Renauld White, a pioneering figure in the modeling world and an actor on the soap opera “Guiding Light,” has passed away at the age of 80. The news was shared by his close friend and renowned fashion designer Jeffrey Banks via Instagram. Banks expressed his deep sorrow, noting, “It is with tremendous sadness that I report that my dearest friend and work colleague, RENAULD WHITE, left us yesterday.”
White’s career in modeling began in the 1960s, a time when opportunities for people of color in the fashion industry were severely limited. Determined to change the status quo, White confronted the industry’s lack of diversity head-on. In an interview with Black Living Knowledge, he recalled, “I wanted to bring about change. I really confronted the establishment about why there were not more Black male images.”
His efforts bore fruit. In 1979, White made history as the first African-American model to grace the cover of GQ, following Swiss model Urs Althaus. This milestone was just one of many; White also became the first Black man to walk the runway for iconic designers such as Bill Blass, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Donna Karan.
Jeffrey Banks, reflecting on their friendship, shared a heartfelt anecdote about White’s introduction to his mother, who instantly felt a familial bond with the model, likening him to an “older brother.” Banks’ tribute poignantly concluded with, “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.”
White’s transition into acting saw him take on the role of William Reynolds in the popular soap opera “Guiding Light” during the 1980s. He continued to act sporadically while maintaining his modeling career, which spanned into his later years. In 2023, White was featured in a campaign for Dolce & Gabbana, showcasing his enduring appeal and influence.
Throughout his career, White was not just a model but a mentor and advocate for diversity. He served on the advisory board of the Loyalty Foundation, where founder David Neeman remembered him as “an extraordinary man, so kind, so patient, so thoughtful and a tremendous mentor.”
White’s legacy is one of breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of models and actors of color. His life and work remain a testament to his commitment to equality and excellence in his field. As Jeffrey Banks aptly put it in his tribute, “A heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others.” Renauld White was indeed, truly loved.
The cause of death has not been disclosed. White’s funeral is scheduled for July 12 at Whigham Funeral Home in his hometown of Newark, New Jersey.