Anna Nicole Smith: A star's rapid rise and tragic fall
Anna Nicole Smith would have celebrated her 57th birthday on November 28, 2024. She experienced many challenges in her life, including a difficult childhood, several failed relationships, and the death of her son. At one point, she broke down.
28 November 2024 12:07
Anna Nicole Smith rose to fame in the 1990s. Her real name was Vickie Lynn Hogan, and she was born on November 28, 1967, in Houston, Texas. Her beauty and charm were showcased in advertisements and "Playboy" magazine. Hugh Hefner promoted her and she won the title of Playmate in 1993.
In 1994, she made her big-screen debut. For her role in the movie "Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult," she received a Golden Raspberry Award. She was also a reality show star. Her inspiration was Marilyn Monroe, and she dreamed of a similar career. Like her idol, Smith passed away at a very young age.
Used from an early age
Anna Nicole achieved the desired success, yet her private life was marked by suffering. From childhood, she struggled with the cruelty of those closest to her. Her mother allowed her husband and stepchildren to commit psychological, physical, and sexual abuse against little Vickie, leading to her being placed in the care of an aunt. After years of working in a fast-food restaurant, she married a cook and had a son. However, the marriage fell apart. She decided to undergo breast surgery and later worked as a stripper.
A turning point in her career was her relationship with James Howard Marshall II, whom she married a year after divorcing her first husband. The man was 89 years old at the time. With his help, she gained fame and publicity. Her photos appeared in "Playboy," resulting in collaboration with the magazine's owner, Hugh Hefner.
The second marriage lasted only 14 months, and after the death of the 90-year-old Marshall, the model fought with his sons over the inheritance. The conflict was never resolved. With her next partner, Larry E. Birkhead, she had a daughter, but the happiness from the birth of her second child didn't last long.
The death of a son and daughter orphaned
Just three days after the birth of her daughter, Dannielynn, Smith lost her firstborn son. Daniel died at the age of 20 from an overdose of antidepressants and methadone. The woman broke down. A few months later, on February 8, 2007, at 3:00 p.m. ET, Anna Nicole passed away, leaving her daughter an orphan. The cause was said to be a lethal dose of sedatives and sleeping pills. She was only 39 years old.
