Hugh Hefner, Playboy Founder, Dies at 91 ⠀

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On Wednesday, Playboy Enterprises announced that Hugh Hefner, legendary founder of Playboy magazine, died of natural causes at the age of 91. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

“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. He was 91 years old,” the statement read.

Back in 1953, Hugh released the first issue of the Playboy magazine, sparking a revolution of publishing, as he introduced nudity and sexuality to mainstream America. The first issue featured a nude calendar photo of Marylin Monroe.

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“My father lived an exceptional and impactful life as a media and cultural pioneer and a leading voice behind some of the most significant social and cultural movements of our time in advocating free speech, civil rights and sexual freedom,” Cooper Hefner, Hugh’s son, said in the statement.

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“He defined a lifestyle and ethos that lie at the heart of the Playboy brand, one of the most recognizable and enduring in history,” he said.

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Hugh is survived by his wife Crystal and four children: Christie, David, Marston and Cooper, who currently serves as Chief Creative Officer at the company.