![Hugh and Crystal Hefner](https://preprod.hollywoodlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/hugh-crystal-hefner-ss-FTR.jpg?quality=100)
Hugh Hefner was the iconic founder of the Playboy brand. Look back at photos of the legend here.
The late Hugh Hefner was famous for founding the groundbreaking Playboy Enterprises. After first publishing the men’s entertainment magazine in 1953 with a cover of Marilyn Monroe, he would go on to open clubs, casinos, and hotels with the iconic Playboy name and logo. He even had a few television stints with the brand. In more recent years, he starred in the reality TV series ‘The Girls Next Door.’
Born on April 9, 1926, in Chicago, Illinois, Hugh was the eldest of two sons born to Grace and Glenn Hefner, who were strict Methodists. After a stint at Northwestern University, Hugh would go on to borrow money from his mother to start up his own publication. Originally titled ‘Stag Party,’ Hugh changed the name to Playboy and the rest is history.
Hugh was just as famous for his love life as he was for his business accomplishments. From dating models to actresses to his very own Playboy centerfolds, Hugh was soon recognized for having multiple live-in girlfriends at the Playboy Mansion. However, he only married three women: Mildred Williams, Kimberley Conrad, and Crystal Harris. He has four children between his three wives. Sadly, Hugh passed away in 2017 at the age of 91.
Keep scrolling to see the best photos from Hugh’s legendry life.
Hugh Hefner Poses In His Office
![Hugh Hefner Poses In His Office](http://preprod.hollywoodlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/hugh-hefner-rex-gallery-09.jpg?w=680)
Hugh Hefner Relaxes On The Playboy Airplane
![Hugh Hefner Relaxes On The Playboy Airplane](http://preprod.hollywoodlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/hugh-hefner-rex-gallery-01.jpg?w=680)
Hugh Hefner Takes A Call In His Private Plane
![Hugh Hefner Takes A Call In His Private Plane](http://preprod.hollywoodlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/hugh-hefner-rex-gallery-10.jpg?w=680)
Hugh Hefner Poses Outside Of Playboy Mansion
![Hugh Hefner Poses Outside Of Playboy Mansion](http://preprod.hollywoodlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/hugh-hefner-rex-gallery-02.jpg?w=680)
Hugh Hefner Swims With Playboy Bunnies
![Hugh Hefner Swims With Playboy Bunnies](http://preprod.hollywoodlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/hugh-hefner-rex-gallery-13.jpg?w=680)
Hugh Hefner Plays Pinball At His Mansion
![Hugh Hefner Plays Pinball At His Mansion](http://preprod.hollywoodlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/hugh-hefner-rex-gallery-12.jpg?w=680)
Hugh Hefner Reads The Paper At His Mansion
![Hugh Hefner Reads The Paper At His Mansion](http://preprod.hollywoodlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/hugh-hefner-rex-gallery-11.jpg?w=680)
Christie Hefner, Hugh Hefner & Grace Hefner Pose Together At A Gala
![Christie Hefner, Hugh Hefner & Grace Hefner Pose Together At A Gala](http://preprod.hollywoodlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/hugh-hefner-rex-gallery-03.jpg?w=680)
Hugh Hefner & Family Enjoy Playboy’s 40th Gala
![Hugh Hefner & Family Enjoy Playboy’s 40th Gala](http://preprod.hollywoodlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/hugh-hefner-rex-gallery-15.jpg?w=680)
Hugh Hefner & Family Attend Star Wars Screening
![Hugh Hefner & Family Attend Star Wars Screening](http://preprod.hollywoodlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/hugh-hefner-rex-gallery-16.jpg?w=680)
Hugh Hefner Poses With Playmates In London
![Hugh Hefner Poses With Playmates In London](http://preprod.hollywoodlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/hugh-hefner-rex-gallery-04.jpg?w=680)
Hugh Hefner Attends AFI Awards
![Hugh Hefner Attends AFI Awards](http://preprod.hollywoodlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/hugh-hefner-rex-gallery-05.jpg?w=680)
X-Games Gala At Playboy Mansion
![X-Games Gala At Playboy Mansion](http://preprod.hollywoodlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/hugh-hefner-rex-gallery-07.jpg?w=680)
Hugh Hefner Attends Playboy’s 50th Anniversary
![Hugh Hefner Attends Playboy’s 50th Anniversary](http://preprod.hollywoodlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/hugh-hefner-rex-gallery-08.jpg?w=680)
Hugh Hefner Attends Book Signing
![Hugh Hefner Attends Book Signing](http://preprod.hollywoodlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/hugh-hefner-rex-gallery-17.jpg?w=680)
Hugh Hefner Attends Hollywood Luncheon
![Hugh Hefner Attends Hollywood Luncheon](http://preprod.hollywoodlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/hugh-hefner-rex-gallery-19.jpg?w=680)
Hugh Hefner Attends The Playmate Of The Year Party
![Hugh Hefner Attends The Playmate Of The Year Party](http://preprod.hollywoodlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/hugh-hefner-rex-gallery-20.jpg?w=680)
Hugh Hefner Death Certificate
![Hugh Hefner Death Certificate](http://preprod.hollywoodlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/hugh-hefner-death-certificate.jpg?w=680)