Toukie Smith: Trailblazer in Fashion and Screen — A Comprehensive Life Overview
Introduction
Toukie Smith is a name that resonates with grace, resilience, and pioneering influence in both fashion and entertainment. Known for breaking racial barriers in the modeling industry and later making her mark on television, Smith’s life has been one of understated but powerful accomplishments. Her long-term relationship with Robert De Niro and her connection to her late brother, fashion designer Willi Smith, further cement her place in American cultural history.
This article offers a comprehensive overview of Toukie Smith’s life, career, family, and achievements — and what she’s doing now in 2025.
Early Life and Family
Toukie Smith was born Doris Smith on April 25, 1955, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. She grew up in a close-knit working-class family. Her mother worked in a factory and her father was a butcher. The nickname “Toukie” — given to her by her grandmother — stuck with her into adulthood and became her professional identity.
Brother: Willi Smith
Toukie’s older brother, Willi Smith (born February 29, 1948 – died April 17, 1987), was an iconic fashion designer who co-founded WilliWear Limited, one of the most successful fashion labels of the 1980s.
Willi Smith was renowned for:
- Pioneering street couture, blending streetwear aesthetics with high fashion
- Designing costumes for Spike Lee’s School Daze and the 1984 Olympic uniforms
- Generating over $25 million annually in sales at WilliWear’s peak
- Being one of the first prominent African American designers in global fashion
Sadly, Willi Smith died in 1987 at age 39 due to complications from AIDS-related pneumonia. His legacy remains celebrated, with retrospectives at institutions like the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum.
Toukie has spoken publicly about her deep bond with Willi, crediting him for encouraging her boldness and artistic sensibility.
Modeling Career: Breaking Barriers
Toukie Smith rose to prominence as a model in the late 1970s and early 1980s, gaining widespread recognition for her striking features, statuesque frame, and distinctive style.
Major Career Highlights:
- Became one of the first African American models to work extensively in high fashion editorial spreads
- Featured in prestigious magazines like Vogue, Ebony, ELLE, Seventeen, and Cosmopolitan
- Appeared in advertising campaigns for brands such as Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Issey Miyake, and Versace
- Served as a muse and frequent model for her brother Willi Smith’s WilliWear collections
In 1978, Toukie Smith was awarded Model of the Year by Bloomingdale’s — one of the first African American models to receive the honor from a major U.S. department store.
Her trailblazing success helped open doors for later Black supermodels like Naomi Campbell, Beverly Johnson, and Tyra Banks.
Acting Career: “227” and Beyond
In the mid-1980s, Toukie transitioned into acting, gaining her most prominent role as Eva Rawley on the NBC sitcom 227.
227 (1989–1990)
- Joined the cast in the show’s fourth and fifth seasons
- Played Eva Rawley, a stylish, sassy, and confident character who added flair and humor to the ensemble
- Shared the screen with stars like Marla Gibbs, Jackée Harry, and Regina King
Though her tenure on 227 was brief, her character was memorable for representing a sophisticated, fashion-forward Black woman — echoing Toukie’s own life and style.
Other Acting Credits
- Miami Vice (1987) — Guest appearance
- Talkin’ Dirty After Dark (1991) — Supporting role alongside Martin Lawrence
- The Preacher’s Wife (1996) — Small role in the Denzel Washington/Whitney Houston film
- Goosed (1999)
Her acting career, while not as long-lasting as her modeling, reflected her versatility and charisma.
Personal Life: Robert De Niro and Family
Toukie Smith famously had a long-term relationship with actor Robert De Niro from 1988 to 1996.
Toukie Smith and Robert De Niro Twins
In 1995, Smith and De Niro welcomed twin sons, Julian Henry De Niro and Aaron Kendrick De Niro, conceived via in vitro fertilization (IVF) and delivered by a surrogate mother.
Although Toukie and De Niro eventually separated, they remained amicable co-parents to their sons. Both Julian and Aaron have largely stayed out of the public spotlight, pursuing private lives. Julian Henry De Niro has reportedly dabbled in acting and business ventures as of 2025.
Net Worth and Ventures
As of 2025, Toukie Smith’s estimated net worth is $4–6 million, earned from:
- Modeling contracts and royalties
- Television and film acting roles
- Public speaking engagements and appearances
- Real estate holdings (notably in New York City)
She also reportedly benefits from family holdings linked to her brother Willi Smith’s estate.
Toukie Smith Now (2025)
In 2025, Toukie Smith lives primarily in New York City and is active in:
- Philanthropy — Especially HIV/AIDS awareness and support for Black fashion designers (in honor of Willi)
- Mentoring young models and actors, emphasizing diversity and representation in media
- Occasional public appearances at fashion retrospectives and cultural events
Though she maintains a lower public profile, she is occasionally featured in interviews reflecting on her pioneering modeling days and her brother’s legacy.
Facts and Figures: Toukie Smith at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Doris “Toukie” Smith |
| Date of Birth | April 25, 1955 (Age 70 in 2025) |
| Birthplace | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Sibling | Willi Smith (Fashion Designer, 1948–1987) |
| Relationship (Ex) | Robert De Niro (1988–1996) |
| Children | Julian Henry & Aaron Kendrick De Niro (1995) |
| Model of the Year | Bloomingdale’s (1978) |
| 227 Character | Eva Rawley (1989–1990) |
| Net Worth (2025) | $4–6 million |
| Current Residence | New York City |
| Philanthropy Focus | HIV/AIDS Awareness, Black designers support |
Achievements and Legacy
Career Achievements
- First African American woman featured prominently in Chanel and YSL ad campaigns
- Bloomingdale’s Model of the Year (1978)
- Helped diversify high fashion magazine covers and runways
- Key cast member of 227, influencing representations of stylish Black women on TV
Personal Goals and Impact
- Advocated for inclusivity and visibility of Black models in fashion
- Continues to honor Willi Smith’s legacy through awareness and preservation of his work
- Mentors young talent and speaks on resilience in careers and personal life
Conclusion
Toukie Smith’s life weaves together elements of art, activism, and pioneering spirit. Whether redefining beauty standards on the runway, lighting up screens with charisma, or nurturing the legacies of family and culture, Smith’s impact resonates even today. As of 2025, her journey stands as a testament to grace under pressure, creative trailblazing, and unrelenting dignity — qualities that ensure her influence endures across generations.
