Toukie Smith: Robert De Niro's Ex & 227 Star, Then & Now!

Dr. Rosanna Ziemann 13 May 2025

Ever wondered what it's like to grow up with a Hollywood icon as a father and a captivating actress and model as a mother? Airyn de Niro's recent interview unveils just that, offering a rare glimpse into a childhood shaped by fame yet grounded in the pursuit of normalcy.

Airyn de Niro, daughter of the legendary Robert De Niro and the striking Toukie Smith, recently shared insights into her upbringing. In an interview published this Tuesday, Airyn expressed gratitude for her parents' conscious efforts to create a sense of normalcy amidst the whirlwind of their careers. It's a testament to their commitment that, despite the inevitable spotlight, they prioritized a grounded upbringing for their children. This speaks volumes about their character and their dedication to family values, even within the often-chaotic world of entertainment.

Toukie Smith, a name that resonates with those who remember the vibrant era of the '80s and '90s, carved a niche for herself as a model and actress. Her striking features and captivating presence graced magazine covers and screens alike. Beyond her undeniable talent, she is also known for her connection to Robert De Niro, with whom she shares twin sons, Julian and Aaron, conceived through in vitro fertilization. Her story is one of resilience, creativity, and a unique approach to building a family.

Toukie Smith: Biographical and Professional Overview
Category	Information
Full Name	Toukie Smith
Profession	Actress, Model, Producer, Philanthropist
Date of Birth	September 25, 1952 (some sources cite April 25, 1955)
Place of Birth	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Nationality	American
Known For	Role as Eva Rawley on the NBC sitcom '227'
Notable Modeling Work	Worked with brands like Chanel, Versace, and Issey Miyake
Notable Film Roles	Goosed (1999), Joe's Apartment (1996), The Preacher's Wife (1996), I Like It Like That (1994), Talkin' Dirty After Dark (1991), Me and Him (1988)
Television Appearances	227 (1985-1990) as Eva Rawley
Family	Sister of fashion designer Willi Smith; Mother of twin sons Julian and Aaron De Niro
Relationship	Former partner of Robert De Niro (approximately six years)
Children	Twin sons, Julian and Aaron De Niro (with Robert De Niro, conceived via in vitro fertilization)
Current Residence	New York City (reportedly)
Other Ventures	Philanthropic endeavors (details vary)
Toukie Smith on IMDb

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Toukie Smith embarked on her career, quickly establishing herself as a sought-after model. Her striking looks and unique style led to collaborations with some of the biggest names in the fashion industry. She graced the runways of Chanel, Versace, and Issey Miyake, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the world of high fashion. Her success as a model paved the way for her transition into acting, where she further showcased her versatility and charisma.

Smith's foray into acting brought her to the small screen, where she landed the memorable role of Eva Rawley on the NBC sitcom "227." Her portrayal of the sassy and independent Eva resonated with audiences, making her a fan favorite. The show, which aired from 1985 to 1990, provided a platform for Smith to showcase her comedic talents and further expand her reach beyond the world of modeling. The character of Eva Rawley became synonymous with Toukie Smith, solidifying her place in television history.

Beyond "227," Toukie Smith also appeared in a variety of films, demonstrating her range as an actress. Her film credits include "Goosed," "Joe's Apartment," and "The Preacher's Wife," among others. While she may not have achieved mainstream Hollywood superstardom, she consistently delivered memorable performances, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. Each role allowed her to explore different facets of her talent and contribute to diverse cinematic narratives.

Toukie Smith's personal life has also garnered attention, particularly her relationship with Robert De Niro. The couple dated for approximately six years and made headlines when they announced the birth of their twin sons, Julian and Aaron, conceived through in vitro fertilization. This was a relatively unconventional approach to family building at the time, further highlighting Smith's independent spirit and willingness to chart her own course. The twins have largely remained out of the spotlight, allowing them to lead relatively private lives.

Robert De Niro, a name synonymous with cinematic excellence, has a large and diverse family. He has seven children with four different women, a testament to the complexities and nuances of his personal life. His eldest children, Drena and Raphael, are from his marriage to Diahnne Abbott. With Toukie Smith, he has twin sons, Julian and Aaron. He also has two children with Grace Hightower, Elliot and Helen. In April 2023, he welcomed his seventh child, Gia Emily Chen De Niro, with Tiffany Chen. Each of De Niro's children has their own unique story and path, contributing to the rich tapestry of his family.

Airyn de Niro's recent interview provides a rare glimpse into the dynamics of growing up within such a high-profile family. Her reflections on her parents' efforts to create a sense of normalcy offer a poignant reminder that even celebrities prioritize family values and strive to provide their children with a grounded upbringing. It's a narrative that humanizes these public figures and underscores the importance of family bonds, regardless of fame or fortune.

