Toukie Smith: Age, Family, Twins, and Life Beyond Hollywood

In the vibrant world of American fashion and entertainment, one name that continues to resonate with quiet grace is Toukie Smith. Born Doris A. Smith, she is better known by her childhood nickname, “Toukie,” a name bestowed upon her by her grandmother. Over the decades, Toukie has navigated the worlds of modeling, acting, and entrepreneurship with distinction.

Her story is one of creativity, resilience, and privacy—an uncommon balance for someone who has graced international runways, appeared in hit television shows, and shared a long-term relationship with Hollywood icon Robert De Niro. Though she has largely stepped away from the limelight, interest in her life has not diminished. From her family ties to her career milestones, Toukie remains a figure of enduring fascination.

Toukie Smith’s Birthday and Age

One intriguing fact about Toukie is the uncertainty surrounding her birth year. Most authoritative sources, including Wikipedia, list her birthday as September 25, 1952, placing her in her early 70s in 2025. However, some alternate records claim April 25, 1955 as her birthdate. This discrepancy has fueled debates among fans and biographers, but what remains certain is her decades-long influence in entertainment and fashion.

Whether born in 1952 or 1955, Toukie has maintained a youthful spirit and a graceful presence, reminding admirers that age is only a number.

Toukie Smith’s Early Life and Family

Toukie Smith was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, into a creative family with deep roots in art and fashion. Her brother, Willi Smith, became one of the most celebrated fashion designers of the 1970s and 1980s, credited with revolutionizing streetwear through his label WilliWear Ltd. His tragic death in 1987 was a turning point in Toukie’s personal life, but she has often spoken of her admiration for his brilliance and legacy.

Toukie’s upbringing in Philadelphia instilled in her both resilience and individuality. After completing her studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York, she immersed herself in the modeling world, quickly making a name for herself with her striking looks and distinctive personality.

Toukie Smith in Fashion and Modeling

Before becoming an actress, Toukie rose to prominence as a high-fashion model in the 1970s and 1980s. Her work included campaigns and runway shows for iconic designers such as Chanel, Versace, Issey Miyake, Norma Kamali, Patrick Kelly, and Thierry Mugler. She also modeled for her brother Willi’s collections, further reinforcing their artistic synergy.

In 1978, Toukie was named Bloomingdale’s Model of the Year and became only the second African-American model to have a mannequin designed in her likeness. This recognition marked her as a trailblazer in the industry during an era when diversity was scarce on global runways.

Her look—bold yet elegant—helped redefine beauty standards, inspiring countless young women of color to enter the modeling world.

Toukie Smith’s Movies and TV Shows

Toukie transitioned into acting in the 1980s, securing roles in both television and film. Her most famous television role was Eva Rawley on the popular NBC sitcom 227, where she appeared between 1989 and 1990. Her natural charisma brought life to the character, earning her recognition among mainstream TV audiences.

Her film career includes roles in:

• Me and Him (1988)

• Talkin’ Dirty After Dark (1991)

• I Like It Like That (1994)

• Joe’s Apartment (1996)

• The Preacher’s Wife (1996)

• Goosed (1999)

In addition to screen appearances, Toukie made her mark as a restaurateur with her Manhattan eatery Toukie’s, a West Village hotspot that attracted celebrities, artists, and locals. Her hands-on approach—often greeting patrons herself—made the space more than just a restaurant; it was an extension of her personality.

Toukie Smith and Robert De Niro

Toukie’s relationship with actor Robert De Niro was one of the most talked-about aspects of her personal life. The two began dating in 1988, at a time when De Niro was already one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors. Their partnership lasted until 1996, and though they never married, they shared a deep connection and expanded their family together.

During their relationship, Toukie and De Niro became parents to twin sons via IVF and surrogacy. Born on October 20, 1995, their twins were named Julian Henry De Niro and Aaron Kendrick De Niro. The decision to use a surrogate was a bold choice at the time, showcasing their determination to build a family in a non-traditional but loving way.

Toukie Smith’s Children and Twins

Toukie’s role as a mother has remained central in her life. The twins, Julian and Aaron, grew up largely away from the public spotlight—a deliberate decision made by both parents to protect their privacy.

Today, however, their lives occasionally surface in the media. In 2025, one of the twins, originally named Aaron Kendrick De Niro, publicly came out as transgender and now identifies as Airyn De Niro. Airyn spoke openly about her journey and the challenges of navigating identity as a child of famous parents. Toukie, alongside Robert De Niro, has offered love and support throughout the process.

Julian Henry De Niro, on the other hand, has pursued interests in both creative and academic circles, though he remains more private than his sister.

Toukie Smith Now (2024–2025)

In recent years, Toukie Smith has embraced a quieter life, away from the glare of Hollywood and the fashion runways. Now in her seventies, she resides in Battery Park City, New York, and is rarely seen in public events. Unlike many of her peers, Toukie has chosen to live privately, focusing on family and personal fulfillment.

Her most recent public associations have come through her children. Airyn’s announcement in 2025 received widespread media attention, sparking discussions about identity, family, and the evolving understanding of gender. Toukie’s steadfast support as a mother reflects her strong sense of love and resilience.

Despite her retreat from fame, Toukie’s legacy in fashion, film, and television remains influential. She symbolizes an era when Black women fought for representation in industries that often overlooked them.

Legacy of Toukie Smith

Toukie Smith’s life cannot be confined to her roles as actress, model, or celebrity partner. She represents:

• Trailblazing diversity in fashion through her modeling career.

• Representation in Hollywood, both in sitcoms and film roles.

• Motherhood through resilience, raising twins with Robert De Niro while navigating unconventional parenthood in the public eye.

• Private strength, as she continues to live her life away from the relentless demands of fame.

Her journey illustrates the power of balancing visibility with privacy, and ambition with grounded family values.

Conclusion

From the catwalks of Paris to the streets of New York, from TV screens in the 1980s to a quiet home in Battery Park City today, Toukie Smith’s life story is one of creativity, love, and quiet strength. She remains a symbol of pioneering beauty, resilience, and independence.

While her time in the spotlight may have passed, Toukie’s influence continues through her children, her modeling and acting legacy, and her unique ability to navigate celebrity on her own terms.

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