Shaping culture and breaking barriers
The legal dispute over Marshall's estate went all the way to the US Supreme Court in 2006. The court ruled in her favor, but the case remained unresolved.
Anna gained significant weight but later became the face of TrimSpa, a weight-loss supplement. Her dramatic transformation was highly publicized, but the company later faced legal trouble.
Anna's son, Daniel, died at age 20 from a drug overdose just three days after she gave birth to her daughter, Dannielynn, in the Bahamas in September 2006.
Anna tried acting, landing roles in 'Naked Gun 33⅓,' 'To the Limit,' and TV shows like 'Ally McBeal' but critics often dismissed her as a Marilyn Monroe lookalike.
The media often portrayed Anna as a tragic figure, highlighting her slurred speech, erratic behavior, and personal struggles, making her a constant tabloid target.
Anna Nicole Smith was born Vickie Lynn Hogan on November 28, 1967, in Houston, Texas. She grew up in a working-class family and had a tumultuous childhood filled with struggles.
After her parents' divorce, Anna was raised by her mother, Virgie Arthur, who worked as a sheriff’s deputy. She often spoke about feeling neglected and wanting a glamorous life.
Anna spent most of her childhood in Mexia, Texas, a small town with a population of fewer than 7,000 people. She dropped out of high school in ninth grade.
At just 17 years old, she married a fry cook named Billy Wayne Smith. A year later, in 1986, she gave birth to her son, Daniel Wayne Smith, whom she deeply adored.
Before entering the entertainment industry, Anna worked various low-wage jobs, including at Jim's Krispy Fried Chicken in Mexia, where she met her first husband.
After being featured in Playboy's March 1992 issue, Anna became Playmate of the Year in 1993. She was an instant sensation.
Anna idolized Marilyn Monroe, emulating her look, style, and mannerisms. She often said Monroe was her greatest influence.
Beyond Guess, Anna worked with H&M, Lane Bryant, and Heatherette. Her image was plastered on billboards worldwide, making her one of the most recognizable models of the 1990s.
Her Playboy fame led to a contract with Guess Jeans in 1992. She appeared in high-profile campaigns, replacing Claudia Schiffer, and became an international sex symbol.
Anna insisted that her marriage was about love, not money. She claimed Marshall made her feel special, giving her lavish gifts, including diamonds and luxury cars.
When Marshall died in 1995, Anna was left out of his will. She spent years battling his family in court, fighting for a portion of his estimated US$1.6 billion fortune.
While dancing at a Houston strip club in 1991, Anna met J. Howard Marshall, an 86-year-old oil tycoon. In 1994, they married, sparking controversy due to their 63-year age gap.
She gained a new level of fame with her E! reality show, 'The Anna Nicole Show,' which documented her eccentric life from 2002 to 2004.
Several men claimed to be Dannielynn's father, including her lawyer Howard K. Stern and photographer Larry Birkhead. DNA tests confirmed Birkhead was the biological father in 2007.
Following Daniel's death, Anna became increasingly reliant on prescription drugs, including methadone and sedatives, leading to further concerns about her health and well-being.
As a single mother, Anna struggled financially and worked as a stripper at a Houston nightclub called Gigi's, where she caught the attention of a Playboy scout.
Despite her tragic end, Anna is remembered for her larger-than-life persona and her rise from small-town Texas girl to global fame.
Sources: (People) (ABC News) (CNN)
See also: Famous people who died of overdoses
Anna was buried next to her son Daniel in the Bahamas, fulfilling her wish to be laid to rest beside him. The funeral was highly publicized.
Anna's daughter, Dannielynn, has been raised by her father, Larry Birkhead. He has kept her out of the spotlight, ensuring she lives a normal childhood.
After her death, a legal battle ensued over Dannielynn's inheritance, as Anna's unresolved Supreme Court case over J. Howard Marshall's estate was still pending.
The autopsy revealed that she died of an accidental overdose caused by a lethal combination of prescription medications, including chloral hydrate, methadone, and antianxiety drugs.
On February 8, 2007, Anna was found unresponsive in a Florida hotel room. She was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead at 39 years old.
Due to her curvy figure and Hollywood glamour aesthetic, she was often compared to 1950s bombshell Jayne Mansfield, another Playboy model and blonde Hollywood star.
She quickly caught the attention of Hugh Hefner, who saw her potential as a Playmate.
Anna Nicole Smith captivated the world with her beauty, charisma, and dramatic life story. Rising from small-town Texas to Playboy fame, she became a model, actress, and tabloid sensation. Her whirlwind marriage to billionaire J. Howard Marshall, legal battles, and struggles with addiction kept her in the public eye. Despite her success, personal tragedies overshadowed her later years.
Click on to explore the life of the bombshell who left us 18 years ago.
The life and struggles of Anna Nicole Smith
The blonde bombshell passed away 18 years ago at 39 years old
CELEBRITY Bio
Anna Nicole Smith captivated the world with her beauty, charisma, and dramatic life story. Rising from small-town Texas to Playboy fame, she became a model, actress, and tabloid sensation. Her whirlwind marriage to billionaire J. Howard Marshall, legal battles, and struggles with addiction kept her in the public eye. Despite her success, personal tragedies overshadowed her later years.
Click on to explore the life of the bombshell who left us 18 years ago.