Soap star and groundbreaking model dies aged 80
He died last week (Picture: Jemal Countess/WireImage)
Renauld White, a soap star and model, has died at the age of 80.
The actor developed his career in soapland playing William Reynolds in the Guiding Light.
Renauld died on Wednesday, June 26, at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. His friend Jeffrey Banks confirmed the details of Renauld’s death to Women’s Wear Daily, revealing he had been receiving care at a hospice when he passed.
Jeffrey later took to Instagram to pay tribute to his friend.
He wrote: ‘It is with tremendous sadness that I report that my dearest friend and work colleague RENAULD WHITE, left us yesterday. Modelling for me from the very start of my career RENAULD was always the perfect gentleman and a great ambassador for my brand.
He posted a loving tribute to his friend (Picture: Jeffrey Bank/Instagram)
‘When first introduced to my Mother she claimed instantly that he was my “older brother.” I only wished that was so. 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.’
He finished the tribute by writing: ‘Good night sweet Prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.’
According to the venue, a funeral for the model and actor is set to take place at New Jersey’s Whigham Funeral Home on July 12.
His cause of death was not announced immediately.
Renauld was one of the first Black models to gain mainstream exposure. He worked for fashion brands including Bill Blass, Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren.
He became the second-ever Black model to appear on the cover of GQ (Picture: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)
Follow Metro Soaps on WhatsApp and get all the latest spoilers first!
Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who’s leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale?
Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews.
Simply click on this link, select ‘Join Chat’ and you’re in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers!
In November 1979, he became the second-ever Black model to appear on the cover of GQ, after Urs Althaus in 1977.
He also collaborated with brands such as Versace and Armani. Renauld was also the face of multiple advertisements for the likes of Macy’s, Vitalis and Arrow Shirts.
He was also an advocate for amplifying diversity in the fashion industry.
For even more exclusive spoilers and interviews, sign up to Metro's Soaps newsletter