Airyn and Julian De Niro confirmed their mother Toukie Smith's death on November 9, 2026, saying she had died in New York on November 4 after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. Their announcement remembered the model and actress as a powerful presence in their lives and in the wider fashion world.
The twins are Smith's two children with former partner Robert De Niro. Born in October 1995 with the help of a surrogate, they grew up with parents who generally protected their childhood from sustained public attention.
Airyn later offered a direct account of that upbringing in a 2025 interview, thanking both parents for keeping her out of the limelight. Julian has remained more private, making it important not to assume that everything about the siblings' adult lives is publicly known.
So, who are Toukie Smith's children? Here is what has been confirmed about Airyn and Julian, their relationship with their mother and the family history behind their recent tribute.
Who are Airyn and Julian De Niro?
Airyn and Julian are twins, born on October 20, 1995. Their parents were Smith and De Niro, who were partners rather than a married couple. Contemporary reporting of the birth described the use of a surrogate and the parents' intention to share responsibility for raising the children.
They were Smith's only children. De Niro has a larger family through other relationships, but those children should not all be described as Smith's sons and daughters. Distinguishing their mother's family from their father's wider family avoids a common source of confusion.
In April 2025, Airyn gave a personal interview about coming out as a transgender woman, her ambitions and her relationship with her parents. Current reporting should use her name Airyn and refer to her as Smith's daughter. Older articles do not necessarily reflect the name or language she uses today.
Julian is her twin brother. While some details of his interests have appeared publicly, he has not offered the same extensive account of his private life. A family profile can identify him accurately without supplying an unverified relationship, occupation or lifestyle.
Both twins were 31 when they announced Smith's death in November 2026. The tribute came from her adult children, whose connection with their mother continued long after the childhood photographs often used to illustrate their family.
What has Airyn shared about growing up with Toukie Smith?
Airyn has said she was grateful that both parents agreed to protect her from the spotlight. That approach gave her a degree of normality despite being the daughter of two recognizable public figures.
Her comments do not describe a childhood built around red carpets or a public family brand. Instead, she has emphasized the difference between being connected to fame and being personally visible or understood. That distinction provides useful context for the limited information available about the twins' early lives.
Smith was also a personal example for her daughter. Airyn described noticing how her mother conducted herself and interacted with people, and seeing aspects of those qualities in her own behavior. It is a direct reflection on their bond rather than an interpretation based on appearances.
Airyn's interview also discussed her interest in acting and modeling, as well as studying to become a mental health counselor. Those are ambitions and interests she has shared herself. They should not be converted into claims that a particular career outcome or professional qualification has already been achieved.
How did Toukie Smith's children remember her after her death?
In their November announcement, Airyn and Julian described the lasting effect their mother had on the people around her. They also recognized her place in a creative family whose work contributed to American fashion and culture.
Airyn separately shared a childhood photograph with her mother and a brief message of love on social media. It was a personal remembrance alongside the siblings' formal statement, rather than an invitation to speculate about private medical details.
Smith's work included modeling for major designers and for her brother Willi Smith. She later became familiar to television audiences through 227 and appeared in films including The Preacher's Wife. Her children therefore remembered someone whose professional life extended across several creative settings.
Their public tribute also returned the focus to family. For all the attention surrounding De Niro's name, the latest confirmed development came from Smith's children speaking about their own mother. Their words and Airyn's earlier interview provide the strongest basis for understanding that relationship, while details they have not shared remain private.
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