Have you ever seen someone famous and then suddenly wondered, “Where are they now?” That is exactly how many people feel about Toukie Smith, Robert De Niro’s ex. She was once a big name in fashion and TV, but today, she lives a very quiet life.
Toukie Smith had it all. She was a top model. She acted in popular shows. She was also in a serious relationship with one of the biggest stars in Hollywood, Robert De Niro. But her story is not just about fame. It is also about love, loss, and strength.
In this article, we will explore the full story of Toukie Smith, Robert De Niro’s ex. We will look at her early life, her career, her love story with De Niro, and the moments that changed her life. Let’s start from the beginning.
Who Is Toukie Smith, Robert De Niro’s Ex?
Toukie Smith is an American actress and model. Her real name is Doris A. Smith. She was born on April 25, 1952, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Over time, she became known as Toukie Smith, Robert De Niro’s ex, but she had her own identity long before that.
She became famous in the 1970s and 1980s. First, she made her name in the fashion world. Later, she moved into acting. Many people remember her for her role in the TV show 227, where she played Eva Rawley.
So, when people talk about Toukie Smith, Robert De Niro’s ex, they are talking about a woman who built her own career first. Her story is about talent, hard work, and also personal struggles that shaped her life.
Toukie Smith’s Early Life and Family
Toukie Smith grew up in Philadelphia in a creative and supportive family. Her childhood played a big role in shaping who she became later in life. Like many young people, she had dreams, but she also had strong people around her to guide her.
One of the most important people in her life was her brother, Willi Smith. He was a very famous fashion designer. They were very close since childhood. In fact, many say that his success inspired Toukie to enter the fashion world.
But life was not always easy. Even though her family supported her dreams, she later faced deep personal losses. These early bonds and later heartbreaks helped shape the strong person we now know as Toukie Smith, Robert De Niro’s ex.
How Toukie Smith Started Her Modeling Career
Toukie Smith did not become famous overnight. She worked hard for it. She moved to New York City and studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology. This was a big step toward her dream.
Her modeling career began in 1972. At that time, the fashion world was very competitive. But Toukie stood out. She had a unique look and a strong presence. People noticed her quickly.
Think about this for a moment. Starting a modeling career in a big city like New York is not easy. But Toukie made it happen. This was the first big step that helped her become the well-known Toukie Smith, Robert De Niro’s ex we talk about today.
Toukie Smith’s Big Success as a Model
Once Toukie Smith entered the modeling world, her career grew fast. She worked with top fashion brands like Chanel and Versace. These are not small names. They are some of the biggest brands in the world.
She also appeared in famous magazines like Vogue, Elle, and Cosmopolitan. This showed that she was not just a regular model. She was a star in the making. In 1978, she even won Bloomingdale’s Model of the Year award.
Here is something very special. Toukie became one of the first Black models to have a mannequin made in her image. That was a big moment in fashion history. It showed her impact. It also made Toukie Smith, Robert De Niro’s ex a name people would not forget.
Toukie Smith’s Move Into Acting
After success in modeling, Toukie Smith decided to try acting. This was a big change, but she was ready for it. Many models try acting, but not all succeed. Toukie was different.
She started with small roles, including appearances in the popular show Miami Vice. She worked alongside actors like Don Johnson. This gave her good exposure and helped her learn.
Moving from modeling to acting is not easy. It takes confidence and skill. But Toukie handled it well. This move helped shape her career and made Toukie Smith, Robert De Niro’s ex even more well-known in the entertainment world.
Toukie Smith in 227 and Other Movies
Toukie Smith became truly popular when she joined the sitcom 227. She played the role of Eva Rawley. Her character was stylish, fun, and full of energy. People loved watching her.
This role made her a familiar face on TV. It also helped her gain a loyal fan base. Even today, many fans remember her from this show.
She also acted in movies like The Preacher’s Wife, Joe’s Apartment, and Goosed. These roles showed her talent and range. Even though she was not in hundreds of films, she made a strong impact. That is why Toukie Smith, Robert De Niro’s ex is still remembered today.
Toukie Smith and Robert De Niro’s Love Story
Now let’s talk about the part many people are most curious about. The love story between Toukie Smith and Robert De Niro.
They started dating in the late 1980s. At that time, Robert De Niro was already a huge Hollywood star. But their relationship was very private. They did not share much with the media.
