“I’ll Always Love You, Mom”: Robert De Niro’s Former Partner Toukie Smith Dies at 74 — Their Twins Share Heartbreaking Tribute After Her Long Battle With MS

For nearly five decades, Toukie Smith made her mark on American fashion and entertainment. She walked runways for legendary designers, appeared in some of television’s most memorable shows and raised twin children with Hollywood icon Robert De Niro. But behind her glamorous public image, the model and actress was confronting a difficult private battle with multiple sclerosis. On November 4, 2026, that journey came to an end in a New York hospital. Five days later, her children, Airyn and Julian De Niro, shared the heartbreaking news. Their tribute revealed not only the depth of their loss but also the remarkable woman they want the world to remember — a pioneering model, devoted mother and powerful presence whose influence extended far beyond Hollywood.

NEW YORK — November 11, 2026 — Model and actress Toukie Smith, remembered for her role in NBC’s 227 and her influential career in fashion, has died at the age of 74.

Smith passed away on Wednesday, November 4, at a hospital in New York following what her children described as a long and courageous battle with multiple sclerosis.

Her death was publicly confirmed on Monday, November 9, by her twin children, Airyn and Julian De Niro, whom she shared with Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro.

The siblings, both 31, released a statement remembering their mother as a remarkable woman who helped pave the way for future generations of Black models and designers.

They also celebrated her connection to one of American fashion’s most influential families.

Smith was the sister of the late designer Willi Smith, whose groundbreaking work helped transform the relationship between fashion and everyday streetwear.

Although her relationship with De Niro often drew attention, Toukie had established a successful career of her own long before their romance began.

Her passing marks the loss of a woman whose life connected fashion, television, family and an important chapter of Black American cultural history.

The Heartbreaking Announcement From Her Twins

Airyn and Julian announced their mother’s passing through a statement provided to The Hollywood Reporter.

They described her beauty, grace and unmistakable presence as qualities that helped expand opportunities for Black talent in fashion.

The siblings also spoke about the lasting influence of her family.

Their mother had grown up alongside Willi Smith, whose designs brought innovative yet accessible clothing to American consumers.

Together, they represented a creative family whose contributions reached across the fashion industry.

But beyond those professional accomplishments, the twins remembered a mother whose personality filled their lives.

“Toukie was a force of nature,” they said.

They added that she had left a lasting mark on their hearts and on those fortunate enough to know her.

Their statement captured both the public significance of their mother’s career and the private grief of losing her.

For Airyn and Julian, Toukie was not simply a former television actress or a famous Hollywood star’s former partner.

She was their mother.

Airyn De Niro Shares a Personal Goodbye

Following the announcement, Airyn De Niro posted a tribute to her mother on Instagram.

The message accompanied a childhood photograph.

Her words were brief.

“I’ll always love you, Mom.”

The simplicity of the tribute stood in contrast to the many professional accomplishments highlighted in obituaries.

There was no lengthy explanation.

No elaborate account of their relationship.

Just a daughter expressing her enduring love.

The photograph offered a personal glimpse into the life Toukie had largely kept away from public view.

Airyn has previously spoken about her relationship with her mother and the influence Toukie had on her identity.

The two shared a connection that extended beyond their family name.

For the twins, their mother’s death represents a profound personal loss, regardless of her celebrity status.

Her Long Battle With Multiple Sclerosis

Toukie’s children confirmed that their mother had experienced a prolonged battle with multiple sclerosis, commonly known as MS.

The condition affects the central nervous system.

It occurs when the immune system damages the protective covering of nerve fibers, interfering with communication between the brain and the rest of the body.

Symptoms can vary widely.

Some people experience fatigue, weakness, difficulty walking, vision problems or changes in coordination.

The course of the condition can also differ significantly between individuals.

Although treatments may help manage symptoms and slow disease progression, there is currently no cure.

The family did not disclose when Toukie was first diagnosed.

They also did not release detailed information about the medical complications she experienced before her death.

Their statement characterized her experience as a long and courageous battle.

That description provides important context without revealing the private details of her treatment.

A Final Chapter Away From the Spotlight

Toukie Smith maintained a relatively private life in her later years.

Unlike many celebrities, she did not regularly share extensive personal updates with the public.

Her relationship with Robert De Niro had ended decades earlier.

Her most prominent television performances were also behind her.

But she remained connected to the worlds of fashion, family and the creative legacy of her brother.

The public knew relatively little about her ongoing health struggles.

Only after her death did her children confirm that she had been living with multiple sclerosis.

She passed away at a New York hospital on November 4.

No detailed account of her final hours has been released.

The family has not disclosed the identities of everyone present.

The available statements establish that she died after a prolonged illness and that her children are mourning her loss.

Her final medical circumstances deserve the same privacy she maintained during much of her life.

Who Was Toukie Smith?

