Toukie Smith: The Untold Story Of The 80s Supermodel, WilliWear Muse, And Robert De Niro's Ex-Partner

Toukie Smith remains one of the most dynamic and influential figures to emerge from the 1980s New York fashion and art scene. As of late 2024 and early 2025, her name has resurfaced in the media, not just for her groundbreaking career as one of the first Black supermodels and her memorable role on the sitcom 227, but due to the latest public developments concerning her family, particularly her children with Hollywood legend Robert De Niro.

This article delves deep into the life of the woman born Doris A. Smith, tracing her path from a muse for her visionary brother, designer Willi Smith, to a successful actress and restaurateur, while providing the most current information on her private life and enduring legacy in the fashion world.

Toukie Smith: Complete Biography and Profile

Doris A. Smith, known professionally as Toukie Smith, built a career on defying expectations, moving seamlessly across the worlds of high fashion, television, and entrepreneurship. Her influence stretches from the runway to the cultural conversation of today.

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• Full Name: Doris A. Smith
• Known As: Toukie Smith
• Date of Birth: April 25, 1955
• Age (as of 2025): 70 years old
• Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
• Nationality: American
• Education: Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City
• Primary Professions: Supermodel, Actress, Restaurateur
• Notable Roles: Eva Rawley on the NBC sitcom 227 (1989–1990)
• Key Relationships: Former long-term partner of actor Robert De Niro (1988–1996)
• Children: Twin sons, Julian Henry De Niro and Aaron Kendrick De Niro (born via surrogate in 1995). Julian’s twin, Airyn De Niro, has recently come out as transgender.
• Family Connections: Sister of the iconic fashion designer Willi Smith (of WilliWear)
• Net Worth: Estimated at approximately $3 Million (based on 2019 reports)
• Current Venture: Reportedly opened a chain of restaurants in New York City named Toukie's.

From WilliWear Muse to Groundbreaking Supermodel

Toukie Smith’s career began in 1972, but her ascent to supermodel status was intrinsically linked to her brother, the visionary designer Willi Smith. Willi Smith was the pioneering force behind the "Street Couture" movement, and Toukie was his ultimate muse and collaborator for his label, WilliWear.

Her striking looks, versatility, and energetic personality made her a favorite on the runway and in print. She was a Black model who helped reshape the narrative of beauty in a fashion industry that often limited roles for women of color. Toukie was part of a crucial wave of models who brought a new, vibrant energy to the fashion world, working alongside contemporaries like Patrick Kelly and championing American design.

The legacy of WilliWear, which Toukie actively supported, continues to be celebrated today, with exhibitions and retrospectives highlighting its massive impact on modern streetwear and accessible high-fashion. Her involvement was a key component of the brand's success, which at its peak boasted annual sales topping $25 million.

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The unique, vibrant synergy between Toukie and Willi was a cultural phenomenon, cementing her place not just as a model, but as a crucial figure in the history of American fashion.

Hollywood Transition and the Robert De Niro Connection

Following her success in modeling, Toukie Smith transitioned smoothly into acting. Her most recognized role came in the late 1980s as Eva Rawley on the popular NBC sitcom 227, where she showcased her comedic timing and on-screen charisma. She also appeared in films like Miami Vice and Talkin' Dirty After Dark, establishing herself as a versatile performer.

Her personal life became a major topic of public interest when she began a long-term relationship with legendary actor Robert De Niro in 1988. Their partnership lasted nearly a decade, and together they welcomed twin sons, Julian Henry De Niro and Aaron Kendrick De Niro, in 1995 via surrogate. This relationship placed her firmly in the Hollywood elite, though she maintained a relatively private life compared to her public modeling days.

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While the relationship ended in 1996, Toukie and Robert De Niro have continued to co-parent their children, ensuring their privacy and well-being.

The Latest Updates: Family, Privacy, and the 2024/2025 Spotlight

In recent years, Toukie Smith has largely stepped away from the public spotlight of Hollywood, dedicating her time to her entrepreneurial endeavors. She reportedly opened a chain of New York City restaurants called Toukie's, focusing on the culinary world after her acting career. This pivot demonstrates her constant drive and desire to succeed across different industries, from fashion and film to hospitality.

The most current and significant news surrounding Toukie Smith in late 2024 and early 2025 involves her child, Airyn De Niro. Airyn, who was born Julian Henry De Niro, recently gave their first-ever interview, openly discussing their transgender identity and burgeoning career as an actor. Airyn's public conversation, which began in November 2024, is a powerful, fresh narrative that has brought Toukie Smith's name back into the cultural conversation as a supportive mother.

This news offers a poignant, modern update to the family's story, highlighting a new generation of De Niro/Smith talent embracing their identity in the public eye. Toukie Smith, who has always championed individuality and breaking barriers, is undoubtedly a source of strength for Airyn during this public journey.

Furthermore, while the sensitive search terms like "OnlyFans" and "leak" are often associated with celebrity family members in clickbait headlines, there is no credible, current information to suggest Toukie Smith herself is involved in such activities. The recent focus remains squarely on her child's important, authentic story and Toukie's own enduring legacy as a fashion icon and pioneering figure. Her ability to navigate the worlds of celebrity, high fashion, and business ensures her status as a figure of lasting curiosity and respect.

Toukie Smith's Enduring Legacy and Cultural Impact

Toukie Smith’s impact is far greater than her credits on screen or her high-profile relationships. She represents a pivotal moment in American culture: a Black woman who achieved supermodel status in the 1970s and 80s, broke barriers on network television, and successfully transitioned into a business owner.

Her work with her brother, Willi Smith, is now seen as prophetic, defining the very concept of "street couture" long before it became a mainstream term. Her presence on the runway was a powerful statement on diversity and style, influencing countless models and designers who followed.

Today, Toukie Smith is a testament to resilience and reinvention. Whether she is remembered as Eva Rawley, the muse of WilliWear, or the mother of Robert De Niro’s children, her life story is one of a tireless, multi-talented woman who helped shape the cultural landscape of New York and beyond. Her continuing support for her family and her own quiet success in the culinary world ensure her legacy remains relevant and inspiring well into 2025.