Los Angeles, Nov. 10 -- Toukie Smith, a top model in the 1970s and a former partner of legendary actor Robert De Niro, has passed away. She was 74.

The news of her demise was confirmed by her twins Airyn and Julian.

In a statement, both Airyn and Julian shared that Toukie, also an actress, breathed her last on November 4 after a long battle with multiple sclerosis, as per Deadline.

"Toukie was a force of nature. She left an indelible mark on our hearts and on everyone lucky enough to know her," the children said.

Born on September 25, 1952, in Philadelphia, Toukie's first screen credit was a recurring role on NBC's popular cop drama Miami Vice. She played Angie, the assistant to Caitlin Davies (Sheena Easton), an ill-fated pop singer ...