Toukie Smith, a model, actor and mother of twins with ex-partner Robert De Niro, died at 74, her children announced.
The former “227” sitcom actor died on Nov. 4 after “a long, courageous battle with multiple sclerosis,” according to a statement released by her children, Airyn and Julian, whom she shared with De Niro.
Smith was also the sister of legendary fashion designer Willi Smith, who died at 39 in 1987 from complications from AIDS. Toukie Smith also modeled for him, as well as for other luminaries like Hubert de Givenchy and Patrick Kelly.
“As the sister of the late, legendary designer Willi Smith, Toukie shared in a remarkable family legacy that helped shape American fashion and culture,” her children wrote.
“She was a model, muse and collaborator, not only to her beloved brother but to other trailblazing luminaries of the era, including the illustrator Alvaro, Jean-Paul Goude, Patrick Kelly and Antonio Lopez,” the statement continues. “Her beauty, grace and unmistakable presence helped pave the way for generations of Black models and designers in fashion.”
Smith also played artist Eva Rawley on the hit NBC sitcom “227” starring Marla Gibbs, which ran from 1985 to 1990. She also appeared in multiple episodes of the classic ‘80s show “Miami Vice.”
She and De Niro were partners from 1988 to 1996, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Airyn and Julian were conceived by in vitro fertilization and delivered by a surrogate mother. De Niro has five additional children with three other women.
“Toukie was a force of nature,” her children wrote. “She left an indelible mark on our hearts and on everyone lucky enough to know her.”
What Was Toukie Smith’s Cause of Death?
The actor and model died following a “long” battle with multiple sclerosis, according to a statement by her two children.
It’s not clear how long she had the autoimmune condition, but her children said in their statement that she died after a “long, courageous battle.”
What Is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune condition that affects your central nervous system due to your immune system mistakenly attacking the protective sheaths that surround the nerves in your brain and spinal cord, according to Cleveland Clinic.
There are almost a million adults in the United States living with the condition, per the Cleveland Clinic.
Symptoms of MS include the following:
- Double vision or vision loss
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness or abnormal sensations
- Fatigue
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Muscle stiffness and spasms
- Difficulty with memory, concentration, learning and judgment
- Mood changes
- Dizziness
- Difficulty regulating bladder
There isn’t a single tool to diagnose someone with MS, which can sometimes make detecting it difficult for doctors.
“It can take time before you receive an official MS diagnosis,” according to the Cleveland Clinic. “You may need to make several trips to see your provider before you know for sure. This happens because MS symptoms can look like or happen with several other common conditions.”
While there is no cure for multiple sclerosis, there are treatments available to minimize symptoms and flare-ups. Still, MS can lead to disability, especially over time, and can be fatal in rare cases, according tot he Cleveland Clinic.