Who is Toukie Smith, Robert De Niro’s ex-girlfriend?

As news circulates that Robert De Niro has welcomed his seventh child with girlfriend Tiffany Chen, many are curious about his past relationships.

Also read | Who is Diahnne Abbott, Robert De Niro’s ex-wife?

One notable ex-girlfriend is Toukie Smith, an actress and model who was in a long-term relationship with De Niro in the 1980s.

Who is Toukie Smith?

Toukie Smith was born on April 25, 1955, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She started her career as a fashion model, appearing in magazines such as Vogue and Essence. She later transitioned to acting, appearing in movies such as The Preacher’s Wife and Talkin’ Dirty After Dark, as well as TV shows like 227 and The Equalizer.

Smith and De Niro reportedly met in 1988 at the nightclub Danceteria in New York City. At the time, Smith was a rising star in the entertainment industry and had recently separated from her husband, Robert Ector. De Niro was fresh off the success of The Untouchables and was in the process of divorcing his first wife, Diahnne Abbott.

The couple quickly became a fixture on the New York City social scene, often attending events and parties together. They also appeared in public together at the premiere of De Niro’s movie Midnight Run in 1988.

Smith and De Niro’s relationship lasted for over a decade, but the couple never married. They did, however, have twin sons together, Julian and Aaron, who were born via surrogate in 1995.

Despite their long-term relationship and the birth of their children, Smith and De Niro eventually parted ways. The exact reason for their breakup is unknown, but sources at the time cited differences in their personalities and lifestyles.

Also read | Who are Robert De Niro’s children, Raphael, Drena, Julian, Aaron, Elliot and Helen?

Today, Smith is no longer acting and has largely retreated from the public eye. She is reportedly living in New York City and is active in various philanthropic endeavours. Meanwhile, De Niro has moved on with his life, welcoming new children and continuing his successful acting career.