Toukie Smith: Life, Career, Age, Net Worth, Relationships, and Connection to Robert De Niro

When discussing iconic women who bridged the worlds of fashion, acting, and celebrity culture in the late 20th century, Toukie Smith deserves a front-row seat. Known both for her luminous modeling career and her television acting roles, she also became a figure of public fascination because of her long-term relationship with Hollywood legend Robert De Niro. But behind the headlines lies a rich personal history of resilience, artistry, and individuality.

This article takes a deep dive into who Toukie Smith is, her age, career trajectory, net worth, personal relationships, family ties, and her role as the mother of De Niro’s twin sons. If you’ve ever searched for “who is Toukie Smith” or wanted to know more about her kids, connections, and legacy, here is a comprehensive profile.

Who Is Toukie Smith?

Toukie Smith, born Doris A. Smith on September 25, 1952, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, rose to fame in the late 1970s and 1980s as both a fashion model and an actress. She is widely celebrated for her role as Eva Rawley in the NBC sitcom 227 (1989–1990), but her career spans multiple domains.

Her nickname “Toukie” came from a childhood moniker, and over the years it became the name she was best known by in both fashion and Hollywood circles. Toukie stood out in an industry that often excluded women of color, and she became one of the rare Black models to gain global recognition during the 1970s and 1980s.

Beyond entertainment, she is also notable as the younger sister of the late Willi Smith, the acclaimed fashion designer behind the clothing brand WilliWear, one of the most successful fashion labels of its time.

Toukie Smith’s Age

Born in 1952, Toukie Smith is 73 years old as of 2025. Despite the passing of decades since her modeling heyday, her name continues to circulate in discussions about fashion pioneers and women who broke barriers in media.

Modeling Career: From Runways to Global Recognition

Before acting, Smith had a vibrant modeling career. She modeled for Chanel, Versace, Geoffrey Beene, and Issey Miyake, among other top designers. She was often featured in high-fashion editorials and worked with photographers who helped push forward more inclusive images of beauty.

At a time when fashion often presented limited roles for Black women, Toukie helped reshape the narrative. Her striking looks and versatility made her a muse for multiple designers, and her presence in advertising campaigns and editorial spreads brought her significant attention.

Acting Career: Eva Rawley and More

Toukie transitioned into acting in the mid-1980s. Her most notable role was in the sitcom 227, where she played Eva Rawley, a fashion-forward, confident character who became a fan favorite during her time on the show.

She also appeared in films like:

• Miami Vice (guest role)
• Talkin’ Dirty After Dark (1991)
• Me and Him (1988)

Though she didn’t pursue acting for decades, her contributions were impactful enough to leave a lasting memory for audiences.

Toukie Smith’s Net Worth

Public estimates put Toukie Smith’s net worth at around $3 million. This figure largely comes from her years as a model during the height of New York’s fashion scene, her acting career, and investments over time.

While Smith has lived a more private life in recent decades, these estimates reflect both her professional achievements and her association with elite cultural circles in New York and Hollywood.

(Note: net worth figures are approximations from celebrity finance websites and not official financial disclosures.)

Relationships and Family Background

Connection to Willi Smith

Toukie was the sister of Willi Smith, one of the most innovative American designers of the 20th century. Willi’s brand, WilliWear, became a sensation during the 1980s for its streetwear-inspired, accessible, yet stylish approach. Sadly, Willi Smith died in 1987 at the age of 39 due to complications from AIDS. His passing was a devastating blow for Toukie, and she has often been remembered in connection to his creative legacy.

Toukie Smith and Robert De Niro

Toukie Smith is perhaps most publicly remembered for her relationship with Robert De Niro, one of the greatest actors of his generation. The two began dating in 1988, and their partnership lasted until 1996.

They were never married, but their relationship was highly visible in the New York social scene. Together, they represented a blending of Hollywood prestige and the downtown creative energy of New York fashion.

Was Toukie Smith Married?

Contrary to many assumptions, Toukie Smith has never been married. Although she spent nearly a decade as De Niro’s partner, the two never tied the knot. After their separation, De Niro later married Grace Hightower in 1997, but Toukie remained out of the spotlight.

Children: Twins with Robert De Niro

One of the most significant chapters of Toukie Smith’s life is motherhood. In October 1995, she and Robert De Niro welcomed twin sons, Julian Henry De Niro and Aaron Kendrick De Niro, born via in vitro fertilization (IVF) and a surrogate.

The birth was widely covered in the press at the time, not only because of the famous parents but also because surrogacy was less common in the 1990s. Today, her twins are grown men in their late 20s, carving their own paths away from their parents’ celebrity spotlight.

Later Life and Privacy

Following her split with De Niro in the mid-1990s, Toukie Smith stepped away from Hollywood and the public eye. She focused on family life and maintained her independence. She has also been connected to projects honoring her brother Willi Smith’s legacy, ensuring that his groundbreaking contributions to fashion are remembered.

Despite her quieter life today, Toukie remains a figure of fascination. She represents an era of boundary-breaking models, pioneering Black visibility in fashion, and living at the crossroads of art, fashion, and Hollywood stardom.

Why Toukie Smith Still Matters

Toukie Smith’s legacy is multi-dimensional:

• Fashion pioneer: She modeled for the world’s top designers at a time when the fashion industry was less diverse.
• Cultural bridge: Her relationship with Robert De Niro connected the worlds of high fashion and Hollywood.
• Family legacy: As Willi Smith’s sister, she is part of American fashion history.
• Motherhood: She raised twins born via surrogacy, decades before the practice became mainstream.

These elements combine to make her story not just about fame but also about resilience, breaking barriers, and adapting to changing times.

Conclusion

Toukie Smith may not have the global fame of her former partner Robert De Niro, but her personal story is just as compelling. From her groundbreaking work as a model to her time on 227, and her role as the mother of De Niro’s children, she embodies an important cultural narrative.

At 73 years old, Smith remains a reminder of the Black women who carved out spaces for themselves in industries that were not always welcoming. Her name deserves recognition, not just for her connections to others but for her unique contributions to fashion and entertainment history.

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