Episode 468. Larry Birkhead🏇🌹📺Freelance Celebrity Photographer, Real Estate Investor & TV Personality🌹📺🏇

Larry Birkhead is an American photographer and public figure who gained national and international attention for his relationship with the late model and actress Anna Nicole Smith and, more prominently, as the biological father of their daughter, Dannielynn Birkhead.

Born in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1973, Larry became a Freelance celebrity photographer, real estate investor, and occasional television personality. Graduating from Doss High School in Louisville & attended the University of Louisville, where he earned a degree in journalism and communications.

Career: Worked as a freelance celebrity photographer in Los Angeles. He often photographed red carpet events and had industry access through his work.

Relationship with Anna Nicole Smith: Birkhead met Anna Nicole Smith at the 2004 Kentucky Derby’s Barnstable Brown Gala — an event he regularly attended that has become part of his public persona.

Their relationship was primarily kept private during its course, but they were romantically involved between 2004 and 2006.

Paternity Controversy and Legal Battle: Following Anna Nicole Smith’s death in February 2007, a high-profile legal paternity battle ensued over the custody of her then-five-month-old daughter, Dannielynn Hope Marshall Stern. Anna Nicole had listed Howard K. Stern (her lawyer and companion) as the father on the birth certificate. Birkhead filed a paternity suit to establish his legal rights as the biological father.

Resolution:  In April 2007, DNA testing confirmed Larry Birkhead as Dannielynn’s biological father. He was awarded sole custody, and the child’s surname was changed to Dannielynn Hope Birkhead. Howard K. Stern did not contest the decision after the results were publicized.

Life After the Paternity Case
Birkhead relocated back to Louisville, Kentucky, where he continues to raise Dannielynn out of the public eye with periodic media appearances. He also appears annually at the Kentucky Derby with Dannielynn, where their coordinated outfits often draw public interest.

Public Appearances and Media Engagements: Featured in TV interviews with programs such as The Oprah Winfrey Show, Larry King Live, Entertainment Tonight, and 20/20. Appeared in a 2017 Lifetime docuseries, Hopelessly in Love, chronicling his relationship with Anna Nicole Smith. Has also appeared in various documentaries and features about Anna Nicole’s life and death.