Playboy Founder Hugh Hefner Dies at 91

Playboy Enterprises released a statement that Playboy founder Hugh Hefner peacefully passed away on Wednesday night at the age of 91 surrounded by his family.

In 1953 Hugh Hefner became the face of sexual revolution after he published the first issue of Playboy magazine with nude photos of Marilyn Monroe on the front cover. The circulation accounted for more than 53,000 and the edition immediately sold out, securing the success of Hugh Hefner. He created a famous brand that defined sexual culture for many years to come.

In his interview to The New York Times Hefner said that he was proud to be able to change attitudes to sex and sexuality in society. The Playboy founder embodied the way of life he advocated: he smoked a pipe, wore silk pyjamas and partied with celebrities and Playboy models. He built a business empire around his lifestyle that included mansions, clubs, movies and television all emblazoned with a silhouette of a bunny wearing a bow-tie.

After his retirement Hefner continued to actively participate in the editorial side of the magazine choosing models and covers. For some it may seem that Playboy owes its existence only to naked photos of women, which is a misnomer. Over its long history the magazine has featured many notable interviews such as with Jimmy Carter and John Lennon. Playboy has also published the short stories of such authors as Ian Fleming, Vladimir Nabokov and Haruki Murakami.

Hugh Hefner brought about a revolution in people's minds which will echo in popular culture for decades to come.