Robert De Niro’s ex Toukie Smith dies aged 74 as their children pay heartbreaking tribute

Toukie Smith, the model and actress who shared two children with Robert De Niro, has died aged 74.

Her twins, Airyn and Julian De Niro, confirmed that their mother died on November 4 in a New York hospital following a “long, courageous battle” with multiple sclerosis.

The announcement, reported by The Hollywood Reporter, remembered a woman whose career spanned international fashion, television and film.

“Toukie was a force of nature,” her children said, paying tribute to the lasting impression she made on those who knew her.

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Toukie Smith’s children remember their mother

Airyn and Julian, 31, honoured both their mother’s personal warmth and her contribution to fashion.

Their statement recognised the part she played in creating opportunities for later generations of Black models and designers, alongside the creative legacy of her family.

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Airyn also shared a personal tribute on Instagram, posting a photograph of herself with her mother.

The simple message offered a glimpse of the family’s grief, away from the public achievements for which Toukie was best known.

Toukie Smith’s relationship with Robert De Niro

Toukie and Robert began their relationship in 1988 and welcomed Airyn and Julian via surrogate in October 1995.

The couple separated in 1996, having largely kept their family life away from the spotlight throughout their relationship.

Although her connection to the Taxi Driver actor attracted attention, Toukie had already established a successful career of her own long before they became a couple.

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Toukie Smith’s career in fashion

Born Doris Smith in Philadelphia on September 25, 1952, Toukie took her professional name from a childhood nickname given to her by her grandmother.

She attended New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology and began modelling in 1972.

Her work brought her into the worlds of designers including Hubert de Givenchy, Thierry Mugler, Issey Miyake and Patrick Kelly, while her photographs appeared in publications such as Vogue, Ebony, Cosmopolitan and Seventeen.

In 1978, Bloomingdale’s named her its model of the year.

Toukie also modelled for her brother, celebrated designer Willi Smith, whose WilliWear label became known for inventive, accessible clothing. He died in 1987, aged 39.

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Toukie Smith’s roles in 227 and Miami Vice

Television viewers came to know Toukie through her role as Eva Rawley in the NBC sitcom 227, which starred Marla Gibbs.

She joined the comedy in 1989, playing an artist who moved into the show’s central apartment building and briefly became its manager. She appeared during the final two seasons.

Her screen career also included Miami Vice, where she played Angie, an assistant to Sheena Easton’s singer character, Caitlin Davies.

Film roles followed in Talkin’ Dirty After Dark, I Like It Like That, Joe’s Apartment and The Preacher’s Wife.

Airyn De Niro shares final message to Toukie Smith

Beyond fashion and acting, Toukie pursued her interest in food, running a catering business and later opening a restaurant bearing her name in New York.

As her family remembered those many chapters, Airyn’s tribute focused on their bond as mother and daughter.

Alongside their photograph together, she wrote: “I’ll always love you, Mom.”