Renauld White, a pioneer for diversity in the modeling industry and actor on 'Guiding Light,' has died at the age of 80.
Renauld White, best known for his soap opera work on Guiding Light and as a pioneer for diversity in the modeling industry, has died at age 80.
White's friend and fashion designer, Jeffrey Banks, confirmed his death to Women's Wear Daily, announcing that White died on June 26 while under hospice care at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. His cause of death was not disclosed.
Banks also shared the news on his Instagram on June 27. "It is with tremendous sadness that I report that my dearest friend and work colleague RENAULD WHITE, left us yesterday," he wrote. "Modeling for me from the very start of my career RENAULD was always the perfect gentleman and a great ambassador for my brand. When first introduced to my Mother she claimed instantly that he was my 'older brother.' I only wished that was so."
He continued: "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. Good night sweet Prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."
White's modeling agency, Bella Agency, confirmed his death in a statement to CNN as well. "We were so honored to have represented Renauld at Bella Agency New York over the past 10 years. He will be truly missed in the fashion world but not forgotten for all the trailblazing moments he accomplished," Ray Volant, founder of Bella Agency, said. "Renauld's passion and perseverance was an inspiration for 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 slew 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, becoming the second Black model to ever appear on the title's cover. According to WWD, Urs Althaus was the first in November 1977.
Throughout his modeling career, White became an advocate for "greater diversity on designer runways." In fact, he once called on Wilhelmina Models agency to allow more people of color to have access to the modeling industry.
"I wanted to bring about change. I really confronted the establishment about why there were not more Black male images," White said in a 2011 interview, according to WWD. "At first, I thought I was going to get thrown in jail and beaten up because of my approach. But then they realized that they were wrong and that they were behind society and behind the times, and that they had to listen to me.”
As for his acting work, White is best remembered for his role as William Reynolds on Guiding Light in the 1980s. His other acting credits include 2014's Gun Hill and 2017's Central Park.
According to his obituary, White is survived by family and had many relatives who "all cherish the times spent with him and will miss him very much."
His funeral will be held on July 12 at Whigham Funeral Home in Newark.
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