Hugh Hefner

Date of Birth: April 9, 1926

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: September 27, 2017

Biography

Hugh Marston Hefner was an American magazine publisher, best known as the founder and editor-in-chief of Playboy magazine, a publication that played a significant role in the sexual revolution of the 20th century. Hefner was born in Chicago, Illinois, and after serving in the U.S. Army, he attended the University of Illinois. In 1953, he established Playboy magazine with a $600 loan and another $1,000 borrowed from his mother. The first issue, featuring Marilyn Monroe in a nude calendar shoot, was an immediate sensation and sold over 50,000 copies. Over the years, Hefner expanded his brand into a globally recognized empire, including television shows, clubs, and merchandise, all while maintaining a controversial and often polarizing public persona. Hefner was known for his lavish lifestyle, which included living in the iconic Playboy Mansion surrounded by “Playmates” and hosting extravagant parties. He was also an advocate for free speech, civil rights, and sexual liberation, often using his platform to promote social and political causes.

5 Interesting Facts about Hugh Hefner

1. Hugh Hefner holds a Guinness World Record for the longest tenure as Editor-in-Chief of a magazine.

2. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, working as a clerk and contributing cartoons to military newspapers.

3. Hefner was an outspoken advocate for civil rights and supported various civil rights organizations, including the NAACP.

4. He purchased the crypt next to Marilyn Monroe’s in Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles.

5. Hefner was a staunch supporter of the First Amendment and frequently donated to causes supporting free speech and journalistic freedom.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Hugh Hefner

1. “Life is too short to be living somebody else’s dream.”

2. “The major civilizing force in the world is not religion, it is sex.”

3. “It’s good to be selfish. But not so self-centered that you never listen to other people.”

4. “If you let society and your peers define who you are, you’re the less for it.”

5. “In my wildest dreams, I could not have imagined a sweeter life.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Hugh Hefner’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $110 million.

Children

Hugh Hefner had four children: 1. Christie Hefner – Born on November 8, 1952, she served as the CEO of Playboy Enterprises from 1988 to 2009. 2. David Hefner – Born on August 30, 1955, he has largely stayed out of the public eye and works in the computer industry. 3. Marston Hefner – Born on April 9, 1990, he has pursued a career as a writer. 4. Cooper Hefner – Born on September 4, 1991, he has been involved in the family business and served as the Chief Creative Officer of Playboy Enterprises.