Renauld White, “Guiding Light” actor and groundbreaking model, dies at the age of 80

Published: 12:52 PDT, July 1, 2024

Renauld White, best known for his work in soap operas Example and a pioneer for diversity in the modeling industry, has died at the age of 80.

White’s friend and fashion designer Jeffrey Banks confirmed his death to Women’s clothing for everyday wearannouncing that White died on June 26 while in hospice care at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. His cause of death was not disclosed.

Banks also shared the news on Instagram on June 27. “It is with great sadness that I report that my best friend and work colleague RENAULD WHITE passed away yesterday,” he wrote. “RENAULD was a model for me from the beginning of my career and was always the perfect gentleman and a great ambassador for my brand. When I first introduced him to my mother, she immediately claimed he was my ‘big brother’. I only wish that were the case.”

He continued: “I will miss our conversations and time together, but I will always remember the barriers you broke in the fashion industry and the love you shared as a loyal friend. Goodnight, sweet prince, and hosts of angels sing you to sleep.”

White’s modeling agency Bella Agency confirmed his death in a statement to CNN “We were so honored to represent Renauld at Bella Agency New York for the past 10 years. He will be truly missed in the fashion world, but despite all the groundbreaking moments he accomplished, he will not be forgotten,” 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, making her the second black model to ever appear on the cover of the magazine. According to WWD, Urs Althaus kicked things off in November 1977.

Throughout his modeling career, White advocated for “more diversity on designer runways.” In fact, he once called on the Wilhelmina Models agency to allow more people of color into the modeling industry.

“I wanted to change something. I really confronted the establishment about why there weren’t more images of black men,” White said in a 2011 interview. WWD. “At first I thought I would be thrown in jail and beaten up because of the way I was doing things. But then they realized they were wrong and behind society and the times and that they had to listen to me.”

As for his acting work, White is best known for his role as William Reynolds in Example in the 1980s. His other acting credits include 2014 Gun Hill and 2017 Central Park.

After his obituaryWhite leaves behind a family and many relatives who “all cherish the time they spent with him and will miss him greatly.”

His funeral will be held on July 12 at the Whigham Funeral Home in Newark.

RELATED CONTENT: