Toukie Smith, a model, actor and mother of twins with ex-partner Robert De Niro, died at 74, her children announced.
\n\nThe former “227” sitcom actor died on Nov. 4 after “a long, courageous battle with multiple sclerosis,” according to a statement released by her children, Airyn and Julian, whom she shared with De Niro.
\n\nSmith was also the sister of legendary fashion designer Willi Smith, who died at 39 in 1987 from complications from AIDS. Toukie Smith also modeled for him, as well as for other luminaries like Hubert de Givenchy and Patrick Kelly.
\n\n“As the sister of the late, legendary designer Willi Smith, Toukie shared in a remarkable family legacy that helped shape American fashion and culture,” her children wrote.
\n\n“She was a model, muse and collaborator, not only to her beloved brother but to other trailblazing luminaries of the era, including the illustrator Alvaro, Jean-Paul Goude, Patrick Kelly and Antonio Lopez,” the statement continues. “Her beauty, grace and unmistakable presence helped pave the way for generations of Black models and designers in fashion.”
\n\nSmith also played artist Eva Rawley on the hit NBC sitcom “227” starring Marla Gibbs, which ran from 1985 to 1990. She also appeared in…
Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/