American Icon and Playboy founder Hugh Hefner passed away last night at the age of 91.
A statement from Playboy Enterprises Inc. said he passed away peacefully at home in Los Angeles, from natural causes.
He began publishing Playboy in his kitchen way back in 1953, with the magazine growing to become the largest-selling men’s magazine in the world and an iconic global brand. Not only did the brand’s success make him a multi-millionaire, it also helped make nudity more acceptable in mainstream publications.
His son released a statement praising not only his success with Playboy, but also his “advocating [of] free speech, civil rights and sexual freedom.”
Playboy model and ex-bunny of Hefner’s, Kendra Wilkinson, said, “Hef changed my life. He made me the person I am today. I couldn’t be more thankful for our friendship and our time together. I will miss him so much but he will be in my heart forever.”
Rest in peace Hugh.