Toukie Smith carved out a unique space in entertainment history by transitioning from a trailblazing high-fashion model to a recognizable television and film actress. While she is best known for her television role as Eva Rawley on the NBC sitcom 227, her screen credits span iconic 1980s crime dramas, cult-classic comedies, and major studio holiday films.
Before hitting the screen, Smith built a formidable career in the fashion industry during the 1970s and 1980s. She worked with top designers like Chanel and Versace, became Bloomingdale's Model of the Year in 1978, and was only the second African-American model to have a custom mannequin sculpted in her likeness. When she transitioned into acting, she brought that striking screen presence to a diverse slate of projects. This overview breaks down every major television appearance, film credit, and memorable role from her career.
Breakthrough Television Roles
Smith's acting career picked up momentum in the late 1980s with guest spots and recurring roles on landmark television series. She didn't jump straight into starring roles; instead, she built her resume by working alongside major television stars of the era.
Miami Vice (1987–1988)
One of Smith's earliest major television exposures came through recurring appearances on the stylish crime drama Miami Vice. Starring Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas, the series was a cultural touchstone of the 1980s. Smith's natural poise and striking look fit seamlessly into the show's high-fashion, neon-soaked aesthetic, helping establish her viability as a screen actress beyond print modeling.
227 (1989–1990)
Smith's most famous television role came during the final seasons of the NBC sitcom 227. Starring Marla Gibbs, the show focused on the daily lives of residents living in a Washington, D.C. apartment building. Smith joined the cast to portray Eva Rawley, injecting fresh energy into the ensemble. Her performance on the popular network comedy remains her most widely recognized television credit. You can read more about classic television history through the Television Academy.
Major Film Appearances
While television brought her into living rooms nationwide, Smith also secured memorable supporting roles in independent cinema and major Hollywood studio releases throughout the 1990s.
Talkin' Dirty After Dark (1991)
Directed by David Raynr, this comedy film featured a breakout cast including Martin Lawrence and John Witherspoon. The movie takes place inside a Los Angeles comedy club and captures the vibrant style of early-90s Black comedy cinema. Smith's appearance in the film aligned with her active presence in the cultural and artistic circles of New York and Los Angeles during that period.
Joe's Apartment (1996)
Based on the famous MTV short film, Joe's Apartment was a surreal musical-comedy released by Geffen Pictures. It follows a young man who moves to New York City and discovers his dilapidated apartment is inhabited by thousands of talking, singing cockroaches. Smith played the role of the Head User, contributing to the film's eccentric, hyper-stylized urban atmosphere.
The Preacher's Wife (1996)
Directed by Penny Marshall, this major studio holiday release was a remake of The Bishop's Wife. It starred Denzel Washington as an angel sent to help a struggling clergyman, played by Courtney B. Vance, and his wife, played by Whitney Houston. Smith held a supporting role as a teleprompter operator, participating in a production that grossed nearly 50 million dollars at the box office and earned an Academy Award nomination for its music.
Goosed (1999)
In the late 1990s, Smith appeared in the romantic comedy Goosed, playing the character Princess. The indie feature explored modern relationships and added another distinct credit to her filmography before she shifted her primary focus away from full-time acting to other business and creative ventures, including launching her own restaurant, Toukie's, in New York City's West Village.
Complete Chronological Filmography
To track her appearances across film and television easily, here is the complete timeline of her credited screen work:
- Miami Vice (1987–1988) – Recurring guest roles on the hit NBC police drama.
- Me and Him (1988) – A comedy feature directed by Doris Dörrie.
- 227 (1989–1990) – Regular series role playing Eva Rawley across multiple episodes.
- Talkin' Dirty After Dark (1991) – Supporting role in the urban comedy feature.
- I Like It Like That (1994) – Appearance in the critically acclaimed independent drama directed by Darnell Martin.
- Joe's Apartment (1996) – Featured role as the Head User in the MTV-produced comedy.
- The Preacher's Wife (1996) – Studio comedy-drama starring Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington.
- Goosed (1999) – Independent romantic comedy feature playing Princess.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Toukie Smith best known for?
She is primarily known for her role as Eva Rawley on the late-80s NBC sitcom 227, as well as her pioneering high-fashion modeling career during the 1970s and 1980s working with designers like Chanel and Versace.
Did Toukie Smith appear in movies with major stars?
Yes. She acted alongside Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston in Penny Marshall's holiday feature The Preacher's Wife, and appeared in the cult classic comedy Joe's Apartment.
Where did Toukie Smith get her unique name?
She has noted in interviews that her unusual name came from her grandmother, who used to sing her a comforting song about an energetic fire engine. Her birth name is Doris A. Smith.
Is Toukie Smith related to any other famous figures?
She was the sister of the late, highly influential fashion designer Willi Smith, who founded the pioneering sportswear brand WilliWear Ltd.
