Larry Birkhead has offered candid insights into his relationship with the late Anna Nicole Smith, revealing the complex dynamics that characterized their time together before her tragic death in 2007.
During an appearance on the "Dumb Blonde" podcast on Sunday, March 22, the 53-year-old photographer described an environment that sometimes felt restrictive and isolated. Birkhead, who is the biological father of Smith's daughter Dannielynn, explained that the former Playboy model's relationship with fame created significant challenges in their personal life.
"She did not want to share the spotlight she was getting and the attention she was getting with anybody else because that was where she felt loved," Birkhead told podcast host Bunnie Xo. "You are taking that love away when you are taking a piece of whatever away. That is why I think she was the way that she was."
The photographer's relationship with Smith remained largely unknown to the public during their two years together. This secrecy was deliberate, according to Birkhead, who explained that maintaining an image of availability was central to Smith's public persona and career strategy.
"When Anna always did interviews, she was this available goddess that people desired to be with," Birkhead explained. "When she went out on a red carpet, that was what she projected. Like, you would want to be with this woman if you could be with this woman. That was part of her image."
Birkhead also addressed the role of Howard K. Stern, Smith's former lawyer, in creating what he described as a cult-like atmosphere. The photographer noted that when he first entered Smith's inner circle, the environment felt restrictive and controlling.
"When I first came to the house, it kind of felt a little cultlike. Like we were in some kind of cult," Birkhead said. "I did not want to be an entourage member, or whatever. I maintained independence as far as I could. I still worked and did my own thing. I was not asking her for money, that kind of stuff."
Despite his criticisms, Birkhead acknowledged Stern's dedication to Smith's career and her son Daniel. He observed that Stern negotiated contracts without taking fees that would typically go to an agent, ensuring Smith received full compensation for her work. Birkhead also noted Stern's role as a father figure to Daniel Wayne Smith, who died at age 21 in September 2006 from an accidental drug overdose.
"On the flip side of things, I watched him work tirelessly and negotiate all of her contracts and not take a fee," Birkhead said. "Everything went to her and was fiercely negotiated for her benefit. I would also see him spend time with Anna's son, Daniel, kind of a father figure."
Smith died at age 39 in February 2007 due to an accidental overdose caused by combined drug intoxication. Following her death, Birkhead became involved in a legal battle to establish paternity of Dannielynn. DNA testing confirmed him as the biological father in April 2007.
The revelations offer a rare glimpse into the private life of one of the most scrutinized celebrities of the early 2000s, illustrating the tension between public image and personal relationships that defined Smith's final years. Birkhead's reflections underscore the challenges of maintaining authentic connections within the demanding world of celebrity culture, particularly for someone whose public persona was so carefully constructed and protected.