'Anna Nicole Smith: You Don’t Know Me': Netflix documentary explains tragic death of Playboy star's son Daniel

'Anna Nicole Smith: You Don't Know Me' highlights key people in Anna's life — from billionaire husband J Howard Marshall to son Daniel, who died
UPDATED MAY 16, 2023
A still from 'Anna Nicole Smith: You Don't Know Me' starring Anna Nicole Smith, pictured here with her son Daniel Wayne Smith (Netflix)
A still from 'Anna Nicole Smith: You Don't Know Me' starring Anna Nicole Smith, pictured here with her son Daniel Wayne Smith (Netflix)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Netflix’s new documentary ‘Anna Nicole Smith: You Don’t Know Me’ delves into the complex life of 90s pop culture actress and Playboy star, Anna Nicole Smith. The documentary explores her life’s fame and her tragic death. The trailer released on April 17 portrays a glimpse of her marriage to billionaire J Howard Marshall and her son Daniel Wayne Smith’s death.

‘Anna Nicole Smith: You Don’t Know Me’ is directed by Ursula Macfarlane. She wanted fans of Anna to know the reality of her complex life as a free-spirited woman, living her life on her own terms and wanting to be a good mother. The documentary is created to sustain her legacy after her death at the age of 39. She died while mourning the loss of her 20-year-old son, David Wayne Smith. He died due to an accidental drug overdose.

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Anna Nicole Smith's unbreakable bond with her son Daniel

Anna Nicole Smith and her son, Daniel Wayne Smith, shared a deep and unbreakable bond. From the moment he was born, Anna Nicole doted on her son, often referring to him as her "soulmate." Despite their close relationship, Anna Nicole's personal struggles often put a strain on their bond. Daniel struggled with addiction throughout his life, and Anna Nicole tried her best to get him the help he needed to overcome his struggles.

Tragically, Daniel passed away in 2006, just five months before Anna Nicole herself passed away. The loss of her beloved son had a profound and devastating impact on Anna Nicole, and it marked the beginning of a tumultuous and difficult period in her life. Despite the challenges they faced, Anna Nicole and Daniel's love for each other was evident in their interactions, and they remained devoted to each other until the end. Their “unbreakable bond” serves as a testament to the enduring love between a mother and her child.

Model Anna Nicole Smith, and her son Daniel Smith arrive at G-Phoria - The Award Show 4 Gamers held on July 31, 2004 at the Shrine Auditorium, in Los Angeles, California.
Model Anna Nicole Smith and her son Daniel Smith arrive (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Cause of Daniel's death

 Daniel always struggled with his addiction to drugs. On September 10, 2006, Anna Nicole gave birth to her daughter, Dannielynn, at Doctors Hospital in Nassau, Bahamas. While visiting his mother and half-sister at the hospital after three days of Dannielynn’s birth, he was found unresponsive in Anna’s room. Doctors tried to revive him. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of his death was ruled to be the consumption of a lethal combination of methadone, Zoloft, and Lexapro.

How Daniel's death affected Anna Nicole Smith

Daniel’s death had a profound impact on Anna’s life. She was devastated by the loss of her son and was never the same after his passing. Her life spiraled out of control as she grieved in unhealthy ways. As she struggled to cope with the loss, she started using drugs and alcohol to numb her pain. Not to mention her embroilment in a bitter legal battle over the paternity of her then-newborn daughter further fractured her peace of mind. Daniel’s death was the beginning of Anna’s tragic period in her life, which ultimately ended in her own death.



 

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