Hugh Hefner: Difference between revisions

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[[File:Hugh_Hefner_Glamourcon_2010.jpg|thumb|Hugh_Hefner_Glamourcon_2010]] [[file:Hugh_Hefner_1966.jpg|right|thumb|Hugh_Hefner_1966]] [[file:Hefner_1978.jpg|right|thumb|Hefner_1978]] [[file:Holly_Madison_6.jpg|thumb|Holly_Madison_6]] [[file:Playboy_Mansion_North_Side_2007.jpg|thumb|Playboy_Mansion_North_Side_2007]] [[file:Tom_Bradley,_Otis_Chandler,_and_Hugh_Hefner,_1980.jpg|thumb|Tom_Bradley,_Otis_Chandler,_and_Hugh_Hefner,_1980]] {{Short description|American magazine publisher (1926–2017)}}
[[File:Hugh Hefner 1966.jpg|thumb]] [[File:Hefner 1978.jpg|thumb]] [[File:Holly Madison 6.jpg|thumb]] [[File:Playboy Mansion North Side 2007.jpg|thumb]] {{Infobox person
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2023}}
| name = Hugh Hefner
{{Infobox person
| birth_date = {{birth date|1926|4|9}}
| name     = Hugh Hefner
| birth_place = Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
| image    =
| death_date = {{death date and age|2017|9|27|1926|4|9}}
| caption    =
| death_place = Los Angeles, California, U.S.
| birth_name  = Hugh Marston Hefner
| nationality = American
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1926|4|9}}
| occupation = Magazine publisher, businessman
| birth_place = [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]], U.S.
| known_for = Founder of ''[[Playboy]]'' magazine
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2017|9|27|1926|4|9}}
| death_place = [[Los Angeles]], [[California]], U.S.
| occupation = [[Magazine publisher]], [[Editor]], [[Businessman]]
| known_for   = Founder of [[Playboy]]
| children  = 4, including [[Christie Hefner]]
| signature  = Hugh Hefner Signature.svg
}}
}}


'''Hugh Marston Hefner''' (April 9, 1926 – September 27, 2017) was an American [[magazine publisher]], [[Editor|editor]], and [[Businessperson|businessman]] best known as the founder of [[Playboy]] magazine. Hefner was a prominent figure in the [[sexual revolution]] and a well-known advocate for [[freedom of speech]] and [[civil rights]].
'''Hugh Marston Hefner''' (April 9, 1926 – September 27, 2017) was an American magazine publisher, businessman, and cultural icon, best known as the founder of ''[[Playboy]]'' magazine. Hefner played a significant role in the sexual revolution of the 1960s and was a prominent advocate for [[freedom of speech]] and [[sexual liberation]].


== Early Life ==
== Early Life and Education ==
Hefner was born in [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]], to Grace Caroline (Swanson) and Glenn Lucius Hefner, both teachers. He attended [[Steinmetz High School]] and later served in the [[United States Army]] during [[World War II]]. After the war, he attended the [[University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign]], where he earned a bachelor's degree in [[psychology]].
Hugh Hefner was born in [[Chicago]], Illinois, to Grace Caroline (Swanson) and Glenn Lucius Hefner, both of whom were teachers. He attended [[Steinmetz High School]] and later served in the [[United States Army]] during [[World War II]]. After his military service, Hefner attended the [[University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign]], where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology in 1949. He also took a semester of graduate courses in sociology at [[Northwestern University]], but he did not complete a graduate degree.


== Career ==
== Founding of ''Playboy'' ==
=== Founding of Playboy ===
In 1953, Hefner founded ''[[Playboy]]'' magazine, which became known for its [[centerfold]]s of nude and semi-nude models, as well as its articles on contemporary issues, interviews with public figures, and fiction by notable writers. The first issue, featuring [[Marilyn Monroe]] on the cover, was published in December 1953 and sold over 50,000 copies.
In 1953, Hefner founded [[Playboy]] magazine, which became known for its [[centerfold]]s of nude and semi-nude models, as well as its high-quality [[journalism]] and [[interviews]]. The first issue, featuring [[Marilyn Monroe]] on the cover, was an instant success, selling over 50,000 copies.


=== Expansion and Influence ===
''Playboy'' quickly grew into a major media empire, with Hefner at its helm. The magazine was instrumental in challenging the conservative norms of the 1950s and 1960s, promoting a more open discussion of sexuality and [[civil rights]].
Under Hefner's leadership, Playboy expanded into a [[multimedia]] empire, including [[television shows]], [[Playboy Clubs]], and various [[merchandise]]. Hefner became a cultural icon, known for his [[Playboy Mansion]] parties and his [[smoking jacket]] and [[pipe]].


