
The Life and Death of Anna Nicole Smith
This February marks the ten-year anniversary of the death of model, actress and Playboy Playmate of the Year, Anna Nicole Smith.
Smith was born Vickie Lynn Hogan, married at 17, a mother at 18, and not long after, separated from her first husband. She worked at Red Lobster, Wal-Mart and a fried chicken restaurant before turning to stripping at a club in Houston.
There she met, J. Howard Marshall, an oil tycoon who quickly fell in love with Smith and helped her out financially when her career began to take off. She made the cover of Playboy magazine, modeled for Guess and H&M and acted in "Naked Gun 33 & A Third."
While her career was in full swing, 26-year-old Smith married J. Howard Marshall in 1994. He was 89 years old.
"I loved him for so much for what he did for me and my son," Smith told Larry King on his show in 2002. "I've never had love like that before. No one has ever loved me, and done things for me, and respected me and didn't care about what people said about me."
Marshall died after only 13 months of marriage but he didn’t name Smith in his will. Smith then began a drawn out legal battle with his family for a piece of Marshall’s multimillion-dollar-estate. The case went on for over a decade and would eventually reach the Supreme Court.
Smith continued a glamourous yet embattled life, making guest appearances on awards shows, repping a diet product and starring in reality TV on E!’s, “The Anna Nicole Show.” Jon Stewart called the show an abomination for continually showing Smith intoxicated without seeming to offer her any help.
In 2006, Smith gave birth to a daughter, but good news soon turned to devastation when her first child, Daniel, died soon after in the same hospital room from an accidental drug overdose.
"Deep in my heart, I knew after Daniel had died, that my friend had gone," said longtime friend Pol Atteu. "I never saw the willingness to want to live."
This episode tells the story of her rise to fame and her tragic public downfall that ended in her mysterious death at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in 2007.
"How it Really Happened, The Life and Death of Anna Nicole Smith" airs February 17, 2017 at 9pm ET on HLN
Anna Nicole Smith admits love for her 89-year-old-husband wasn't physical
When Larry King questioned Smith's love for husband on his show in 2002, Smith explained that J. Howard Marshall gave her something beyond money that she'd never found in life before.
Friends say the death of Anna Nicole's son took her will to live
On the 10 year anniversary of the death of Anna Nicole Smith, friends remember the impact her young son's death had on Smith's downward spiral on "How it Really Happened" on HLN.
Season 1: Episodes

The Menendez Brothers: Murder in Beverly Hills
A wealthy couple was found shot dead in their own home while watching TV and the nation was shocked when investigators later charged the couple's sons, Lyle and Erik, with their murder. The case was a first of its kind -- a sensational murder trial with camera-ready players that seemed made for Hollywood. This episode reveals the twists and turns of this trial including the shocking motive for the murders.
Airs: January 27, 2017
The O.J. Simpson Case: Other Killer Theories
Twenty years after the trial of the century and its aftermath, new theories are still emerging about who brutally killed Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. This episode explores a serial killer's confession, a possible hit man who claims responsibility, and O.J.'s eldest son, Jason Simpson.
Airs: February 3, 2017
Prince: The End
What led to the sudden death of one of music's most talented and most private superstars? Tragically, Prince was found dead and alone in the elevator of his home just days after his last live performance. This episode pulls back the curtain to expose the secret struggles the music genius faced and traces the early years of his life up to his final days.
Airs: February 10, 2017
The Life and Death of Anna Nicole Smith
Anna Nicole Smith was an American model, actress, and 1993's Playboy Playmate of the Year, who was best known for her public court battle over her late husband's multimillion-dollar estate. She lived a glamorous life that was cut short when she was found dead at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. This episode examines what led to her mysterious death and how it happened.
Airs: February 17, 2017
The Death of Michael Jackson
The "King of Pop" was found dead in his home under mysterious circumstances. What did Michael Jackson's children and trusted staff witness prior to his sudden death? Did his personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, cause Jackson's demise? Some suggest Jackson took his own life and others claim he was murdered by those who thought Jackson's worth was more dead than alive.
Airs: February 24, 2017
Who Killed JonBenet?
The shocking murder of JonBenet Ramsey remains unsolved and dogged investigators continue to work the case -- looking at clues and tips to generate new theories about who killed her. A wide range of suspects are brought to light in this episode, including the Ramsey's maid and the man who portrayed Santa Claus at a holiday party, days before JonBenet was found murdered.
Airs: March 3, 2017
JFK Jr.'s Tragic Final Flight
When the plane John F. Kennedy, Jr. was piloting crashed near Martha's Vineyard, it seemed as though the "Kennedy Curse" had claimed another victim. The country was stunned. How could this have happened? This episode examines what factors led to that fateful flight and features a never-before-seen interview with the person who may have been the last to speak with JFK Jr. just moments before the tragic accident.
Airs: March 10, 2017
The Final Days of Whitney Houston
This episode takes a closer look at the final days of Whitney Houston who was found dead in a bathtub at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The pop star was on the brink of a comeback and scheduled to perform at a Grammy Awards party that night. What were the circumstances that led to her misfortune? This episode uncovers details of Houston's last days and her tumultuous relationship with Bobby Brown.
Airs: March 24, 2017
The Strange Case of Jeffrey Dahmer
In the Spring of 1991, police had no idea a serial killer was on the loose. This gripping hour explores how Dahmer carefully selected his victims and how he evaded police scrutiny for years. The episode includes a chilling account by one of his victims who lived to tell his harrowing story.
Airs: April 7, 2017
Capturing the Unabomber
This episode takes viewers inside the FBI's investigation of one of America's most notorious terrorists, "Unabomber" Ted Kaczynski. The nation was on edge as a string of bombings killed and injured innocent Americans. How did the Unabomber choose his targets and elude capture for so long? Also featured is a new interview with his brother, the man who ultimately turned him in to authorities.
Airs: April 28, 2017
What Killed Heath Ledger?
To many, Heath Ledger had it all --baby and burgeoning career, but this episode reveals things are not as they seem. Ledger finished filming his Oscar-worthy performance of his gritty portrayal of the Joker in the "The Dark Knight." Ledger's body was found in his apartment and investigators were led to discover bizarre drawings and puzzling clues, including a diary Ledger created detailing his immersion of the Joker persona. Did this dark role impact his real life and what was his connection to Mary-Kate Olsen?
Airs: April 14, 2017
DC Madam: The Woman Who Knew Too Much
"DC Madam" Deborah Jeane Palfrey ran a high-end escort service that catered to DC's power players. She was charged with racketeering and threatened to expose names on her client list. Palfrey was found hanging on her mother's property. Investigators ruled it a suicide, but was her death something more sinister?
Airs: May 5, 2017