent publications, including Vogue, Ebony, Cosmopolitan, Redbook and Seventeen.

In 1978, Bloomingdale's recognized Smith as its Model of the Year, marking an important achievement in her fashion career.

She also worked with her brother, the influential fashion designer Willi Smith.

Willi, known for his contributions to accessible American fashion, died in 1987 at the age of 39 from complications related to AIDS.

Toukie Smith's success helped establish her as a recognizable figure in the fashion world before she transitioned into acting.

Her Breakthrough Role on NBC's ‘227’

During the early 1980s, Smith began moving away from full-time modeling to pursue opportunities in television and film.

She appeared in the fourth season of NBC's Miami Vice, the popular crime drama starring Don Johnson.

Her major television breakthrough came in 1989 when she joined the cast of the NBC sitcom 227.

Smith portrayed Eva Rawley, appearing alongside actress Marla Gibbs.

The role introduced her to a wider television audience and became one of the most recognizable performances of her acting career.

The sitcom, which focused on the lives and relationships of residents in a Washington, D.C., apartment building, remains a memorable part of American television history.

Film Roles and Business Ventures

Following her television success, Smith continued working in entertainment throughout the 1990s.

Her film appearances included Talkin' Dirty After Dark, I Like It Like That and The Preacher's Wife.

These projects allowed her to expand beyond television comedy and demonstrate her versatility as a performer.

Smith also pursued business interests outside the entertainment industry.

During the 1990s, she opened a restaurant bearing her name on West Houston Street in New York City.

Her career reflected a willingness to explore different creative and professional opportunities, from fashion runways to television sets and entrepreneurship.

Her Relationship With Robert De Niro

Smith was also known for her longtime relationship with acclaimed actor Robert De Niro.

The couple began dating in 1988 and remained together for several years.

In 1995, they welcomed twins Airyn and Julian De Niro.

The children were conceived through in vitro fertilization and born through a surrogate.

Smith and De Niro ended their relationship in 1996.

Although their romantic relationship concluded, they remained connected through their children.

The twins' confirmation of their mother's death and Airyn's public tribute have placed the family's loss at the center of the news.

Remembering Toukie Smith's Legacy

Toukie Smith built a career that crossed several areas of American popular culture.

As a model, she worked with internationally recognized designers and appeared in leading fashion magazines.

As an actress, she became familiar to television viewers through 227 and continued performing in films during the 1990s.

Her professional achievements were accompanied by her role as a mother and her connections to a family deeply involved in the entertainment industry.

Smith's story also reflects the influence of Black models and performers who helped shape fashion and television during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.

Her work remains part of that cultural history.

Final Thoughts

Toukie Smith's death at 74 marks the loss of a woman whose talents extended across fashion, television, film and business.

From her early modeling success to her memorable portrayal of Eva Rawley on 227, Smith established a distinctive presence in the entertainment world.

Her battle with multiple sclerosis also adds a deeply personal dimension to the news of her passing.

She is remembered not only for her achievements in the public eye, but also as a mother whose loss is being mourned by her children, Airyn and Julian De Niro.

Her contributions to fashion and entertainment remain an enduring part of her legacy.