Kentucky Derby 2025: How Hugh Jackman Inspired Anna Nicole Smith’s Daughter Dannielynn to Pursue Acting

Anna Nicole Smith’s daughter Dannielynn Birkhead is carrying on her legacy.

During an appearance at the 2025 Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Ky., the 18-year-old—whose father is the late model’s ex Larry Birkhead—shared her plans to follow in her mother’s footsteps.

“I’m definitely looking forward to modeling and acting,” she exclusively told E! News May 3. “I’ve just gotten inspired by a lot of my favorite actors and actresses.”

In fact, the 18-year-old singled out Hugh Jackman as a particular source of inspiration, noting that she got to meet him after a recent performance of his Broadway play From New York With Love.

“I watch a lot of his movies for comfort, so that kind of translated to real life,” she said of her fascination with the two-time Tony winner. “He’s been my favorite actor for 10 years. I don’t know how I survived [meeting him].”

But while Dannielynn plots her foray into the spotlight, she’s not giving up on her academic pursuits.