Toukie Smith dead: Model, '227' actor dies at 74
Los Angeles Times • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Toukie Smith, a former runway model and actress known for her role on the sitcom "227," has died at age 74 after a long battle with multiple sclerosis, according to her twins' statement.
- Born Doris Smith in 1952, she began modeling in 1972, working with top designers like Givenchy and Chanel, and was named "Bloomingdale’s Favorite Model" in 1978; she was also the sister of designer Willi Smith.
- Smith transitioned to acting in the 1980s, with roles on "Miami Vice," "227," and several films including "The Preacher’s Wife" and "Joe’s Apartment."
- Beyond modeling and acting, Smith ran a catering business and a restaurant in New York, contributing proceeds to the Smith Family Foundation.
- She had twins with actor Robert De Niro in 1995 via surrogate and is survived by her children, brother Norman Smith-Harllee, and nephew Eliazar Smith-Harllee.
