Toukie Smith Children: Meet Airyn and Julian, Her Twins With Robert De Niro
Toukie Smith’s children, Airyn and Julian De Niro, have paid an emotional tribute to their mother following the passing of the former model and actress at age 74. Best known for her role in the television sitcom 227, Smith passed away in a New York hospital after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. Her twins confirmed the news in a family statement, remembering her as a remarkable woman whose influence extended across fashion, entertainment and their personal lives.
Smith, who was previously in a relationship with Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro, welcomed Airyn and Julian in 1995 through surrogacy. Although their father became one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors, both children were raised with considerable privacy. In recent years, Airyn has spoken publicly about her identity and the important role her mother played in shaping her confidence.
So, who are Toukie Smith’s children, and what is known about their lives? Here’s everything to know about Airyn and Julian De Niro, their relationship with their famous parents and the family legacy Smith leaves behind.
How Many Children Did Toukie Smith Have?
Toukie Smith had two children, twins Airyn De Niro and Julian Henry De Niro, with her former partner Robert De Niro.
The twins were born in October 1995 through in vitro fertilization and surrogacy. Both are 31 years old as of November 2026.
Smith and De Niro were together from 1988 until 1996, although they never married.
Their relationship remained relatively private despite De Niro’s considerable Hollywood fame and Smith’s successful modeling and acting career.
Following their separation, both parents remained connected to their children’s upbringing.
Airyn and Julian are Smith’s only publicly known children. They are also two of Robert De Niro’s seven children.
Who Is Toukie Smith’s Daughter Airyn De Niro?
Airyn De Niro is Toukie Smith and Robert De Niro’s daughter.
Born in October 1995, Airyn spent much of her childhood away from public attention despite belonging to a famous Hollywood family.
She became more widely known in April 2025 when she publicly came out as a transgender woman during an interview.
Airyn discussed her experiences growing up, her evolving understanding of her identity and the importance of representation.
She also explained that she had begun her gender transition in November 2024.
During the interview, Airyn expressed appreciation for the Black women who influenced her life, particularly her mother.
Smith’s experiences as a successful Black model helped Airyn understand the importance of confidence, individuality and self-expression.
Airyn has also expressed an interest in becoming a mental health counselor, reflecting her desire to support people navigating personal challenges.
Although she has become more publicly visible, she continues to maintain boundaries around her private life.
Airyn De Niro Shares an Emotional Tribute to Her Mother
Following Toukie Smith’s passing, Airyn shared a personal tribute on Instagram.
She posted a childhood photograph featuring herself with her mother and expressed her enduring love for Smith.
The tribute followed a joint statement issued by Airyn and her twin brother, Julian.
In their statement, the siblings described their mother as a force of nature and acknowledged the lasting influence she had on everyone who knew her.
They also reflected on Smith’s contribution to American fashion and culture.
Their message highlighted her role in opening doors for Black models and designers during a period when representation in the fashion industry remained limited.
The siblings emphasized that Smith’s influence extended beyond her professional achievements.
For Airyn, the loss was particularly personal because she had previously spoken about how much her mother’s example meant to her.
Who Is Toukie Smith’s Son Julian Henry De Niro?
Julian Henry De Niro is Toukie Smith’s son and Airyn’s twin brother.
He was born in October 1995 and grew up alongside his sister in New York.
Unlike some members of the De Niro family, Julian has generally avoided extensive media attention.
However, he has pursued acting and has appeared in several television productions.
One of his most recognizable performances came in the 2022 series The First Lady.
Julian portrayed a young Barack Obama in the historical drama, which explored the lives of several American first ladies.
The role introduced him to a wider television audience and demonstrated his interest in following a creative path.
He has also appeared in other screen projects while maintaining a comparatively private personal life.
Despite his father’s legendary acting career, Julian has not relied heavily on public appearances or celebrity publicity.
His involvement in the joint statement announcing his mother’s passing reflected the close family connection he maintained with Smith.
Toukie Smith and Robert De Niro’s Relationship
Toukie Smith and Robert De Niro began dating in 1988.
At the time, Smith was already an established fashion model who had worked with major designers and appeared in prominent magazines.
De Niro was an internationally recognized actor known for films such as Taxi Driver, Raging Bull and The Godfather Part II.
Their relationship attracted considerable public interest because both were successful figures in their respective industries.
However, they generally avoided discussing their romance in interviews.
The couple welcomed their twins in 1995, approximately seven years after their relationship began.
They separated in 1996, the following year.
Although they never married, Smith remained an important part of De Niro’s family history as the mother of two of his children.
Robert De Niro Supports His Daughter Airyn
Robert De Niro publicly expressed his support for Airyn after she came out as transgender in April 2025.
The actor emphasized that his love for his daughter remained unchanged.
His response attracted positive attention and highlighted the importance of family acceptance.
Airyn later discussed her relationship with both parents and how their experiences influenced her upbringing.
Although De Niro is one of Hollywood’s most recognizable actors, he has generally avoided discussing his children’s personal circumstances in unnecessary detail.
The actor has seven children from four relationships.
In addition to Airyn and Julian, his children are Drena, Raphael, Elliot, Helen Grace and Gia Virginia.
His youngest daughter, Gia, was born in April 2023 during his relationship with Tiffany Chen.
Despite the considerable age differences among his children, De Niro has frequently spoken about the importance of fatherhood.
Toukie Smith’s Modeling and Acting Career
Toukie Smith was born Doris A. Smith on September 25, 1952, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
She developed an interest in fashion and attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.
Her modeling career began in the early 1970s.
She worked with major fashion designers, including Givenchy, Thierry Mugler and Issey Miyake.
Smith also appeared in magazines such as Vogue and Ebony.
In 1978, she received recognition as Bloomingdale’s Model of the Year.
Her older brother, Willi Smith, was an influential fashion designer who helped establish the popular WilliWear clothing label.
Toukie later moved into acting, appearing in Miami Vice before joining the NBC sitcom 227.
She portrayed Eva Rawley, a character who became part of the show’s central apartment-building community.
Her film appearances included Talkin’ Dirty After Dark, I Like It Like That, Joe’s Apartment and The Preacher’s Wife.
Beyond entertainment, she operated a catering business and a restaurant in New York.
Her career demonstrated considerable versatility, spanning fashion, television, film and hospitality.
Toukie Smith’s Children Confirm Her Passing
Toukie Smith passed away on November 4, 2026, at a hospital in New York.
She was 74 years old.
Her children, Airyn and Julian, confirmed the news publicly on November 9.
According to their statement, Smith had experienced a long battle with multiple sclerosis, a chronic condition affecting the central nervous system.
The twins described their mother with affection and emphasized the lasting influence of her personality and professional accomplishments.
Their tribute also recognized the broader significance of her work in fashion, particularly her contributions to opportunities for Black models.
Smith is survived by her two children, her brother Norman Smith-Harllee and other family members.
For readers searching for Toukie Smith’s children, Airyn and Julian De Niro are her twin daughter and son with Robert De Niro. While both have maintained relatively private lives, their public tribute reflects the close relationship they shared with their mother and the importance of preserving her legacy.
