Hugh Hefner: Photos of the Playboy Founder When He Was Young

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.