Renauld White - Soap opera star dies at the age of 80
Model and soap opera star Renauld White (1943-2024) is deceased. The actor, who worked on the American soap opera "Springfield Story" for two years, passed away on Wednesday, June 26, at the age of 80 in a hospice in Manhattan. His longtime friend, fashion designer Jeffrey Banks (68), announced this in a conversation with the American fashion magazine "Women's Wear Daily." Banks did not provide any further information on the cause of death.
Jeffrey Banks mourns "older brother"
Designer Jeffrey Banks spoke personally on Instagram: "I sadly report that my dearest friend and colleague Renauld White has left us yesterday."
White was a constant companion in Banks' career from the start, whom he even introduced to his mother, who referred to White as Banks' "older brother." The designer would remember "the barriers he broke" during White's nearly 50-year career and "the love he shared as a trustworthy friend."
White paved the way for black models
Besides acting, White gained fame as a model in the 1970s. He became the second black model ever to appear on the cover of "GQ" Men's Magazine in 1979. White was "a trailblazer," according to Banks. "At the time, there were very few black models. He really broke barriers," of which Banks was proud. During his career, White worked with top designers such as Bill Blass, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Donna Karan.
The model's funeral will take place on July 12 in his hometown of Newark in the state of New Jersey.
In his tribute, Jeffrey Banks recalled the close bond he shared with White, referring to him as his "older brother" even to his mother. During White's career, which spanned nearly five decades, he brokeMany barriers as a model, becoming one of the first black models to grace the cover of "GQ" Men's Magazine in 1979. Throughout his career, White worked with notable fashion designers, including Jeffrey Banks, Calvin Klein, Bill Blass, Ralph Lauren, and Donna Karan, all of whom he significantly impacted.