== Personal Life ==
== Cultural Impact ==
Hefner was married three times and had four children, including [[Christie Hefner]], who served as CEO of Playboy Enterprises. He was known for his relationships with many of the [[Playboy Playmates]] and his lavish lifestyle.
Hefner's influence extended beyond publishing. He was a vocal advocate for [[civil liberties]], [[freedom of expression]], and [[sexual freedom]]. He supported various social causes, including the [[civil rights movement]] and [[LGBT rights]].


== Death ==
Hefner's lifestyle, characterized by lavish parties at the [[Playboy Mansion]] and his relationships with numerous women, became emblematic of the ''Playboy'' brand. He was often seen in his signature [[smoking jacket]] and [[pipe]], embodying the image of the sophisticated, liberated man.
Hefner passed away on September 27, 2017, at the age of 91, at his home, the [[Playboy Mansion]], in [[Los Angeles]], [[California]].


== Legacy ==
== Later Years and Legacy ==
Hefner's legacy is complex, as he is credited with both advancing [[sexual liberation]] and facing criticism for [[objectification]] of women. His impact on [[American culture]] and the [[media industry]] remains significant.
In his later years, Hefner continued to be involved with ''Playboy'' Enterprises, although he stepped back from day-to-day operations. He remained a cultural figure and was the subject of various documentaries and biographical works.


== Related Pages ==
Hefner passed away on September 27, 2017, at the age of 91. His legacy is complex, with some viewing him as a pioneer of sexual liberation and others criticizing him for objectifying women.
* [[Playboy]]
 
* [[Christie Hefner]]
== Also see ==
* [[Playboy Mansion]]
* [[Playboy Mansion]]
* [[Sexual revolution]]
* [[Sexual revolution]]
* [[Freedom of speech]]
* [[Freedom of speech]]
* [[Civil rights]]
* [[Civil rights movement]]
* [[LGBT rights]]


{{DEFAULTSORT:Hefner, Hugh}}
[[Category:1926 births]]
[[Category:1926 births]]
[[Category:2017 deaths]]
[[Category:2017 deaths]]
[[Category:American magazine publishers (people)]]
[[Category:American magazine publishers (people)]]
[[Category:American editors]]
[[Category:American businesspeople]]
[[Category:American businesspeople]]
[[Category:People from Chicago]]
[[Category:People from Chicago]]
[[Category:University of Illinois alumni]]
[[Category:University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign alumni]]
[[Category:United States Army personnel of World War II]]
[[Category:United States Army personnel of World War II]]
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hefner, Hugh}}
{{business-bio-stub}}

Latest revision as of 15:21, 9 December 2024

Hugh Marston Hefner (April 9, 1926 – September 27, 2017) was an American magazine publisher, businessman, and cultural icon, best known as the founder of Playboy magazine. Hefner played a significant role in the sexual revolution of the 1960s and was a prominent advocate for freedom of speech and sexual liberation.

Early Life and Education[edit]

Hugh Hefner was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Grace Caroline (Swanson) and Glenn Lucius Hefner, both of whom were teachers. He attended Steinmetz High School and later served in the United States Army during World War II. After his military service, Hefner attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology in 1949. He also took a semester of graduate courses in sociology at Northwestern University, but he did not complete a graduate degree.

Founding of Playboy[edit]

In 1953, Hefner founded Playboy magazine, which became known for its centerfolds of nude and semi-nude models, as well as its articles on contemporary issues, interviews with public figures, and fiction by notable writers. The first issue, featuring Marilyn Monroe on the cover, was published in December 1953 and sold over 50,000 copies.

Playboy quickly grew into a major media empire, with Hefner at its helm. The magazine was instrumental in challenging the conservative norms of the 1950s and 1960s, promoting a more open discussion of sexuality and civil rights.

Cultural Impact[edit]

Hefner's influence extended beyond publishing. He was a vocal advocate for civil liberties, freedom of expression, and sexual freedom. He supported various social causes, including the civil rights movement and LGBT rights.

Hefner's lifestyle, characterized by lavish parties at the Playboy Mansion and his relationships with numerous women, became emblematic of the Playboy brand. He was often seen in his signature smoking jacket and pipe, embodying the image of the sophisticated, liberated man.

Later Years and Legacy[edit]

In his later years, Hefner continued to be involved with Playboy Enterprises, although he stepped back from day-to-day operations. He remained a cultural figure and was the subject of various documentaries and biographical works.

Hefner passed away on September 27, 2017, at the age of 91. His legacy is complex, with some viewing him as a pioneer of sexual liberation and others criticizing him for objectifying women.

Also see[edit]