Toukie Smith Husband: Everything About Her Former Partner Robert De Niro and Twin Sons

Toukie Smith remains a recognizable name in entertainment thanks to her modeling career, her role in the NBC sitcom 227 and her longtime relationship with Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro. Public interest in her personal life has continued as De Niro’s family has grown, particularly following the arrival of his youngest daughter, Gia, with partner Tiffany Chen. Smith shares twin sons with the actor, making their past relationship an important part of his family history.

Despite their well-known romance, Toukie Smith and Robert De Niro were never married. The former couple dated from 1988 until 1996 and welcomed twin sons, Julian Henry De Niro and Aaron Kendrick De Niro, in 1995. Smith has largely maintained a private personal life since their separation, and there is no widely verified public record of her subsequently marrying another partner.

Who Is Toukie Smith?

Toukie Smith is an American actress and former fashion model who became prominent during the 1980s and 1990s.

She was born Doris A. Smith on April 25, 1952, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She later adopted the professional name Toukie, a nickname associated with her childhood.

Smith initially established herself in fashion, working with major designers and appearing in prominent magazines.

Her modeling career included appearances in Vogue, ELLE and Cosmopolitan. She also worked with fashion brands and designers such as Chanel, Versace and Geoffrey Beene.

She eventually moved into acting and became particularly recognizable for portraying Eva Rawley on the television sitcom 227.

The series aired from 1985 to 1990 and featured a cast led by Marla Gibbs.

Smith’s acting work introduced her to a wider audience beyond the fashion industry.

Was Toukie Smith Ever Married?

Toukie Smith has not publicly confirmed a marriage.

Her most widely documented romantic relationship was with Robert De Niro, whom she dated for approximately eight years.

Although they shared a long-term partnership and became parents together, they never exchanged wedding vows.

Their relationship began in 1988, following the breakdown of De Niro’s marriage to his first wife, Diahnne Abbott.

Smith and De Niro remained together through much of the 1990s before separating in 1996.

Since then, Smith has generally avoided discussing her romantic relationships publicly.

There is no reliable confirmation that she has a current husband or has married since her relationship with De Niro ended.

How Did Toukie Smith and Robert De Niro Meet?

Toukie Smith and Robert De Niro began their relationship in 1988.

At the time, Smith had already established herself as a successful model and television actress.

De Niro was one of Hollywood’s most respected performers, having received Academy Awards for The Godfather Part II and Raging Bull.

Their relationship attracted attention because both were prominent figures in entertainment.

However, the couple generally maintained a relatively private life despite their celebrity status.

They occasionally appeared together at public events but did not frequently discuss their relationship in interviews.

Their partnership continued for approximately eight years and included the birth of their twin sons.

Although the relationship ended in 1996, their shared responsibilities as parents maintained a family connection.

Did Toukie Smith Have Children With Robert De Niro?

Toukie Smith and Robert De Niro have two children together, twin sons Julian Henry De Niro and Aaron Kendrick De Niro.

The twins were born on October 20, 1995, through a surrogate.

Their arrival was an important milestone in Smith and De Niro’s relationship.

The couple separated the following year, but both remained connected through their children.

Julian has pursued acting and appeared in television productions, including The First Lady, where he portrayed a young Barack Obama.

He also appeared in the film In Dubious Battle and has continued exploring opportunities in entertainment.

Aaron has maintained a considerably more private life.

Unlike his father and brother, he has generally avoided public attention and has not developed a widely documented acting career.

Smith has also chosen to keep many details of her children’s upbringing away from the media.

Who Is Robert De Niro’s Current Partner?

Robert De Niro is in a relationship with Tiffany Chen, a martial arts instructor.

The couple reportedly met while working on the film The Intern, which was released in 2015.

Their relationship became publicly known several years later.

In April 2023, De Niro and Chen welcomed a daughter named Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro.

Gia is De Niro’s seventh child.

The actor also has children from his earlier relationships with Diahnne Abbott, Toukie Smith and Grace Hightower.

De Niro married Diahnne Abbott in 1976, and their marriage ended in divorce in 1988.

He later married Grace Hightower in 1997. Their relationship experienced periods of separation before they separated again in 2018.

Unlike Abbott and Hightower, Toukie Smith was never legally married to De Niro.

Their relationship remains an important chapter in his personal history because they share twin sons.

What Happened to Toukie Smith’s Acting Career?

Toukie Smith began her professional career in modeling before moving into television and film.

Her breakthrough acting role came when she joined the cast of 227 as Eva Rawley.

The sitcom followed the lives of residents in a Washington, D.C., apartment building and became a popular NBC comedy.

Smith appeared in the series during the late 1980s, gaining recognition for her performance.

She also appeared in several films, including Me and Him, Talkin’ Dirty After Dark and Joe’s Apartment.

Her acting career was relatively brief compared with her earlier success in fashion.

Following her relationship with De Niro and the birth of their sons, Smith gradually reduced her public appearances.

She has not maintained the same level of visibility as many other former television stars.

Nevertheless, her contributions to modeling and entertainment remain part of her professional legacy.

Who Was Toukie Smith’s Brother Willi Smith?

Toukie Smith was the younger sister of influential American fashion designer Willi Smith.

Willi became known for his innovative approach to accessible fashion and founded the clothing label WilliWear.

His designs combined streetwear influences with practical, contemporary clothing.

He became one of the most commercially successful Black fashion designers of his generation.

Toukie and Willi shared a close family connection, and both established careers in the fashion industry.

Willi died in 1987 at the age of 39.

His passing was a significant personal loss for Toukie, who had admired his creativity and professional achievements.

The siblings’ contributions to fashion remain an important part of their family history.

What Is Toukie Smith Doing Today?

Toukie Smith has maintained a relatively private lifestyle since stepping away from regular acting work.

She has not publicly announced major new television or film projects in recent years.

Much of the attention surrounding her name comes from retrospective discussions of 227, her modeling career and her relationship with Robert De Niro.

Her son Julian has also brought occasional attention to the family through his acting work.

Smith has generally avoided extensive interviews about her private life.

As a result, details about her current residence, romantic relationships and daily activities remain limited.

Although her former partner continues working in Hollywood, Smith has chosen a quieter life outside the entertainment industry’s constant publicity.

Toukie Smith’s Relationship and Family Life Today

Toukie Smith is best known for her career as a model and actress, as well as her former relationship with Robert De Niro.

The couple dated from 1988 to 1996 and welcomed twin sons Julian and Aaron in October 1995.

Despite spending several years together, they never married.

De Niro later married Grace Hightower and eventually began a relationship with Tiffany Chen.

Smith, meanwhile, has kept her romantic life private and has not publicly confirmed a husband.

Her family connections also include her late brother, fashion designer Willi Smith, whose work influenced American fashion.

For readers searching for Toukie Smith’s husband, the important distinction is that Robert De Niro was her longtime partner, not her spouse. Their relationship ended decades ago, but their shared children remain a lasting part of their family history.