The Late Anna Nicole Smith and Marilyn Monroe - the Curse of the Blond Bombshells

By now the whole world knows that Anna Nicole Smith is dead. Anna Nicole Smith, age 39, passed away on February 8, 2007. Anna Nicole Smith was staying at the Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood, Florida at the time of her collapse and death. Anna is survived by her infant daughter, Dannielynn as well as her husband, Howard K. Stern. Anna was preceded in death by her son, Daniel Smith.

As to the cause of Anna Nicole Smith's death, an investigation and autopsy are pending. Did Anna Nicole Smith die from natural causes such as an illness or congenital defect? Were legally prescribed drugs, illegal drugs or alcohol a contributing factor in Anna Nicole Smith's death? Did Anna Nicole Smith commit suicide? Was foul play involved in Anna Nicole Smith's death? Even with the investigation and autopsy results, will anyone ever know what really happened the day Anna Nicole Smith died? The answers to these questions remain to be seen.

One can't help but compare Anna Nicole Smith to another blond bombshell who met an untimely death, Marilyn Monroe. There are many similarities and contrasts in their lives and even in their deaths. Marylin may have died five years before Anna Nicole Smith was even born, but in many ways Marilyn helped pave the road that Anna Nicole would later take in life.

Anna Nicole Smith emulated Marilyn Monroe in many ways and was compared to her even early on in her career. Both women portrayed themselves as the "ditsy blond" known far more for her body than her mind. Anna Nicole Smith emulated Marilyn's soft, breathy voice. Anna Nicole even occasionally dressed and groomed her hair like Marilyn Monroe calling to mind Marilyn's famous dress over the heat grate scene in "The Seven Year Itch." But the similarities between the two women go deeper than the peroxide bottle.

Similarity #1: Both Anna Nicole Smith and Marilyn Monroe changed their names before finding fame

Although the world remembers her as Marilyn Monroe, Marilyn was born in 1926 as Norma Jeane Mortenson and baptized Norma Jean Baker.

Vickie Lynn Hogan, born in 1967 grew up to become Anna Nicole Smith.