Renauld White, a pioneer for Black models in mainstream fashion and later an actor on the soap opera Guiding Light, passed away at 80. He died on Wednesday at New York City’s Lenox Hill Hospital. His close friend and fashion designer, Jeffrey Banks, confirmed the news to Women’s Wear Daily (WWD), noting that White had been in hospice care. The exact cause of death was not disclosed immediately.
Remembering a Friend
Jeffrey Banks shared his sorrow and memories on Instagram, reminiscing about his longtime friend. “It is with tremendous sadness that I report that my dearest friend and work colleague, RENAULD WHITE, left us yesterday,” Banks wrote. He recalled White as the perfect gentleman and a great ambassador for his brand. Banks also shared a touching personal memory, mentioning that his mother had instantly thought of White as his “older brother.”
Banks concluded his tribute with a heartfelt message: “Good night sweet Prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
Honoring a Pioneer
Renauld White’s funeral is scheduled for July 12 at Newark, New Jersey’s Whigham Funeral Home. White was a trailblazer for Black models, starting his career in the 1960s and working for renowned fashion houses like Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, and Bill Blass. In November 1979, he became the second Black model to grace the cover of GQ, following Urs Althaus in 1977.
White also collaborated with prestigious fashion labels such as Versace, Armani, and Yves Saint Laurent and was the face of advertising campaigns for brands including Macy’s, Arrow Shirts, Black Tie cologne, and Vitalis.
Advocacy and Change
Beyond his work in fashion, White was a strong advocate for diversity in the industry. In a 2011 interview with WWD, he spoke about pushing the Wilhelmina Models agency to hire more people of color. “I really confronted the establishment about why there were not more Black male images,” he said. Although initially met with resistance, his efforts eventually brought about change, highlighting the industry’s need to progress.
Acting Career
White’s acting career included appearances in seven episodes of the soap opera Guiding Light from 1986 to 1992. He also acted in the 2014 TV film Gun Hill and the 2017 movie Central Park. He honed his acting skills at the La MaMa Experimental Theater in Manhattan and appeared in multiple plays.
Personal Reflections and Tributes
White was close friends with the legendary singer Aretha Franklin, whom he described as a “cherished private confidant” in a memorial post after her death in August 2018. Following White’s passing, many colleagues remembered him fondly. David Neeman, founder of the Loyalty Foundation, called White “an extraordinary man” who was “kind, patient, thoughtful, and a tremendous mentor.”
Veteran model Bethann Hardison described White as “a nice and charming guy” and “a great male model of the late ’70s and ’80s.”
A Life Celebrated
Jeffrey Banks shared a second Instagram post, reflecting on the outpouring of love and support following White’s passing. “I am sure that he would be overwhelmed by the love, support, and words of impact his life and career had on so many people,” Banks said. He quoted The Wizard of Oz, saying, “A heart is not judged by how much you love, but how much you are loved by others. And RENNY was indeed, truly loved.”
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