Toukie Smith is a name that may not be familiar to many people today, but in the 1980s and 1990s, she was a successful model and actress who made a mark in the entertainment industry. She is also known for being the former partner of Robert De Niro, one of the most acclaimed actors of all time, and the mother of their twin sons. In this article, we will explore the life and career of Toukie Smith, from her humble beginnings in Philadelphia to her rise to fame and fortune.
Early Life and Modeling Career
Toukie Smith was born as Doris A. Smith on September 25, 1952, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was one of three children of a factory worker mother and a butcher father. Her brother, Willi Smith, was a famous fashion designer who founded the brand WilliWear Ltd. According to Wikipedia1, Toukie Smith attended Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.
She started her modeling career in 1972, working for some of the most prestigious brands and designers in the world, such as Chanel, Versace, Geoffrey Beene, Issey Miyake, Norma Kamali, Thierry Mugler, and Patrick Kelly. She also modeled for her brother’s brand and appeared in magazines like Vogue, ELLE, Ebony, Cosmopolitan, Redbook, and Seventeen. In 1978, she was named Bloomingdale’s Model of the Year and became the second African-American model to have a mannequin designed in her likeness.
Acting Career and Relationship with Robert De Niro
Toukie Smith made her acting debut in 1987, appearing in two episodes of the popular crime drama series Miami Vice. The following year, she starred in the comedy film Me and Him alongside Griffin Dunne and Ellen Greene. In 1989, she landed her most famous role as Eva Rawley on the NBC sitcom 227, which starred Marla Gibbs as a sassy housewife living in a Washington D.C. apartment building. Toukie Smith played Eva for two seasons until the show ended in 1990.
During this time, she also met Robert De Niro, who was already an Oscar-winning actor with iconic roles in films like Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, The Godfather Part II, and Goodfellas. The two started dating in 1988 and remained together until 1996. They never married but had twin sons together via in vitro fertilization and surrogate motherhood. Their sons, Aaron Kendrick De Niro and Julian Henry De Niro, were born in October 1995.
After her breakup with De Niro, Toukie Smith continued to act in films and television shows. Some of her notable credits include Talkin’ Dirty After Dark (1991), I Like It Like That (1994), Joe’s Apartment (1996), The Preacher’s Wife (1996), and Goosed (1999). She also opened a restaurant in New York City called Toukie’s in 1994.
Current Life and Legacy
Toukie Smith is now 70 years old and lives in Battery Park City in New York City. She is still active in the entertainment industry as an actress and producer. She has also been involved in various charitable causes over the years, such as AIDS awareness and education.
Toukie Smith is a remarkable woman who has achieved success in multiple fields and overcome many challenges. She is an inspiration to many people who aspire to pursue their dreams and passions. She is also a proud mother and grandmother who loves her family dearly.
Toukie Smith is more than just Robert De Niro’s ex-girlfriend or the actress from 227. She is a trailblazer who has left a lasting impression on the world of fashion and entertainment.
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