Soap Opera Star, Groundbreaking Model Renauld White Dies At 80
Renauld White, the soap actor and trailblazing model who broke barriers in the fashion industry, has died at 80 years of age.
While an official cause of death has not been revealed, Mr. White was under hospice care at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
In his tribute, Mr. Banks reflected on their personal and professional friendship, particularly when the two made headway in the fashion world.
"I shall miss our talks and times together, but will always remember the barriers you broke in the fashion industry and the love you shared as a trusted friend. Good night sweet Prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."
"His unique and captivating looks made him a favorite among photographers and designers alike," reads the obituary. "With his striking features and impeccable poise, he became an icon for aspiring models across the nation."
He rose to prominence in the modeling industry in the 1960s, capturing the eyes of photographers and designers alike. Over the years, he worked the runway with the likes of Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, and Bill Blass, and modeled for Yves Saint Laurent, Armani, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac and Versace.
In November 1979, he became the first African-American male model to appear on the cover of GQ magazine. He also urged his modeling agency at the time to hire more people of color for its projects.
"At first, I thought I was going to get thrown in jail and beaten up because of my approach. But then they realized that they were wrong and that they were behind society and behind the times, and that they had to listen to me."
In the 1980s, Mr. White took a modeling hiatus and appeared on the daytime soap opera "Guiding Light" for two years.
His other acting credits include the television movie "Gun Hill (2014)" and the film "Central Park (2017)". He also held other TV roles on "One Life to Live," "General Hospital," "Inside Job," and "The Stepford Wives."
Further, Mr. White developed a love for the theater and worked on his acting at the La MaMa Experimental Theater in Manhattan, New York. He went on to appear in several off-Broadway plays such as "Antony and Cleopatra," "Twelfth Night," "Medea," and "Obatala."
