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Renault White
CNN
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Renaud White, an actor and pioneering model with a career spanning decades, has passed away at the age of 80, his modeling agency announced.
“It was an honor to represent Renaud at Bella Agency New York for the past decade. He will be truly missed in the fashion world, but the pioneering moments he achieved will never be forgotten,” Bella Agency founder Ray Volant told CNN in a statement. “Renaud’s passion and tenacity were an inspiration to so many. He helped young models find their place in the industry. He was one of a kind.”
White’s longtime friend, designer Jeffrey Banks, Confirmed White died while receiving hospice care at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, she told Women’s Wear Daily.
The cause of death has not been revealed.
Banks also wrote a tribute to White. Instagram He calls White “one of my closest friends and business colleagues.”
“While I will miss our conversations and spending time together, I will always remember the barriers you broke in the fashion industry and the love you shared as a trusted friend,” Banks wrote.
CNN has reached out to Banks for comment.
White, who has appeared on the covers of Essence, Ebony and other magazines over his long career, became the first African-American male model and only the second black male model to appear on the cover of GQ in November 1979.
White lists several acting credits on her IMDb page, including a two-year stint on “Guiding Light.” Obituary An article on the Whigham Funeral Home website also lists his roles on “General Hospital” and “One Life to Live.”
According to his obituary, White was born Feb. 1, 1944, in Newark, New Jersey, the son of the late Maybelline Scott White and Robert White Sr.
He graduated from Westside High School and lived in East Orange, New Jersey.
White died on June 26th.
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Model Renaud White in undated photo.
“His unique and captivating looks made him a favorite among photographers and designers,” the obituary read. “His striking looks and impeccable poise made him an icon for aspiring models across the country.”
Over the years, White has walked fashion runways and appeared in campaigns for brands and designers such as Bill Blass, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Dolce & Gabbana and Donna Karan.
In addition to appearing on television, White has also appeared in numerous Off-Broadway productions.
White is survived by many relatives, who “cherish the time they spent with her and will miss her greatly.”
White’s funeral will be held July 12 at Wiggum Funeral Home in Newark.