
Larry Birkhead is unpacking his and Anna Nicole Smith’s Hollywood story.
The photographer, who once worked with celebrities, described his experiences with the late Anna Nicole Smith—with whom he shares his 19-year-old daughter, Dannielynn Birkhead—and her lawyer, Howard K. Stern. He acknowledged that their unusual way of life wasn’t always easy.
Larry admitted to Bunnie Xo on the March 22nd episode of the Dumb Blonde podcast that the situation felt somewhat like a cult, though he didn’t want to overstate it. He explained he intentionally kept his distance and maintained his independence, continuing to work on his own projects and avoid becoming part of a group surrounding someone else.
The 53-year-old acknowledged that Howard, 57, worked very hard for Anna Nicole and acted like a father to her son, Daniel Smith, who tragically passed away in September 2006 at just 20 years old. However, he also accused the attorney of overstepping boundaries and getting too involved in Anna Nicole’s personal relationships while they were romantically involved.
“Howard slept on the couch below [Anna Nicole’s room],” he continued. “It was a little bit uneasy for me because he’d bring the dogs in. ‘The dogs want to see you again.’ I’m like, ‘OK.’ Or, ‘Here’s what we’re doing today.’ Some of it was necessary, but some of it, I think, was to get in there to figure out what we were doing.”
Although Larry had complicated feelings about their relationship, he admitted that Howard—who fought him in court to establish paternity of Danielynn after Anna Nicole’s death in February 2007—often took care of difficult issues in the model’s life, which sometimes created awkward moments for him.

Larry said he doesn’t want to defend the other person’s actions, because they really hurt him at the time. He tries to understand all perspectives, but ultimately found it hard to continue the relationship.
TopMob News has reached out to Howard for comment and has not heard back.
Larry, who raised his daughter Danielynn on his own, is now dedicated to supporting her as she becomes an adult and protecting her from people who might try to take advantage of her fame.
He told TopMob News in June that while she has a good group of friends, he remains cautious. He explained that he often feels like he needs to be on guard and aware of their surroundings, and they’ve had to change their lifestyle as a result. Despite this, they’ve also received a lot of support from others.
Larry spoke fondly of his daughter, saying he was proud of the wonderful person she’s grown into – playful, intelligent, and beautiful.
Larry has always been very protective of Dannielynn. Read on to learn more about their special bond.

She’s her mother’s daughter, all right!

Who needs a fascinator when you’re this fabulous?

Flower power! Anna Nicole’s mini-me’s fascinator is in full bloom.

Chim chim cheree! The daddy-daughter duo take inspiration from Mary Poppins.

Larry leads the way as Dannielynn smiles for the cameras.

Think pink! Dannielynn and Larry pick coordinating colors for their festive frocks.

At just 10 years old, Dannielynn is already a red carpet veteran!

Everything’s coming up roses for the twosome!

Dannielynn and her dad are feeling blue, in a good way!

The tween is all smiles in a yellow floral dress as she poses with her dad.

I absolutely loved seeing Dannielynn and Larry at the 2019 Kentucky Derby! Larry shared the sweetest message on Twitter, saying how beautiful Dannielynn looked in her pink Junona dress and a hat that once belonged to her mom – the same one she wore to the Derby way back in 2004. It was such a touching tribute! #KentuckyDerby2019

All smiles!

Masked up!

Dannielynn and her father, Larry, were spotted at the Kentucky Derby celebrations, dressing in matching outfits the day before the main event.

Larry and his daughter Dannielynn attended the 2022 Barnstable-Brown Gala, a party leading up to the Kentucky Derby. Dannielynn wore a dress originally worn by Janet Jackson at the same gala in 2003. Larry explained that he bought the outfit at a Julien’s Auction, and the sale helped raise money for charity.

At the 2022 Kentucky Derby, 15-year-old Dannielynn Birkhead, daughter of the late Anna Nicole Smith, was photographed with her father, Larry Birkhead, sporting a vibrant outfit.

Sixteen-year-old Dannielynn Birkhead attended the Barnstable Brown Kentucky Derby Eve Gala in May 2023 with her father, Larry Birkhead. She honored her late mother with her outfit at the event.

The teenager wore a dress by Gianfranco Ferre that originally belonged to Janet Jackson. She bought it at Julien’s Auctions while at the Barnstable Brown Kentucky Derby Eve Gala in May 2024.

The 17-year-old was seen with her father, Larry Birkhead, on the way to the 2024 Kentucky Derby, sporting a fresh lob haircut.

During the 2025 Kentucky Derby weekend, 18-year-old Dannielynn Birkhead attended the Barnstable Brown gala with her father, Larry Birkhead, wearing the same dress her mother famously wore to the same event in 2004.

The two coordinated in aqua at the main event.
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2026-03-25 03:48