Anna Nicole's Life in Photos

From Wal-Mart checkout girl to Playboy pin-up, take a look at the highs and lows of the Texas star

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PLACE AMONG THE STARS

Smith (here, arriving at an awards show in 2004) once told Playboy in her Playmate questionnaire: "I want to be the new Marilyn Monroe." And like the young Norma Jean, the buxom bombshell set her sight firmly on Hollywood. Smith told PEOPLE in '93 that she deserved her shot at stardom: "I want it so bad. I've tried so hard my whole life. I'm kindhearted, and I give, give, give. I think maybe it's my time to receive."