Hugh Hefner

Hugh Marston Hefner (April 9, 1926 – September 27, 2017) was an American magazine publisher and the founder and editor-in-chief of Playboy magazine. Known for its revealing photographs and articles, Playboy provoked charges of obscenity. Hefner extended the Playboy brand into a world network of clubs and resided in luxury mansions where Playboy Playmates shared his partying lifestyle. He advocated for First Amendment rights, animal rescue, and the restoration of the Hollywood Sign. Hefner was a highly controversial figure in popular culture, accused of perpetrating and fostering sexual abuse and exploitation. Playboy has since distanced itself from him. Born in Chicago to an accountant and a teacher, Hefner had a lasting impact on American media and society.