Toukie Smith was born Doris A. Smith on September 25, 1952, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

She grew up in a family with strong creative influences.

Her brother, Willi Smith, would become one of America’s most influential fashion designers.

Her own path into modeling began during the early 1970s.

She attended New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology and developed an interest in the industry.

Her distinctive appearance and confidence helped her secure opportunities with major designers.

She began modeling professionally in 1972.

Over the following years, Toukie developed a reputation for her elegance, energy and strong runway presence.

Her nickname came from her grandmother.

According to a previous interview, the name was inspired by a children’s recording about an energetic little red fire engine.

It suited a woman whose personality would later be remembered as larger than life.

Breaking Barriers in the Fashion Industry

During the 1970s and 1980s, Smith built a successful career at a time when Black models faced significant barriers in the fashion industry.

She worked with major designers, including Hubert de Givenchy, Issey Miyake and Thierry Mugler.

Her professional credits also included work associated with Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent.

She appeared in prominent magazines such as Vogue, Ebony, Cosmopolitan, Redbook and Seventeen.

Her accomplishments brought her increasing recognition.

In 1978, Bloomingdale’s named her its Model of the Year.

The honor reflected the visibility she had achieved in a highly competitive industry.

Smith became part of a generation of Black models who expanded representation on runways, in advertisements and in fashion publications.

Her children’s tribute emphasized that legacy.

They wanted the world to remember how her presence helped create space for those who followed.

The Famous Brother Who Helped Shape Her Career

Toukie’s brother, Willi Smith, was a pioneering American fashion designer.

He became known for developing stylish yet accessible clothing through his label WilliWear.

His work helped bring fashion closer to everyday life.

Rather than designing exclusively for wealthy consumers or high-fashion runways, Willi embraced clothing that was practical, creative and approachable.

He became particularly influential through his interpretation of streetwear.

Toukie modeled some of his designs and maintained a strong personal connection to his work.

Their relationship linked her modeling career to a broader movement in American fashion.

Willi died in 1987 at the age of 39 from complications associated with AIDS.

His loss was a major event in Toukie’s life.

She continued speaking about his achievements and preserving his legacy in the years that followed.

The Clothes She Refused to Forget

One particularly revealing detail about Toukie comes from her efforts to preserve her brother’s work.

In an earlier interview with the Los Angeles Times, she discussed keeping the clothing Willi had designed for her.

She explained that she had saved garments dating back to her childhood.

Her collection included the dress he created for her sixth-grade graduation.

She hoped that these pieces could one day become part of a fashion museum.

The ambition reflected her appreciation for her brother’s artistry.

For Toukie, the garments were not simply beautiful clothes.

They were pieces of family history.

They documented the growth of an influential designer and the creative relationship between two siblings.

Her role in preserving his memory became an important, though sometimes overlooked, part of her own legacy.

From Runways to Television Screens

After establishing herself as a successful model, Toukie moved into acting.

She appeared in the popular crime drama Miami Vice during the late 1980s.

The show was known for its stylish visual presentation, music and distinctive portrayal of Miami.

Her appearances helped introduce her to television audiences.

She later secured the role for which many viewers would remember her.

In 1989, she joined NBC’s sitcom 227.

The series followed the lives of residents in a Washington, D.C., apartment building.

It starred Marla Gibbs as Mary Jenkins and became a significant television program featuring a predominantly Black cast.

Smith portrayed Eva Rawley, an artist who became involved in the lives of the building’s residents.

Her performance brought another recognizable personality to the series.

The Role That Made Her a Familiar Face

227 aired from 1985 to 1990.

The program became popular for its humor, family relationships and portrayals of everyday community life.

Toukie joined during the show’s later seasons.

Her character, Eva Rawley, became an important part of the ensemble.

For many viewers, it was their first introduction to the former runway model.

The transition from fashion to television allowed Smith to reach audiences who may not have followed her modeling career.

It also demonstrated her ability to establish herself in different creative environments.

Although her acting career was not as extensive as those of some Hollywood stars, her work remained recognizable decades later.

Following news of her death, 227 was among the productions most frequently mentioned in tributes.

Her Other Film and Television Appearances

Smith continued working in entertainment after 227.

Her screen credits included Talkin’ Dirty After Dark, I Like It Like That and The Preacher’s Wife.

She also appeared in Joe’s Apartment.

These projects reflected her range across comedy, drama and mainstream entertainment.

She was part of an era when performers increasingly moved between modeling, television and film.

Her career did not depend on a single role.

Instead, she developed a body of work through different opportunities.

For some audiences, she remained Eva from 227.

For others, she was a familiar face from fashion magazines or films.

That variety was part of what made her career distinctive.

Her Eight-Year Relationship With Robert De Niro

Toukie Smith began dating Robert De Niro in 1988.

At the time, De Niro was already an internationally recognized actor.

His film credits included The Godfather Part II, Taxi Driver and Raging Bull.