Toukie Smith's career trajectory, from her early days as a model to her memorable role on "227" and her subsequent film appearances, is a testament to her talent and versatility. She navigated the often-challenging world of entertainment with grace and determination, leaving a lasting mark on both the fashion and television industries. Her legacy extends beyond her professional achievements, encompassing her role as a mother and her commitment to building a fulfilling life outside the spotlight.

The narrative surrounding Toukie Smith is often framed within the context of her relationship with Robert De Niro and the circumstances surrounding the birth of her twin sons. However, it's important to recognize her as an individual with her own unique accomplishments and contributions. She is more than just a former partner or the mother of famous children; she is a talented actress, model, and businesswoman who has carved her own path and deserves recognition for her individual achievements.

While Toukie Smith has maintained a relatively low profile in recent years, her impact on the entertainment industry remains undeniable. Her work continues to be appreciated by fans who remember her from "227" and her various film appearances. She serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors and models, demonstrating that success can be achieved through talent, hard work, and a commitment to one's craft. Her story is a reminder that even those who choose to step away from the spotlight can leave a lasting legacy.

It's worth noting that information regarding Toukie Smith's birthdate varies across different sources. Some sources cite September 25, 1952, while others indicate April 25, 1955. This discrepancy highlights the challenges of verifying biographical information, particularly for individuals who have maintained a degree of privacy. Regardless of the exact date, her contributions to the entertainment industry remain significant and worthy of recognition.

Toukie Smith's story is a reminder that fame is just one aspect of a person's life. It's the choices they make, the values they uphold, and the relationships they cultivate that truly define them. Airyn de Niro's recent interview offers a valuable perspective on the importance of family and the challenges of navigating a life in the public eye. It's a story that resonates with anyone who has ever strived to balance personal aspirations with familial responsibilities.

The legacy of Toukie Smith extends beyond her professional accomplishments. She is remembered as a trailblazer, a style icon, and a devoted mother. Her contributions to the fashion and entertainment industries have left an indelible mark, and her story continues to inspire and captivate audiences. She represents a generation of talented women who broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of artists and performers.

Robert De Niro's extensive career has been honored with numerous accolades, including the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award in 2020. His dedication to his craft and his commitment to portraying complex and compelling characters have solidified his status as one of the greatest actors of all time. His personal life, while often scrutinized, reflects the complexities and challenges of balancing a demanding career with familial responsibilities.

The De Niro family, with its diverse backgrounds and experiences, represents a microcosm of the broader American experience. Their story is one of resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of happiness in the face of both triumphs and tribulations. Airyn de Niro's recent interview provides a valuable glimpse into the inner workings of this unique family, offering insights into the challenges and rewards of growing up in the spotlight.

In conclusion, the story of Toukie Smith and her family is a multifaceted narrative that encompasses themes of fame, family, and personal fulfillment. From her early days as a model to her memorable role on "227" and her subsequent journey as a mother, she has navigated life with grace and determination. Her legacy continues to inspire and captivate, reminding us that true success lies not just in achieving professional acclaim, but in building meaningful relationships and living a life true to one's values. Airyn de Niro's recent interview serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of family and the challenges of growing up in the shadow of fame.

Furthermore, exploring authentic Toukie Smith stock photos and images can provide a visual representation of her journey and contributions. Getty Images offers a vast collection of such images, allowing viewers to connect with her legacy on a more personal level. These images capture her essence as a model, actress, and influential figure, further solidifying her place in the annals of entertainment history.

The enigma of Toukie Smith, as some have described it, lies in the balance between her public persona and her private life. She has managed to maintain a degree of mystery, allowing her work to speak for itself while shielding her personal life from excessive scrutiny. This approach has allowed her to maintain a sense of control over her narrative and to protect her family from the relentless glare of the spotlight. Her choices reflect a deep understanding of the complexities of fame and a commitment to preserving her privacy.

Toukie Smith's influence extends beyond her direct contributions to the entertainment industry. She also served as an inspiration to her brother, the late fashion icon Willi Smith. Willi Smith was a groundbreaking designer who challenged conventions and celebrated diversity in his work. His success paved the way for other designers of color and helped to diversify the fashion industry. Toukie Smith's support and encouragement played a role in his success, demonstrating the power of familial bonds and the importance of supporting one's loved ones in their creative pursuits.

The story of Toukie Smith is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of staying true to oneself. She has navigated the challenges of fame and personal life with grace and determination, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and captivate audiences. Her contributions to the fashion and entertainment industries have been significant, and her story serves as a reminder that true success lies not just in achieving professional acclaim, but in building meaningful relationships and living a life true to one's values.

Airyn de Niro's recent interview provides a valuable glimpse into the life of a family navigating the complexities of fame and fortune. Her reflections on her parents' efforts to create a sense of normalcy offer a poignant reminder that even celebrities prioritize family values and strive to provide their children with a grounded upbringing. It's a narrative that humanizes these public figures and underscores the importance of family bonds, regardless of fame or fortune.