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The entertainment industry is mourning the loss of actress and former model Toukie Smith, who has died at the age of 74 after a long battle with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Smith, who was widely recognised for her role in the television sitcom 227 and her appearance in Miami Vice, passed away in New York on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
Her death was confirmed by her twin children, Airyn and Julian, whom she shared with Hollywood actor Robert De Niro. They described her final battle with the disease as a long and courageous one.
Beyond her connection to De Niro, Smith built a career in acting and modelling. Her work in television and fashion made her a recognised face in the entertainment industry.
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Quick Summary: What Happened to Toukie Smith?
- Name: Toukie Smith, born Dorris Smith.
- Age: 74.
- Date of death: November 4, 2026.
- Place of death: New York.
- Reported illness: Multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Known for: 227, Miami Vice and modelling.
- Former partner: Hollywood actor Robert De Niro.
- Children: Twins Airyn and Julian.
Toukie Smith Dies After Long Battle With Multiple Sclerosis
Toukie Smith’s death followed what her children described as a long and courageous battle with multiple sclerosis.
Her twins confirmed the news in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. Their announcement brought attention to the actress’s difficult health journey and the loss felt by her family.
Multiple sclerosis is a long-term condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. It can interfere with the way the brain communicates with the rest of the body.
The condition affects people differently. Some experience fatigue, vision problems, numbness and difficulty with balance, while others may develop muscle stiffness, mobility problems or challenges with memory and concentration.
There is currently no cure for MS. However, medical treatment and support can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Smith’s children did not publicly provide further details about her illness in the report.
Who Was Toukie Smith?
Toukie Smith was an American actress and model who built a career in entertainment and fashion.
She was born Dorris Smith in 1952 but became known professionally as Toukie Smith. The name came from a nickname given to her by her grandmother.
In a 1990 interview with the Los Angeles Times, she explained the story behind the name.
She said it came from a children’s record about a little red fire engine full of energy. Smith also described herself as someone who had always been full of energy.
Her personality and appearance helped her establish a place in the modelling industry before she moved further into acting.
Her Acting Career and Role in 227
One of Toukie Smith’s best-known acting roles came in the NBC sitcom 227.
She joined the programme in 1989, initially appearing as a guest before taking on the character Eva Rawley.
The sitcom focused on the lives of residents in an apartment building. Marla Gibbs played the building’s landlord, Mary Jenkins.
Smith’s appearance on the show helped introduce her to a wider television audience.
She was also associated with the television series Miami Vice, adding another recognised production to her acting career.
Although she became known to some audiences through her relationship with Robert De Niro, her acting work and modelling achievements were important parts of her professional life.
Toukie Smith’s Successful Modelling Career
Before becoming widely recognised as an actress, Smith had already established herself in the fashion industry.
Her modelling career included work with major fashion brands and appearances in several popular magazines.
Some of her notable achievements included:
- Modelling in campaigns for Yves Saint Laurent.
- Appearing in Vogue.
- Being featured in Cosmopolitan.
- Appearing in Seventeen.
- Being featured in Ebony and Redbook.
- Becoming Bloomingdale’s first Model of the Year in 1978.
Her success showed that she had a strong presence in fashion long before her television career became prominent.
Toukie Smith and Robert De Niro’s Relationship
Toukie Smith also attracted public attention through her relationship with award-winning actor Robert De Niro.
The pair reportedly began dating in 1988. Their relationship remained largely private, and details about how they first met have not been publicly confirmed in the supplied report.
They welcomed twin children, Airyn and Julian, through a surrogate.
Smith and De Niro were reportedly together on and off for several years before their relationship ended in 1996.
Although they eventually went their separate ways, they remained connected through their children.
De Niro had previously been married to actress Diahnne Abbott before his relationship with Smith.
A Mother Remembered by Her Children
While Smith’s acting and modelling careers brought her public recognition, her family remained an important part of her life.
Her twins, Airyn and Julian, confirmed her death, bringing the news to the attention of fans and the entertainment industry.
Their announcement described the actress’s struggle with MS as long and courageous.
The loss is a reminder that behind every public figure is a family and a personal story that may not always be visible to the public.
For those who knew Smith through her television appearances, modelling work or connection to De Niro, her death marks the end of a life that crossed several parts of the entertainment world.
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis: The Disease Toukie Smith Battled
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord.
It happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering around nerve fibres. This can disrupt messages travelling between the brain and other parts of the body.
Common Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
Symptoms vary from person to person. They may include:
- Extreme tiredness or fatigue.
- Blurred vision or eye pain.
- Numbness or tingling in different parts of the body.
- Dizziness and difficulty maintaining balance.
- Muscle cramps, spasms and stiffness.
- Bladder control problems.
- Memory and concentration difficulties.
- Sexual health problems.
Can Multiple Sclerosis Be Cured?
There is currently no cure for multiple sclerosis.
However, treatment can help manage symptoms, reduce relapses in some people and support everyday functioning.
Treatment options may include:
- Disease-modifying therapies: These medicines can reduce disease activity and help slow progression in certain forms of MS.
- Symptom management: Medicines and other treatments can help with pain, muscle stiffness, fatigue and other symptoms.
- Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy and occupational therapy can help people maintain mobility and independence.
- Emotional support: Counselling, family support and support groups can help people cope with the challenges of living with a long-term condition.
Anyone experiencing possible symptoms should seek medical advice rather than attempting to diagnose the condition themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions About Toukie Smith
1. Who was Toukie Smith?
Toukie Smith was an American actress and model best known for her appearances in 227 and Miami Vice. She was also known as the former partner of actor Robert De Niro.
2. How old was Toukie Smith when she died?
Toukie Smith was 74 years old when she died on November 4, 2026, according to the report.
3. What disease did Toukie Smith battle?
Smith reportedly battled multiple sclerosis, commonly known as MS, for a long time before her death.
4. Was Toukie Smith married to Robert De Niro?
The report describes Smith and Robert De Niro as former partners. It does not state that they were married. They had twin children together through a surrogate.
5. How many children did Toukie Smith have with Robert De Niro?
Toukie Smith and Robert De Niro shared twin children named Airyn and Julian.
