Renauld White, a prominent figure in both the fashion and television industries, passed away at the age of 80. His longtime friend and fashion designer, Jeffrey Banks, confirmed that White died on Wednesday, June 26, while under hospice care at New York’s Lenox Hill Hospital.
Banks, 81, expressed his deep sorrow on Instagram, recalling White as not just a colleague but a dear friend. “It is with tremendous sadness that I report that my dearest friend and work colleague, RENAULD WHITE, left us yesterday,” Banks wrote alongside an old photo of White. “Modeling for me from the very start of my career, RENAULD was always the perfect gentleman and a great ambassador for my brand.”
White’s career was marked by significant milestones, including becoming the second Black model to grace the cover of GQ magazine in November 1979. He championed diversity within the fashion industry, paving the way for greater representation on designer runways. His influence extended beyond modeling; he portrayed the character of William Reynolds on CBS’ ‘Guiding Light’ during the 1980s.
Despite retiring from modeling and acting, White made a notable return in 2023 for a Dolce & Gabbana ad campaign, shot by renowned photographer Steven Meisel. Throughout his career, White remained a vocal advocate for diversity, pushing for more inclusion of Black male models in the industry.
White’s legacy is celebrated not only for his groundbreaking achievements but also for his unwavering commitment to promoting diversity and breaking barriers in fashion and entertainment.
Related topics:
GENA ROWLANDS REVEALED TO HAVE ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
ACTRESS LAIDE BAKARE INVOLVED IN TRAFFIC INCIDENT, RECEIVES FINE
DAVID THEWLIS: THE UNHERALDED TALENT OF HOLLYWOOD