Daytime Alum Renauld White Has Died
Former soap star and pioneering Black model Renauld White passed away on June 26 at the age of 80. While a cause of death was not given, White’s friend, fashion designer Jeffrey Banks, shared with Women’s Wear Daily that the model had been under hospice care at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan at the time of his death.
Born February 1, 1944, in Newark, NJ, White’s trailblazing career spanned decades. Having begun his modeling career in 1969, he rose to prominence during the next decade, working with top designers like Halston, Bill Blass, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, Oscar de la Renta, and others, on both the runway and in advertorial campaigns. He graced the covers of traditional African American publications Ebony and Essence, and in November 1979 became the second Black model to appear on the cover of the men’s fashion magazine, GQ.
In addition to his modeling jobs, White also dabbled in acting, appearing in films and in Off-Broadway productions. He took a hiatus from modeling when he landed the recurring role of William Reynolds on Guiding Light in 1985. “I must admit I was nervous at the beginning of the showings here at MFA, having missed the past two years because of my acting commitment with The Guiding Light,” he told The Morning Call in a 1987 interview. “Actually, I had to ask to be written out of the soap for the week so that I could attend this week’s showings. Coming back after two years, I was a little out of sync for a while.”
Per the obituary shared by Wingham Funeral Home in his hometown, White also appeared on General Hospital and One Life to Live. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and a nephew. White is survived by his brother, Colin, sister-in-law, Grace, and many nieces, nephews, other friends and family.
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