Toukie Smith’s children, Airyn and Julian De Niro, have paid an emotional tribute to their mother following the passing of the American model and actress at age 74. Smith, best known for her role in the television sitcom 227, passed away on November 4, 2026, at a New York hospital after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. Her children confirmed the news on November 9, remembering her influence on their lives and her contributions to the fashion industry.
Smith shared her twins with Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro, whom she dated from 1988 to 1996. Airyn and Julian were born on October 20, 1995, through surrogacy following in vitro fertilization. Both are now 31 years old and have largely maintained private lives despite their parents’ prominence in entertainment.
How Many Children Did Toukie Smith Have?
Toukie Smith had two children, twins Airyn De Niro and Julian Henry De Niro.
The twins were born in October 1995 during Smith’s relationship with Robert De Niro. Their parents never married but remained together for approximately eight years.
Smith and De Niro welcomed their children through gestational surrogacy after undergoing in vitro fertilization.
Although both parents were established entertainment personalities, they made a conscious effort to protect their children’s privacy.
The twins grew up away from the constant media attention surrounding their father’s acting career.
In later interviews, Airyn explained that both parents wanted their children to experience as normal an upbringing as possible.
Their decision helped Airyn and Julian develop their own identities rather than being constantly defined by their famous family.
Who Is Toukie Smith’s Daughter Airyn De Niro?
Airyn De Niro is Toukie Smith’s daughter and the twin sibling of Julian De Niro.
Born on October 20, 1995, Airyn is 31 years old as of November 2026.
She attracted widespread attention in April 2025 when she publicly discussed her identity as a transgender woman.
During an interview, Airyn explained that she had begun hormone therapy in November 2024 and was becoming more comfortable expressing her identity.
She also discussed her upbringing and the importance of representation for transgender women, particularly Black transgender women.
Airyn expressed appreciation for her parents’ decision to protect her from excessive publicity during childhood.
She explained that growing up outside the spotlight allowed her to develop a sense of independence.
Her father, Robert De Niro, publicly expressed his love and support following her interview.
Airyn has also pursued creative interests, including acting and fashion.
Her mother played an important role in shaping her understanding of beauty, identity and personal expression.
Airyn De Niro Pays Tribute to Her Mother
Following Toukie Smith’s passing, Airyn shared a personal tribute through social media.
On November 9, 2026, she posted a childhood photograph featuring herself and her mother.
The photograph was accompanied by the message, “I’ll always love you, Mom.”
Airyn and Julian also released a joint statement remembering Smith’s personality and professional accomplishments.
They described their mother as a powerful presence who had influenced everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Their statement also acknowledged Smith’s role in creating opportunities for Black models and designers.
The twins emphasized that their mother’s contributions extended beyond her acting career.
They remembered her as part of a family whose creative work helped shape American fashion and culture.
Who Is Toukie Smith’s Son Julian De Niro?
Julian Henry De Niro is Toukie Smith’s son and Airyn’s twin brother.
He was born on October 20, 1995, and is currently 31 years old.
Unlike his sister, Julian has maintained a particularly private personal life.
However, he has followed his parents into the entertainment industry.
Julian appeared in the 2016 film In Dubious Battle, directed by James Franco.
He later portrayed a younger version of former United States President Barack Obama in the television series The First Lady.
The Showtime production premiered in 2022 and explored the lives of several influential American first ladies.
Julian’s performance introduced him to audiences interested in seeing the next generation of the De Niro family pursue acting.
Despite these professional appearances, he has avoided extensive interviews about his private life.
Information about his current relationships and personal circumstances remains limited.
Who Is the Father of Toukie Smith’s Children?
The father of Toukie Smith’s twins is Robert De Niro, the Academy Award-winning actor known for films including Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas and The Irishman.
Smith and De Niro began dating in 1988.
Their relationship developed during a period when Smith was transitioning from fashion modeling into television and film acting.
The couple remained together until 1996, approximately one year after welcoming their twins.
Although their romantic relationship ended, both continued participating in their children’s upbringing.
De Niro has seven children from relationships with four women.
In addition to Airyn and Julian, he is the father of Drena, Raphael, Elliot, Helen Grace and Gia.
His youngest daughter, Gia, was born in April 2023 to his partner Tiffany Chen.
Airyn and Julian are therefore part of a large blended family with siblings spanning several generations.
Toukie Smith’s Career Before Becoming a Mother
Toukie Smith was born Doris A. Smith on September 25, 1952, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
She developed an interest in fashion during childhood and later studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.
Her older brother, Willi Smith, became a prominent fashion designer and helped influence her early career.
Toukie began modeling professionally in 1972.
She worked with major designers, including Givenchy, Thierry Mugler and Issey Miyake.
Her modeling career included appearances in magazines such as Vogue and Ebony.
In 1978, she received Bloomingdale’s Model of the Year recognition.
Smith subsequently moved into acting, appearing in the television series Miami Vice during the late 1980s.
She became particularly recognizable for portraying Eva Rawley on the NBC sitcom 227.
Her film credits included Talkin’ Dirty After Dark, I Like It Like That and The Preacher’s Wife.
She also pursued business interests, including operating a restaurant in New York.
Toukie Smith’s Family Legacy and Her Brother Willi Smith
Toukie Smith belonged to a family with an important place in American fashion history.
Her older brother, Willi Smith, was an influential designer who helped popularize accessible, contemporary streetwear.
He founded the fashion label WilliWear and became known for combining practical clothing with creative design.
His work helped challenge traditional boundaries between high fashion and everyday clothing.
Willi passed away in 1987, but his influence continued through later generations of designers.
Toukie supported his work and became one of the recognizable faces associated with his fashion legacy.
Following her passing, Airyn and Julian acknowledged the family’s contributions to American fashion.
Their tribute emphasized that Smith’s career helped open doors for Black models and creative professionals.
The twins also recognized her personal strength and influence as a mother.
Toukie Smith’s Children Remember Her Life
Toukie Smith is survived by her children, Airyn and Julian De Niro, along with other members of her family.
Her passing followed a prolonged battle with multiple sclerosis, a neurological condition affecting the central nervous system.
Although Smith spent much of her later life outside the public spotlight, her children ensured that her achievements and personality were remembered.
Their tribute highlighted her contributions to modeling, television and the wider fashion industry.
Airyn has begun establishing a public identity through her advocacy and creative interests, while Julian has pursued acting.
Both continue carrying the family legacy established by their mother and father.
For Toukie Smith, motherhood remained an important part of a life that also included groundbreaking fashion work, memorable television performances and a lasting influence on American popular culture.