Larry Birkhead Says the New Anna Nicole Smith Biopic Told from Her Doctor’s Point of View Has Been “Milking” Her Death for Almost 2 Decades

Anna Nicole Smith leaning over a rail and flashing a peace sign at the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Kentucky
Mike Simons / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Larry Birkhead says he wants nothing to do with the film built around the doctor once charged in his ex’s death. He says he confronted the doctor years ago and was promised the man would stay out of the spotlight.

The upcoming biopic follows Dr. Sandeep Kapoor, who faced felony charges for prescribing Anna Nicole Smith her medication before she died in 2007 and was later acquitted. Birkhead told Entertainment Tonight the family had no part in the production: “We don’t condone this, we’re not involved in this production.”

His bigger objection is personal. He says depictions of his life and daughter Dannielynn’s life are being used without their blessing, and that he once told Kapoor his continued media appearances caused Dannielynn “emotional distress.”

Abbie Cornish plays Anna Nicole, and Kal Penn plays Kapoor. Birkhead doesn’t think anyone has captured Smith’s spirit, and says the story sends the wrong message about doctors: “Nobody goes to a doctor thinking that when you leave, your life is going to be turned into a movie.”

Anna Nicole Smith posing in the press room at the 32nd Annual American Music Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles
At the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, Anna Nicole Smith appeared in the press room during the 32nd Annual American Music Awards on November 14, 2004. Photo by Carlo Allegri / Getty Images.

The film, “Trust Me, I’m a Doctor,” is set for October 16.

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Anna Nicole Smith leaning over a rail and flashing a peace sign at the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Kentucky
Anna Nicole Smith flashes a peace sign from the rail at Churchill Downs ahead of the Kentucky Derby on May 1, 2004. Photo by Mike Simons Getty Images.
Anna Nicole Smith posing in the press room at the 32nd Annual American Music Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles
At the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, Anna Nicole Smith appeared in the press room during the 32nd Annual American Music Awards on November 14, 2004. Photo by Carlo Allegri Getty Images.
Blonde woman in a teal and silver gown speaking at a microphone on stage, holding a large silver trophy at the VH1 Big in 04 awards show.
Frank Micelotta Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images
Blonde woman in a large pink ruffled hat, pink strapless dress, and white gloves smiling at the Kentucky Derby.
Mike Simons Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images
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Nadia Santiago

Nadia Santiago is a writer who lives between the clouds and the coastline, and writes about all the things your heart knows but your mouth can never quite say.