Guiding Light actor and model Renuald White has died aged 80 and is remembered as ‘the perfect gentleman’

GUIDING Light star Renauld White has died aged 80 after spending time in palliative care.

The news of the actor and model’s death was revealed by fashion designer Jeffrey Banks.

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Jeffrey revealed that Renauld died last week in Manhattan, New York, while under hospice care, according to Women’s clothing daily.

He did not share any other details about his death, including the cause.

Renauld rose to fame in the 1970s.

He was only the second black model to appear on the cover of GQ, in 1979.

He has modeled for some of the biggest names in fashion and the most iconic magazines.

Renauld has worked with Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and Bill Blass.

He appeared on the cover of Playboy in 1982.

He began acting in 1986, appearing in several episodes of Guiding Light.

The actor played William Reynolds on the daytime TV show.

He has also made several appearances in other TV and film projects.

Renauld’s most recent role came in 2017 when he appeared in the horror film Central Park.

TAXES ON THE GO

Jeffrey shared a touching tribute to Renauld, according to TMZ.

He remembered him as “the perfect gentleman and a great ambassador for my brand.”

“When introduced to my mother for the first time, she immediately stated that he was my ‘big brother.’ I just wish it was like that,” he continued.

Fans sent condolences in the comments of an Instagram post on Jeffrey’s account featuring a photo of Renauld.

“I am DEEPLY saddened and shocked by the news of Rennie – Renauld White’s passing. May he rest in heavenly peace,” commented one fan.

“A beautiful person inside and out, not to mention charming and incredibly handsome and sexy. He was a treasure. We have deep condolences to his family and dear friends, and all those who adored him.”

“A supermodel of the world. Go ahead, Mr. Renauld White,” a second fan shared on X, formerly Twitter.

“RIP Renauld White,” tweeted a third fan.

RENAULD’S LEGACY

In addition to his work as a model and actor, Renauld was an activist.

Throughout his career, he has advocated for increased representation in the fashion industry.

In a 2011 interview, Renauld revealed that she enlisted Wilhelmina agents to allow more people of color to work as models.

“I wanted to bring about change. I really confronted the establishment about why there weren’t more black male images,” he said, according to WWD.

“At first, I thought I would be arrested and beaten because of my approach. But then they realized that they were wrong and that they were behind society and the times, and that they had to listen to me. “

He helped promote diversity on the designer runways by modeling for big names in the industry.

He continued his work as a model late in his career, coming out of retirement in 2023 to appear in a Dolce & Gabbana advertising campaign.

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