Toukie Smith, Robert De Niro's ex and '227' star, dies at 74
USA Today • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Toukie Smith, a model and actress known for her role on the sitcom "227," has died at age 74 after a long battle with multiple sclerosis, confirmed by her twins with Robert De Niro.
- Smith began her modeling career in 1972, working with major fashion brands and appearing in top magazines; she was named Bloomingdale's model of the year in 1978.
- Transitioning to acting in the early 1980s, Smith appeared on "Miami Vice" and gained fame as Eva Rawley on "227," later acting in various films throughout the 1990s.
- She and Robert De Niro dated from 1988 to 1996 and had twins in 1995 via in vitro fertilization and surrogate.
- Smith also opened a restaurant in New York City and was known for her energetic personality, a nickname given by her grandmother.
