Renauld White, best known for his work in soap operas Guiding light and as a pioneer of diversity in the fashion industry, she died at the age of 80.
White’s friend and stylist Jeffrey Banks confirmed his death to Daily Women’s Fashionannouncing that White died on June 26 while under hospice care at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. The cause of death was not released.
Banks also shared the news on her Instagram on June 27. “It is with tremendous sadness that I inform you that my dear friend and co-worker RENAULD WHITE left us yesterday,” she wrote. “Modeling for me since the beginning of my career, RENAULD has always been the perfect gentleman and a great ambassador for my brand. When I was introduced to my mother, she immediately stated that he was my ‘big brother.’ I only wish it were that way.”
He continued: “I will miss our conversations and moments together, but I will always remember the barriers you broke in the fashion industry and the love you shared as a trusted friend. Goodnight, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing you to rest.”
White’s modeling agency, Bella Agency, confirmed her death. in a statement to CNN “We have been honored to represent Renauld at Bella Agency New York for the past 10 years. He will be greatly missed in the fashion world, but will not be forgotten for all the pioneering moments he achieved,” said Ray Volant, founder of Bella Agency. “Renauld’s passion and perseverance were an inspiration to many. He helped young models find their place in the industry. He was one of a kind.”
White began his modeling career in the 1960s and worked with a number of designers, including Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Donna Karan. He also worked with major fashion houses, including Yves Saint Laurent, Versace, Armani, and Cerutti. In November 1979, White graced the cover of GQ magazine, becoming the second black model to appear on the cover of the title. According to WWD, Urs Althaus was the first in November 1977.
Throughout his modeling career, White has become an advocate for “more diversity on designer runways.” In fact, he once called on the Wilhelmina Models agency to allow more people of color into the fashion industry.
“I wanted to bring about change. I really confronted the establishment about why there weren’t more images of black men,” White said in a 2011 interview, according to WWD. “At first, I thought I would be thrown in jail and beaten because of my approach. But then they realized that they were wrong and that they were behind society and time, and that they had to listen to me.”
As for his work as an actor, White is best remembered for his role as William Reynolds in Guiding light in the 1980s. His other acting credits include Gun Hill and 2017 Central Park.
According to your obituaryWhite leaves behind family and many relatives who “cherish the times they spent with him and will miss him dearly.”
His funeral will be held on July 12 at Whigham Funeral Home in Newark.
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