When talking about Hollywood’s golden years of the 1980s and 1990s, one name that often surfaces is Toukie Smith. Known for her distinctive charm, career versatility, and her high-profile relationship with Robert De Niro, Toukie Smith remains a figure of curiosity even today. From her modeling days to her work on television, and her personal journey as a mother, her story is layered with resilience and grace.
This article takes a deep dive into “who is Toukie Smith”, her age, net worth, relations, her connection with Robert De Niro, whether she was ever married, and details about her kids.
Who is Toukie Smith?
Toukie Smith, born Doris A. Smith on September 25, 1952, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is an American actress and model. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Eva Rawley, a sharp-witted fashion designer, in the NBC sitcom 227 (1989–1990).
Before stepping into acting, Toukie was already a force in the fashion world. She modeled for prestigious designers such as Chanel, Versace, Geoffrey Beene, and Issey Miyake. Her unconventional beauty, tall stature, and unique look made her stand out in the modeling industry during the 1970s and early 1980s, when opportunities for African-American models were still relatively limited.
Her brother, the late Willi Smith, was a world-famous fashion designer and founder of WilliWear, a brand that influenced global streetwear culture.
Toukie Smith’s Age
As of 2025, Toukie Smith is 73 years old. Her birthdate, September 25, 1952, makes her a Libra, known for balance, creativity, and charm—qualities that she has consistently embodied throughout her career and personal life.
Career Highlights
Modeling Career
- Worked with leading fashion designers in the late ’70s and ’80s.
- Appeared in runway shows and major magazines, breaking barriers for African-American models.
- Became associated with WilliWear, her brother’s label, helping him expand visibility.
Acting Career
- Best known for her role as Eva Rawley on 227.
- Appeared in several films and TV projects throughout the late ’80s and early ’90s.
- Though she did not pursue a long-term acting career, her presence made a cultural mark.
Restaurant Venture
In the 1990s, she opened Toukie’s, a restaurant in Manhattan, known for its Southern-inspired menu. This venture reflected her entrepreneurial spirit and ability to reinvent herself beyond Hollywood.
Toukie Smith’s Net Worth
Estimates suggest that Toukie Smith has a net worth of around $3 million. While she has not actively pursued acting or modeling in recent decades, her early success in fashion, television, and entrepreneurial ventures, along with residual earnings, have contributed to her financial standing.
It’s worth noting that celebrity net worth figures are often based on estimates from lifestyle and entertainment sites, not official disclosures.
Toukie Smith’s Relations (Family & Personal Life)
- Brother: Willi Smith, the acclaimed fashion designer behind WilliWear, passed away in 1987. Toukie has often been associated with preserving his legacy.
- Partner: Toukie Smith is widely known for her relationship with Robert De Niro, the Oscar-winning actor.
- Children: She is the mother of twin sons (with Robert De Niro).
Her circle of influence has always combined art, fashion, and Hollywood, making her a cultural figure beyond the roles she played onscreen.
Toukie Smith and Robert De Niro
One of the most frequently searched topics about Toukie Smith is her connection to Robert De Niro. The two began dating in 1988 and were together until 1996.
Though they never married, they shared a long-term, high-profile relationship that often drew media attention. At a time when De Niro was one of the most respected actors in Hollywood, Smith’s individuality and charisma ensured she was never overshadowed, even in the glare of paparazzi lights.
Their relationship was marked by appearances at New York’s cultural events, fashion shows, and premieres. Importantly, they also became parents together during this time.
Was Toukie Smith Ever Married?
Despite her long relationship with Robert De Niro, Toukie Smith was never married. Some sources mistakenly list her as “Robert De Niro’s wife,” but the truth is that they remained partners without tying the knot.
Robert De Niro later married Grace Hightower (from 1997 until their separation), while Toukie continued her life outside the Hollywood spotlight.
Toukie Smith’s Kids
Toukie Smith and Robert De Niro welcomed twin sons, Julian Henry De Niro and Aaron Kendrick De Niro, in October 1995. The twins were conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF) and carried by a surrogate mother.
Today, both sons are grown and occasionally appear in public with De Niro. While they keep a relatively low profile, they carry the legacy of two strong parents: one an icon of American cinema, and the other a trailblazing model and actress.
Legacy and Influence
While Toukie Smith may not have the extensive filmography of her peers, her story is about more than Hollywood credits. She symbolizes:
- Representation in Fashion: One of the early Black models to break into European and American high fashion.
- Resilience: Transitioned from modeling to acting and later to business with her restaurant.
- Cultural Impact: Through her relationship with Robert De Niro and her connection to her brother Willi Smith, she remains linked to significant cultural shifts in both fashion and film.
Even after stepping away from the limelight, her name continues to attract curiosity—proof of the impact she had in her active years.
Conclusion
Toukie Smith’s life is a mix of glamour, love, challenges, and resilience. From her beginnings as a fashion model to her television role on 227, her entrepreneurial pursuits, and her celebrated relationship with Robert De Niro, her journey is inspiring. She represents an era of boundary-pushing African-American models and remains relevant today through her family ties and enduring legacy.
For those who ask:
- Who is Toukie Smith? – She’s a model, actress, and mother.
- What’s her age? – 73.
- What’s her net worth? – Estimated at $3 million.
- Was she married? – No.
- Who were her relations? – Partnered with Robert De Niro, sister of Willi Smith.
- Does she have kids? – Yes, twin sons with Robert De Niro.
As with many icons, her influence extends beyond her résumé. She remains a woman who defined her path in multiple industries and continues to be remembered as a cultural figure of strength and elegance.
This article is published on DigiJournal – your trusted source for celebrity insights and timeless stories.