Hugh Hefner, the iconic founder of Playboy and ‘60s sexual revolutionary, whose penchant for blondes and for dressing sharp were as familiar as the risqué entertainment empire he created in the ‘50s, has died at 91.
Hefner, who passed away Wednesday (Oct. 27) from natural causes at his home, The Playboy Mansion, tried his hand at all forms of media, including hosting his own TV shows and appearing for cameos in several films, all extending from the flagship Playboy magazine, for which he served as editor-in-chief. Today, the brand generates some $1 billion in global revenue.
The pages of Playboy (and Hefner’s L.A. mansion) were often a playground for many of the world’s biggest artists. The “Playboy Interview” debuted in 1962 when frequent contributor Alex Haley interviewed jazz legend Miles Davis. In years to come, its subjects would include The Beatles and the likes of Barbra Streisand, Madonna, Mariah Carey and Dolly Parton would grace its cover or participate in ranging Q&As.
Stars from the world of music and entertainment turned to social media to remember Hef, the entrepreneur who mixed business with pleasure like no other.
RIP HUGH HEFNER
— The Weeknd (@theweeknd) September 28, 2017
Rest in peace #HughHefner – he will forever be remembered as the Hollywood legend who lived life to the fullest.
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) September 28, 2017
R.I.P. to the legend Hugh Hefner pic.twitter.com/0WopDrAH1h
— D12 (@D12) September 28, 2017
1st met him months B4 #SW opened-Expected stereotyped swinger/wildman not the kind-thoughtful loyal friend he always was to ML & me #RIPHef— pic.twitter.com/r5Jbyg9TMH
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) September 28, 2017
American Icon and Playboy Founder, Hugh M. Hefner passed away today. He was 91. #RIPHef pic.twitter.com/tCLa2iNXa4
— Playboy (@Playboy) September 28, 2017
A great man, entrepreneur and innovator. Your legacy lives on. #Hef pic.twitter.com/36cRzlUPRw
— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) 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
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
Hugh Hefner was a strong supporter of the civil rights movement. We shall never forget him. May he Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/oL3lKLZRQ5
— Rev Jesse Jackson Sr (@RevJJackson) 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
I met Hugh Hefner at the Playboy mansion. He was very nice to my mom. Don’t ask. #RIPHef
— Kat Dennings (@OfficialKat) September 28, 2017
You lived a Hugh life. Rest in peace. And thanks for STAR 80 https://t.co/xQtLIzPP1i
— Eric Roberts (@EricRoberts) September 28, 2017
As per his wishes, Hugh Hefner’s body will be left in a fort in the woods for other kids to find & pass around.
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) September 28, 2017
RIP @hughhefner — thank you for making me part of the Playboy family. Sending lots of love and prayers to @crystalhefner
— Heidi Montag (@heidimontag) September 28, 2017
Visited the Playboy mansion twice. Once for Diablo Cody’s 30th. Once on Halloween dressed as Bad Spidey. This will likely not make his obit.
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) September 28, 2017
RIP to Hugh Hefner who I recently learned gave Dick Gregory the money to find the slain Civil Rights workers in 1964 https://t.co/uHmezW1JY6
— David Dennis Jr. (@DavidDTSS) September 28, 2017
If you were raised without a mom Hugh Hefner probably changed your life. Champion of great writing & freedom of speech & always kind to me.
— Tom Arnold (@TomArnold) September 28, 2017
RIP Hugh Hefner I went to so many of his parties at the Playboy mansion it was legendary you will never be forgotten
— juicy j (@therealjuicyj) September 28, 2017
There’s only 2 players left me and Larry Flynt R.I.P Hugh Hefner
— LUTHER R CAMPBELL (@unclelukereal1) September 28, 2017
RIP to the OG #HughHefner —- pic.twitter.com/AVXwKU1V4A
— Mike Epps (@TheRealMikeEpps) September 28, 2017
RIP Hugh Hefner the legend of all legends —
— I Love Makonnen (@iLoveMakonnen5D) September 28, 2017
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
RIP to a legend Hugh Hefner. Was watching the Amazon documentary at the same time he passed. #RIPHef pic.twitter.com/EiVbxPLVJF
— Paula Abdul (@PaulaAbdul) September 28, 2017
RIP #HughHefner pic.twitter.com/AzDlQPrVH2
— Elvira (@TheRealElvira) September 28, 2017
So sad to hear the news about @HughHefner. — #RIPHef pic.twitter.com/IQiEYhMfvf
— Paris Hilton (@ParisHilton) September 28, 2017
Paris & I are reminiscing about the Playboy parties at the mansion & how much we love Hef. She’s texts me the perfect Hef emojis ———————-
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) September 28, 2017