This made people even more curious. How did they meet? What was their life like together? While many details stayed private, one thing is clear. They shared a strong bond for many years. This relationship made Toukie Smith, Robert De Niro’s ex a widely known name.
Toukie Smith and Robert De Niro’s Children
Toukie Smith and Robert De Niro had twin sons together. Their names are Julian Henry De Niro and Aaron Kendrick De Niro. They were born in 1995.
The twins were born through surrogacy. At that time, this was not very common. This made their story even more unique and talked about.
Both parents worked hard to give their children a private life. Even though their parents were famous, the twins stayed mostly out of the spotlight. This shows the kind of values that Toukie Smith, Robert De Niro’s ex believed in when it came to family.
What Happened to Toukie Smith, Robert De Niro’s Ex?
After many years together, Toukie Smith and Robert De Niro decided to go their separate ways. Their relationship ended in the mid-1990s. Unlike many celebrity breakups, there was no big drama in public. They kept things quiet and respectful.
Many people often ask, “What really happened?” The truth is, they never shared full details. And honestly, that tells you a lot about them. They valued privacy more than attention. Even during the breakup, they stayed calm and focused on what mattered most.
Their main focus was their children. Even after the split, they worked together as parents. This shows maturity and respect. It also shows the kind of person Toukie Smith, Robert De Niro’s ex has always been—private, strong, and focused on family.
Tragedies in Toukie Smith’s Life
Behind the success and fame, Toukie Smith faced deep personal pain. Her life was not always easy. In fact, she went through several heartbreaking losses in a short time.
First, she lost her mother in 1986. This was a very painful moment for her. She was very close to her mother and even saw her struggle with illness. Not long after, she lost her brother Willi Smith in 1987. They were extremely close, so this loss hit her very hard.
And sadly, the pain did not stop there. She also lost a close friend, Patrick Kelly. On top of that, she went through the loss of a child. Imagine going through all of this within a short time. It was overwhelming. That is why Toukie Smith, Robert De Niro’s ex once shared that she needed therapy to cope with the grief.
Toukie Smith’s Life After Fame
After so many emotional events, Toukie Smith slowly stepped away from the spotlight. She did not chase fame anymore. Instead, she chose a quieter and more peaceful life.
This decision may surprise some people. Many stars try to stay in the public eye. But Toukie made a different choice. She focused on healing, family, and personal peace.
Think about it. After going through loss and pressure, wouldn’t you want a calm life too? That is exactly what Toukie Smith, Robert De Niro’s ex chose. And many people respect her for that.
Where Is Robert De Niro’s Ex Now?
So, where is she today? As of 2026, Toukie Smith lives a very private life. She is not active in movies or TV anymore. She also avoids social media.
She is believed to spend most of her time with family. Her life is simple and peaceful. There are no headlines, no drama, just quiet living.
In a world where everyone wants attention, her choice stands out. Toukie Smith, Robert De Niro’s ex shows that it is okay to step back and live life your own way.
Final Thoughts
Even though she is not active today, Toukie Smith’s impact is still strong. She was part of a time when modeling and TV were changing. She helped open doors for many others.
Her success as a Black model in big fashion brands was important. Her role in 227 made people smile. These moments stay with fans for years.
But her legacy is not just about work. It is also about strength. Despite loss and pain, she kept going. That is why Toukie Smith, Robert De Niro’s ex is still remembered and respected.
(FAQs)
Does Toukie Smith have children?
Toukie Smith has two children. She has twin sons with Robert De Niro. Their names are Julian Henry De Niro and Aaron Kendrick De Niro. They were born in 1995 and have mostly stayed out of the public eye.
Are Toukie Smith’s twins born naturally?
Toukie Smith’s twins were born through surrogacy. This was very rare at that time in the 1990s, which made their story surprising and widely talked about.
Who was Toukie Smith’s brother?
Toukie Smith’s brother was Willi Smith, a famous fashion designer. He was very successful and played a big role in her early career. Sadly, he passed away in 1987, which deeply affected her.
Does Toukie Smith have a daughter?
No, there is no confirmed information that Toukie Smith has a daughter. She is only known to have her twin sons with Robert De Niro.
What happened to Toukie Smith and where is she today?
Today, Toukie Smith lives a very private and quiet life. She is no longer active in acting or modeling. She stays away from social media and focuses on her personal life and family, which surprises many fans.
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