Toukie Smith, 227 Actress and Model, Dies at 74

Toukie Smith, the model and actress best known for playing Eva Rawley on the sitcom 227, has died at 74. Her twins, Airyn and Julian, announced her death and said she had battled multiple sclerosis for a long time. Their announcement is the basis for reports of the illness; the supplied accounts do not independently establish the medically documented cause of death.

Smith joined the NBC comedy 227 in 1989, appearing as Eva, an artist who moves into the apartment building at the center of the show and later manages it. She appeared during the sitcom’s final two seasons, which ended in 1990. Her television work also included a recurring role as Angie on Miami Vice in 1987 and 1988.

Born Doris Smith in Philadelphia on September 25, 1952, she began modeling in 1972. She worked with designers including Hubert de Givenchy, Chanel, Issey Miyake and Thierry Mugler, and Bloomingdale’s named her its model of the year in 1978. Her brother, fashion designer Willi Smith, helped launch her career, and she modeled for his label, WilliWear.

Smith moved into acting in the 1980s. Her film credits included Talkin’ Dirty After Dark and I Like It Like That, followed by Joe’s Apartment and The...