Larry Birkhead 'hesitant' to let daughter Dannielynn follow in her late mom Anna Nicole Smith’s footsteps
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Larry Birkhead is expressing caution when it comes to his daughter Dannielynn’s future in showbiz.
Birkhead, who shares 18-year-old Dannielynn with late model and reality star Anna Nicole Smith, admitted he has reservations about her potentially pursuing a career in show business.
Birkhead revealed that while he’s willing to support Dannielynn if she chooses to enter the entertainment industry, it wouldn’t be his preferred path for her. “I’m hesitant,” he said. “I’ll support her if she chooses it, but it’s not my first choice. Then again, it’s not my life.”
However, his hesitation doesn’t mean he’s unwilling to let the teenager explore a future in the entertainment industry.
Larry Birkhead opens up about daughter Dannielynn’s future in showbiz
Birkhead is treading carefully when it comes to his daughter Dannielynn stepping into the world of entertainment. The photographer got candid about his and Smith’s daughter potentially following in her late mom’s footsteps by pursuing a career in modeling and acting.
“I’m hesitant,” Birkhead exclusively told E! News’ Francesca Amiker ahead of Father’s Day 2025, celebrated on Sunday, June 15. “I’ll support her if she chooses it, but it’s not my first choice. Then again, it’s not my life.”
The 52-year-old explained that his reluctance stems more from public perception than from any doubts about Dannielynn herself, who was born just six months before her mother tragically died of a drug overdose in 2007.
“People are quick to judge,” Birkhead continued. “They’ll say, ‘Oh, here she goes—following in her mom’s footsteps.’ And because her mom passed away, people attach a negative connotation to it.”
However, just because he has his reservations doesn't mean he plans to stand in her way.
“As a dad, my job is to say: ‘Here’s what you might face,’” Birkhead shared. “I worked as a reporter and photographer. I’ve seen the industry from the other side. I know what Anna went through. I just throw all that into a pot and say, ‘Are you sure this is what you want to do?’ I want her to make an informed decision.”
Larry Birkhead emphasizes education but encourages Dannielynn to explore her passion
Alongside preparing Dannielynn for the emotional and public scrutiny that can come with a career in the spotlight, Birkhead is also focused on ensuring she builds a strong foundation outside the entertainment industry.
“I always tell her: have an academic foundation as your main focus,” he said. “Do modeling or acting on the side, and if it takes off, then reassess. I had a lot of educators in my family—principals, teachers—so I’m trying to pass that along.”
While he acknowledged that Dannielynn has a creative spark, he emphasized that her future remains open.
“We’re looking at touring some colleges,” Birkhead said. “She has some ideas about where she wants to go and what she wants to do. There are a couple she’s really focused on.”
He continued, “She did some school plays, and the school gave her great feedback, but it’s only recently that she’s started thinking about modeling and acting again.”
Larry Birkhead plans a simple and fun Father’s Day with Dannielynn
As for what’s immediately ahead, Birkhead is keeping things simple - focusing on quality time with his daughter for Father’s Day, this year.
“I let Dannielynn pick how we spend the day,” he noted. “She always asks what I want to do, but we can never decide on anything. So, I flip it back to her, and it usually ends up being a theme park or some kind of fun adventure.”
Birkhead added, “This year, I think we’re doing Disney World—and probably hitting a water park too since it’s so hot.”
Dannielynn and Larry Birkhead share a close and meaningful father-daughter bond
The father-daughter duo have built a strong and joyful bond over the years, marked by meaningful traditions and shared interests.
One of their favorite annual outings is the 'Kentucky Derby', a place with special significance—it’s where Birkhead first met Anna Nicole Smith. Together, they never miss the 'Barnstable Brown Gala' the night before the race.
In 2022, Dannielynn made headlines wearing a memorable outfit once worn by Janet Jackson, purchased at a charity auction.
The pair’s mutual love for music has only strengthened their connection. Both longtime Janet Jackson fans, they attended her concert after the Derby and again in Cincinnati later that year.
“Heading out to Dannielynn's second Janet Jackson concert (my millionth 😂),” Birkhead joked on Instagram, “As we sit here arguing which one of us is the bigger Janet fan.” After the show, they even got the chance to meet the pop legend.
Their shared passion doesn’t stop there. In 2023, the duo celebrated Father’s Day at a Duran Duran concert. Birkhead posted a sweet throwback photo of them sharing earbuds when Dannielynn was younger, writing, “I’ve been trying to school her on good music way back since she was a baby.”
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Another special tradition includes visits to Disneyland, a favorite destination since Dannielynn was a little girl. In January 2024, they returned once again, with Birkhead fondly reminiscing about all the great memories they’ve made there over the years.
