Dannielynn Birkhead Says She Wants to Be Known as More Than Anna Nicole Smith's Daughter

Sep 14, 2026 by apost team

Growing up as Anna Nicole Smith's daughter means comparisons have always been part of Dannielynn Birkhead's life. Nearly two decades after the model and actress' death, many people still see traces of Smith whenever her daughter makes a public appearance. But as she's entered adulthood, Dannielynn has become increasingly determined to be recognized for who she is—not simply for who her mother was.

The milestone comes at a meaningful chapter in her life. Now 20 years old, Dannielynn is no longer the little girl the public watched grow up alongside her father, Larry Birkhead. She's now in college, pursuing a degree in forensic science while also considering a second major in culinary arts because of her love for baking.

Despite the constant public fascination surrounding her family, Dannielynn has previously said she doesn't resent being compared to her late mother.

"She's super pretty, and I like being compared to her in the sense of like, 'Oh, I'm pretty too,'" she told PEOPLE. "But I also like being known as my own person."

She added that she's hopeful her evolving personal style will help people see her beyond the label of "Anna Nicole Smith's daughter."

Larry has embraced that journey as well, previously telling PEOPLE that he's proud to watch his daughter discover her own identity.

"I'm excited that she's just being her own individual self," he said.

That individuality has become increasingly apparent over the past few years, especially during public appearances where Dannielynn has quietly begun showcasing a style that's distinctly her own. 

Larry recently celebrated his daughter's 20th birthday by sharing a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, posting a collection of recent photographs alongside childhood memories documenting how much she's grown over the years.

"Happy 20th Birthday Dannielynn! ❤️ Love, Dad ❤️," he wrote.

The montage included touching throwback photos of Larry holding Dannielynn as a young child, capturing the close father-daughter bond they've shared since Smith's death in 2007. Actress Selma Blair was among those sending birthday wishes, commenting, "Happy Birthday my beautiful friend!!!! You are dear to me."

While fans reminisced about watching Dannielynn grow up, many also noticed just how confidently she's embraced her own sense of style. Earlier this year, she attended the Kentucky Derby alongside her father wearing an ash blonde-and-black bob with bangs, a look that already hinted she was becoming more adventurous with her appearance.

Larry's latest birthday post revealed just how much that style has continued to evolve.

In one recent photo, Dannielynn traded classic glamour for a bold goth-inspired outfit featuring an off-the-shoulder black mini dress, fishnet tights and ruffled leg warmers from Hot Topic. She completed the look with a striking platinum blonde pixie cut.

Another image showcased yet another dramatic transformation, revealing shoulder-length bright red hair that looked entirely different from her previous appearance.

For Dannielynn, the changing hairstyles aren't simply fashion statements. They reflect exactly what she's long hoped people would see—a young woman confidently creating an identity that's uniquely her own, even while honoring the legacy of the mother the world still remembers. 

apost.com

What do you think of Dannielynn Birkhead's evolving style? Do you see more of Anna Nicole Smith in her, or do you think she's successfully carved out her own identity? Share your thoughts in the comments.