Playboy founder Hugh Hefner has died.
American Icon and Playboy Founder, Hugh M. Hefner passed away today. He was 91. #RIPHef pic.twitter.com/tCLa2iNXa4
— Playboy (@Playboy) September 28, 2017
According to reports, he died of natural caused surrounded by his family at his home, the famed Playboy Mansion.
Hef, as he was known, started men’s magazine Playboy in 1953. The first centre-fold was a picture of Marilyn Monroe.
Hugh was often referred to as a pioneer for his combination of in-depth articles and racy images. Some of the heavy hitters interviewed for the mag included Malcolm X, John Lennon and Fidel Castro.
Hef also starred reality shows, The Girls Next Door and Girls Of The Playboy Mansion, where he gave viewers a glimpse into the hedonistic world of Playboy. The shows focused on the girls he lived with and the shenanigans that went on in his home, which was always filled with celebs and beautiful Playboy models.
He is survived by his wife Crystal Harris and four children.
Celebs took to Twitter to pay their respects to the publishing guru:
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
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
One of the nicest men I’ve ever known. Godspeed, Hugh Hefner. pic.twitter.com/457cchqskO
— Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) September 28, 2017
I had a number of great conversations and with Hugh Hefner. Was such an interesting man. True legend. What an end of an era!
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) September 28, 2017
RIP #Hef Thank you for being a revolutionary and changing so many people’s lives, especially mine. I hope I made you proud. ????#PMOY 94 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/sF9ARYgEpw
— Jenny McCarthy (@JennyMcCarthy) September 28, 2017
