Hugh Hefner, the founder of Playboy, has passed away at the age of 91.
In a statement from Playboy Enterprises Inc, it was revealed that, “Hugh M. Hefner, the American icon who in 1953 introduced the world to Playboy magazine and built the company into one of the most recognizable American global brands in history, peacefully passed away today from natural causes at his home, The Playboy Mansion, surrounded by loved ones.”
Celebrities and other public figures including Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton, Gene Simmons and Larry King have taken to social media to pay their respects.
RIP to the legendary Hugh Hefner! I’m so honored to have been a part of the Playboy team! You will be greatly missed! Love you Hef! Xoxo
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) September 28, 2017
A great man, entrepreneur and innovator. Your legacy lives on. #Hef pic.twitter.com/36cRzlUPRw
— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) September 28, 2017
Hugh Hefner was a GIANT in publishing, journalism, free speech & civil rights. He was a true original, and he was my friend. Rest well Hef. pic.twitter.com/bJ1wxoK4gR
— Larry King (@kingsthings) September 28, 2017
So sad to hear the news about @HughHefner. 😢 #RIPHef pic.twitter.com/IQiEYhMfvf
— Paris Hilton (@ParisHilton) September 28, 2017
Met @hughhefner while screening the pilot episode of The Playboy Club at the mansion w/ my dad and he couldn’t have been more lovely. RIP🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/1LDvqTNYXy
— Jenna Dewan Tatum (@jennadewan) September 28, 2017
As well as from his Girls Next Door co-star and former ‘girlfriend’, Bridget Marquardt.
So sad but forever grateful for all the wonderful memories and amazing experiences #RIPHef #Playboy💔 pic.twitter.com/RkHje7h0Un
— Bridget Marquardt (@Bridget) September 28, 2017
An American icon and publishing legend, Hugh Hefner, affectionally known as Hef, was named the godfather of the sexual revolution. In his living room in Chicago 1953, Hef put together the first ever Playboy with none other than Marilyn Monroe on the cover, even before she was famous. When the issue first hit newsstands in December, it was an instant success, selling out all 50,000 copies.
A post shared by PINUP VINTAGE GALLERY (@pinup_vintage_gallery) on Nov 3, 2016 at 10:52am PDT
While the phrase ‘I read Playboy for the articles’ has been comically used across American sitcoms for years, Hef embodied the changing needs of the postwar generation. While he was often met by much criticism from both feminists for the objectification of women as well as religious groups, he was often praised for championing birth control, abortion rights and women’s sexual freedom.
Taken from GLAMOUR UK. Click here to read the original.
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