Howard K. Stern at a Glance
Howard K. Stern’s Net Worth: A Look into the Life of Anna Nicole Smith’s Partner
Introduction: Who is Howard K. Stern?
Howard K. Stern is a name that became synonymous with the late Anna Nicole Smith, but he is, in his own right, a notable figure. Stern is an American attorney who found himself thrust into the spotlight due to his relationship with the model and actress. This article delves into Howard K. Stern’s life, exploring his net worth, career, legal battles, and his connection to one of the most publicized figures in the entertainment industry.
What is Howard K. Stern’s Net Worth?
As of recent reports, Howard K. Stern’s net worth is estimated to be around $500,000. This figure reflects his earnings as an attorney and his involvement in various legal and entertainment-related ventures. His financial standing is significantly tied to his career, especially his legal work and his association with Anna Nicole Smith.
Stern’s life took a dramatic turn when he began dating Anna Nicole Smith. He was by her side in the Bahamas when her son, Daniel Smith, tragically died from an accidental overdose. This event, coupled with Anna Nicole’s death a few months later, catapulted Stern into a protracted legal battle over the custody of Smith’s infant daughter, Dannielynn.
Initially listed as the father on Dannielynn’s birth certificate, paternity tests later proved otherwise. The legal challenges continued for Stern in relation to the circumstances surrounding Anna Nicole Smith’s death. From 2002 to 2004, he appeared alongside her on the E! network’s reality sitcom “The Anna Nicole Show,” and later returned to the legal field by joining the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office in 2019.
(Photo by Toby Canham/GettyImages)
Early Life and Education
Howard K. Stern’s early life began in Los Angeles, California, where he was born on November 29, 1968, into a Jewish family. His educational journey led him to the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1990. Stern’s pursuit of a legal career brought him to UCLA, where he obtained his Juris Doctor degree. He was admitted to the State Bar of California in early 1994, marking the formal beginning of his legal profession.
(JIM RUYMEN/AFP via Getty Images)
The Complex Relationship with Anna Nicole Smith
Stern’s involvement with Anna Nicole Smith began in the mid-1990s when his law firm managed her modeling contracts. Their relationship deepened in 1998 after the death of Smith’s husband, J. Howard Marshall. Stern played a key role in Smith’s legal battles to secure Marshall’s estate, presenting her direct examination during the trial. This initial involvement evolved, and he gained significant attention in 2002 when he co-starred with Smith in “The Anna Nicole Show” on the E! network.
The reality show provided a glimpse into the life of Smith and her entourage, often portraying Stern as a figure in contrast to other personalities, such as the interior designer Bobby Trendy. Stern was depicted as serious and often at odds with others. Simultaneously, Stern managed the talent agency Hot Smoochie Lips, representing Smith, which further intertwined their personal and professional lives. The show ran for three seasons, ending in 2004.
Their relationship further solidified in September 2006 when Stern and Smith had a non-binding wedding ceremony in the Bahamas, officiated by a Baptist minister. Tragically, Smith died of a drug overdose in early 2007, only months after her son, Daniel, also died of an accidental overdose. Smith had designated her son as the primary beneficiary of her estate and named Stern as the executor, which meant Stern was responsible for managing her assets and dealing with her debts and other financial obligations.
MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images
The Paternity Dispute Over Dannielynn
Following Anna Nicole Smith’s death, a significant legal dispute arose concerning the paternity of her daughter, Dannielynn. During a CNN interview with Larry King in 2006, Stern claimed to be the father of Dannielynn. However, celebrity photographer Larry Birkhead also asserted paternity. Stern was listed as the father on Dannielynn’s Bahamian birth certificate. He initially took custody of Dannielynn in early 2007.
This situation quickly became a central focus of media attention, and a Bahamian court ordered DNA testing to determine the true father. The DNA evidence confirmed that Larry Birkhead was the biological father of Dannielynn. Stern accepted the court’s decision without contest and assisted Birkhead in obtaining sole custody of Dannielynn. Stern has reportedly maintained a positive relationship with Birkhead in the years since, prioritizing the child’s well-being.
(Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
The Conspiracy Charge and Legal Battles
In March 2009, Stern, along with Dr. Sandeep Kapoor and Dr. Khristine Eroshevich, faced a conspiracy charge related to the prescription, administration, and dispensing of controlled substances. This charge, however, was not directly connected to the death of Anna Nicole Smith. After a trial, Stern and Eroshevich were found guilty, while Kapoor was acquitted.
The legal proceedings continued as Stern’s conviction was overturned by a judge in 2011. The conviction was dismissed a second time in 2015, with the judge stating that Stern had been unjustly targeted due to his status as a public figure. This legal saga added another layer to Stern’s complicated public persona, reinforcing his association with legal challenges.
The Libel Lawsuit
In response to allegations made in journalist Rita Cosby’s book “Blonde Ambition,” Stern, through the law firm Powell Goldstein, filed a $60 million libel lawsuit. Cosby’s book claimed that Anna Nicole Smith’s nannies possessed a sex tape purportedly featuring Stern and Larry Birkhead in a homosexual relationship. During a deposition, Cosby revealed that her sources for the sex tape information were private investigators Don Clark and Wilma Vicedomine, who had been hired by attorney John O’Quinn.
Before the lawsuit, a spokesperson for Smith’s nannies had indicated that Cosby attempted to bribe them to secure the information. In 2009, Judge Denny Chin ruled that Cosby’s actions were concerning and included attempts to obstruct justice. He allowed the majority of Stern’s lawsuit to move forward. However, the lawsuit was later settled out of court in late 2009, thus concluding this legal battle.
Conclusion
Howard K. Stern’s life has been marked by a unique blend of legal practice, entertainment industry involvement, and high-profile relationships. From his work as an attorney to his role in the lives of Anna Nicole Smith and Dannielynn, Stern’s journey reflects the complexities of fame, family, and legal challenges. While his net worth provides a snapshot of his financial standing, his lasting impact is arguably in the realms of celebrity culture and the intricate legal battles that continue to define his public image.