The couple’s relationship attracted interest because both were established figures in entertainment.

They remained together until 1996.

Although they were romantically involved for approximately eight years, they never married.

Their relationship was relatively private compared with many high-profile celebrity romances.

Both continued pursuing their professional interests.

In 1995, they welcomed twins, Julian and Airyn.

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

Their arrival created a lasting family connection between the former couple.

The Twins Who Became the Center of Her Life

Julian and Airyn De Niro were born in October 1995.

Now 31, they are part of Robert De Niro’s large family.

Their father has seven children in total.

But for Toukie, the twins were her two children.

She largely kept the details of their upbringing away from the media.

Julian later pursued acting.

Airyn has spoken publicly about her personal journey and family relationships.

Despite their connection to one of Hollywood’s most famous actors, the twins have developed identities and interests of their own.

The statement announcing their mother’s death reflected their desire to honor her as an individual.

They celebrated the woman who raised them and the cultural legacy she represented.

Their tribute was not centered on their father’s fame.

It was centered on their mother.

An Entrepreneur Beyond Fashion and Hollywood

Toukie’s professional interests also extended into food and hospitality.

She operated a catering business called Toukie’s Taste.

She later opened a restaurant in New York under her own name.

The restaurant attracted attention during the 1990s.

It reflected her interest in creating experiences outside the entertainment industry.

The business also connected with her family’s charitable activities.

Accounts of her career describe the restaurant as supporting initiatives associated with the Smith Family Foundation.

The restaurant eventually closed in 1996.

But the venture demonstrated another side of Toukie’s personality.

She was willing to explore opportunities beyond the profession that had first made her famous.

Her career included modeling, acting and entrepreneurship.

Together, those activities reflected a woman who did not confine herself to one identity.

Why Her Legacy Matters

For some readers, Toukie Smith’s name is familiar primarily because of her former relationship with Robert De Niro.

But her achievements began long before they met.

She established a successful modeling career in the 1970s.

She worked with influential international designers.

She appeared in major magazines.

She earned recognition from Bloomingdale’s.

And she became a recognizable television actress.

Her family’s creative influence also extended into the history of American streetwear.

Through Willi Smith’s designs and Toukie’s own fashion work, the siblings helped shape an important cultural period.

That is the legacy her children emphasized when announcing her death.

They wanted her to be remembered for what she contributed, not only for the famous people connected to her life.

A Family Faces an Irreplaceable Loss

Toukie’s passing leaves behind two adult children, Airyn and Julian.

She is also survived by other relatives, including her brother Norman Smith-Harllee and nephew Eliazar Smith-Harllee.

Their loss is deeply personal.

Her family’s public statement did not include extensive details about funeral arrangements.

It focused instead on her life and influence.

Airyn’s Instagram tribute offered the most intimate expression of that grief.

A childhood photograph.

A few simple words.

And a promise of enduring love.

The image reminded followers that a person who had appeared on runways and television screens was also a mother whose children had grown up with her presence in their lives.

For those children, the memories are not confined to magazine covers or film credits.

They are memories of home, family and ordinary moments the public never saw.

The Woman Behind the Headlines

Toukie Smith lived much of her adult life in the public eye.

She became a successful model.

She appeared in popular television programs.

She had a relationship with one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors.

But she also guarded her private life.

She built a family.

She preserved her brother’s creative legacy.

And she pursued interests beyond the entertainment industry.

Her later battle with multiple sclerosis was not widely discussed before her death.

That privacy is an important part of how she chose to live.

The details of her illness are limited.

But the words of her children make clear how they want her to be remembered.

As a strong, graceful and influential woman.

As someone whose work helped expand representation.

And as a mother whose presence could never be replaced.

A Final Goodbye to Toukie Smith

On November 4, 2026, Toukie Smith passed away in New York at the age of 74.

On November 9, her children confirmed the heartbreaking news.

Their statement celebrated a woman whose life had crossed several worlds.

Fashion.

Television.

Film.

Business.

And family.

Her work helped create opportunities for Black talent in an industry that had not always offered equal visibility.

Her performances brought her into American homes through television.

And her dedication to preserving Willi Smith’s work helped keep an important piece of fashion history alive.

Robert De Niro may be one of the most famous names associated with her life, but Toukie Smith had already built a remarkable story of her own.

She was a model who broke barriers.

An actress remembered by generations of viewers.

A sister who treasured her family’s creative history.

And a mother whose children described her as an unforgettable force of nature.

Her battle with multiple sclerosis has ended.

But the accomplishments and relationships that defined her life remain.

Perhaps the most meaningful tribute came from her daughter Airyn.

“I’ll always love you, Mom.”

Those words say what no long list of achievements can fully express.

Toukie Smith’s public career made her known.

Her family remembers the woman behind it.

And her legacy will continue through the people she inspired, the work she left behind and the children who carry her memory forward.