Renauld White , a model and actor from New Jersey and trailblazer in the world of fashion, has died. White, 80, was the first African American male model to cover GQ magazine in 1979. The Newark native worked with designers including Ralph Lauren , Calvin Klein , Jeffrey Banks , Dolce & Gabbana , Donna Karan and Bill Blass and could be seen on many a cover throughout his career.
He died June 26, according to an obituary published by Newark’s Whigham Funeral Home. In addition to maintaining a striking look on runways and magazine covers, White played William Reynolds in the soap opera “Guiding Light” starting in the 1980s. His obituary says he also appeared in “General Hospital” and “One Life to Live.
” White’s modeling agency , Bella Agency , remembered him on Instagram Monday, sharing his GQ cover. He also covered Jet, Ebony and Essence magazines. A post shared by Renauld White (@renauldwhite) “Bella Agency mourns the passing of a great man,” the agency said in its post.
“Kind, Compassionate and Elegant. Renauld White was a pathbreaker in the fashion industry, paving opportunities for a younger generation of models. We were proud to be your agent and your friend.
Rest in Peace, Renny.” White attended West Side High School and Rutgers University in Newark. He also lived in East Orange.
In a 2011 interview, he spoke about his efforts to become a fashion industry change agent , as reported by Women’s Wear Daily. “I really confronted the establishment .