For years, Toukie Smith kept much of her private life away from the spotlight.
But now, following her death at 74, her children have shared deeply personal words about the mother they loved – and revealed the heartbreaking health battle she was facing.
Struggled to start a family
With her bubbly personality and infectious energy, Toukie Smith had a way of lighting up every room she entered. Her warmth and vibrant spirit left a lasting impression on those around her.
But now, that light has been extinguished forever.
The former model and 227 actress who shared twins with Robert De Niro, died on November 4 at a New York hospital.
The news of her death was met with an outpouring of grief from both fans and family. Looking at recent photos of the beloved actress, it seemed as though she still had so much life ahead of her and so much more of the world left to experience.
Many also remember Toukie for her high-profile relationship with legendary actor Robert De Niro. The couple spent eight years together, from 1988 to 1996, and reportedly hoped to have children during that time.
According to the Daily News, they struggled to start a family.
They eventually became parents to twins, Airyn and Julian, who were conceived through IVF and carried by a surrogate. Their arrival marked a special chapter in the couple’s lives.
Following the twins’ birth on October 20, 1995, De Niro’s spokesperson, Stan Rosenfeld, issued a statement addressing the couple’s plans for the future.
“De Niro and Smith will continue their separate personal and professional lives. They look forward to sharing the parenting of the children.”
Came out as transgender
Airyn and Julian grew up largely outside the spotlight, despite having two famous parents. Robert De Niro and Toukie Smith were determined to give them as normal a childhood as possible.
As adults, the twins eventually began following their own paths. Julian developed an interest in acting, appearing in the 2016 film In Dubious Battle and later portraying a young Barack Obama in the Showtime series The First Lady.
He also studied computer science and mathematics at New York University.
Airyn has explored several creative paths, including modeling and voice acting, while also pursuing studies in mental health counseling.
In 2025, she spoke candidly about her identity and personal journey in an interview with Them, where she also opened up about the support she received from her father after coming out as transgender.
“My dad was very big on us finding our own sort of path,” she told the magazine, reflecting on the freedom he gave her and her twin brother to find their own way in life.
Airyn has also spoken fondly about her mother, sharing how much Toukie’s warmth, confidence, and personality influenced the woman she grew up to become.
But now, nearly 31 years after welcoming the twins, Toukie’s children found themselves facing an unimaginable loss.
Shared the heartbreaking news
It was Airyn and Julian who shared the heartbreaking news of their mother’s death, accompanying the announcement with a deeply personal tribute to the woman who had meant so much to them.
They remembered her as a remarkable presence whose impact reached far beyond her family, describing her as a “force of nature.”
Their statement also revealed that their mother had been living with multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition that had led to what they called a ”long, courageous battle.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective coating around nerve fibers, disrupting the signals traveling between the brain and the rest of the body.
This can lead to a range of symptoms, including muscle weakness, numbness, vision problems, and difficulty walking. The disease affects everyone differently, and while there is currently no cure, treatments can help ease symptoms and slow its progression.
The words shared by her children offered a glimpse into the difficult journey their mother had faced away from public view.
”Toukie was a force of nature,” Airyn and Julian said. ”She left an indelible mark on our hearts and on everyone lucky enough to know her.”
A force of nature
They also made sure to recognize her extraordinary influence on the fashion industry, particularly her role in opening doors for Black women in modeling.
”Her beauty, grace and unmistakable presence helped pave the way for generations of Black models and designers in fashion,” they added.
For Airyn, the loss was also deeply personal. She shared a childhood photograph of herself being held by her mother, accompanied by a simple but heartbreaking message:
”I’ll always love you, Mom”.
Toukie was also the younger sister of celebrated fashion designer Willi Smith, who tragically died in 1987 at just 39 from AIDS-related complications.
Fashion was a family affair, and Toukie helped bring her brother’s designs to life while also working with some of the industry’s biggest names.
Her children also highlighted the family’s lasting influence on the fashion world in their tribute.
What Toukie said about De Niro
“As the sister of the late, legendary designer Willi Smith, Toukie shared in a remarkable family legacy that helped shape American fashion and culture,” they wrote.
While Toukie Smith was open about her family and career, she preferred to keep her relationship with Robert out of the spotlight.
She seemed determined not to let her relationship with one of Hollywood’s biggest stars define her. Even after they separated, she rarely discussed De Niro publicly.
When asked about their private life, she made her feelings clear: “What’s great about a private life is it’s private,” she told LA Times in 1990.
The same privacy seemed to extend to her battle with multiple sclerosis (MS). Toukie rarely spoke publicly about her health, and there is no confirmed information about when she was diagnosed with the condition.
What we do know is that Toukie appears to have passed away following complications related to the disease. She will be deeply missed by the many people whose lives she touched throughout her career and beyond.
Rest in peace, Toukie.
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