J. Howard Marshall was an American businessman and oil tycoon, best known for his work in the petroleum industry. Born on January 24, 1914, he made significant contributions to the development of oil fields in Texas and was a prominent figure in the energy sector. Marshall also served as a professor of business law at the University of Texas. In addition to his business achievements, Marshall gained public attention due to his marriage to the model and actress Anna Nicole Smith. Their relationship, which began when she was much younger, sparked media interest and legal battles over his estate after his death on August 4, 1995.