The Surprising Facts of Playboy Magazine Creator Hugh Hefner. "Playboy"

AiF.ru recalls how "America's most famous womanizer" amassed a multimillion-dollar fortune and helped America change its idea of ​​personal life.

Shy youth

The founder of Playboy magazine was born into a conservative family. His parents were God-fearing school teachers, and his great-grandfather was a minister of the church. “Puritan limitations are the key to the secret of my life. It was because of them that my future life was devoted to young and beautiful girls, - he did not hesitate to say Hugh Hefner... “In my family it was forbidden to smoke and drink, and to all my questions“ why? ”There was only one answer:“ Because God wants it! ”Sunday services were absolutely obligatory.”

In physical development, Hefner lagged behind his peers, which made him very complex. The shyness of young Hefner manifested itself in literally everything: he hardly made new acquaintances, he hated answering phone calls, go to the school board ... But even natural shyness and puritanical upbringing did not prevent the guy from neglecting school rules, causing a lot of trouble for teachers. “He doesn’t do math, geography or reading, except that I’m standing over his soul. He draws all the time. My patience is coming to an end ... I really hope for your help, ”the teacher of the little rebel complained to her parents.

But in terms of creativity and entrepreneurial activity the boy had no equal. V primary school Hefner founded two unofficial newspapers at once, which he distributed for money among classmates until the administration found out about this "business". At the age of nine, he began publishing his own one-page newspaper, News in Two Weeks, which he sold to the parents of his friends.

Hugh Hefner at the age of 1. Photo: www.globallookpress.com

"Obscene Magazine"

Hefner was one of the few famous people, who could boast of high intelligence: his IQ indicator reached 152 points. The young man's father believed that this was a gift from God, and his son was obliged to become a preacher, like his great great-grandfather. However, the future publisher had other plans, and the war intervened in those: in the last months of World War II, Hefner was sent to fight in France and Germany.

After the army, Hefner graduated from the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Illinois and got a job in the advertising department of Esquire, but did not give up his dream of becoming a publisher himself. The concept entertainment magazine for men, Hefner invented back in the army, where the most hot commodity there were semi-pornographic postcards with naked girls.

The young man had to look for investors for a long time to publish the "obscene magazine", and, oddly enough, one of them was his conservative mother, who handed her son an impressive $ 1000. “This is so unexpected; the more I understand perfectly well that you hardly fully approve of the idea of ​​my magazine ... That is why it is so important to me. This is the best thing you have ever done for me, ”wrote a grateful Hefner.

Hugh Hefner's parents. Photo: www.globallookpress.com

The purposeful young man to the last did not believe that the first issue of Playboy would be followed by the second. However, in 1953, the first Playboy, on the cover of which flaunted black and white photography Marilyn Monroe, sold 50 thousand copies in a matter of days. Crowds of Puritans staged public burnings of "this abomination", Hefner's name was cursed, but this did not prevent the young publisher from celebrating the millionth circulation soon.

Without expecting it, Hefner hit the very spot of the readers' interests, anticipating the sexual and cultural revolution. In each issue, the publisher emphasized that in a society capable of enjoying wealth and fullness of life (including enjoying sex), over time, the old habit of self-restraint will become a thing of the past, and people will become happier.

Playboy readers were taught that sex is normal human need, and not "dirty lust", but eroticism was not the only trump card of the magazine. Interesting interviews appeared on the pages of the gloss, stars such as Nabokov, Hemingway, Arthur Miller, Jean-Paul Sartre ...

Hugh Hefner. 1971 year. Photo: www.globallookpress.com

Famous womanizer

Some of the tumultuous parties at the famous playboy's mansion have gone down in history, and legends have been made about his many novels. However, Hefner had only three legal marriages.

The first wife of a womanizer was his classmate Mildred Williams. After 10 years, tired of her husband's endless intrigues, Mildred left Hefner, taking two children and telling reporters that the creator of the most scandalous magazine is in fact a bore, a petty squabbler and a domestic tyrant. The offended husband, in response, began to advertise his stormy personal life and officially announced the opening of sexual orgies that had been going on in his mansion on Wednesdays and Fridays for many years. "In a sense, I still haven't recovered from Millie's departure," Hefner later admitted. - Yes, Lately we were not particularly close, and our relationship was kept more on the romance of the first years of communication. But if Millie had not left me, then my whole life would have gone completely differently. "

Only in 1989, Hefner married a second time: on the "model of the year" Kimberly Konrad. The girl was sure that it was next to her that Hefner would settle down, but no one believed that a wedding to "another blonde" would put an end to "the thirty-year bachelor life of America's most famous womanizer."

Hefner held out for 8 years, and in 1997 young beauties reappeared in his mansion. "Since the marital status of Hefner changed, he again returned to wild night out with cocktails, crazy dances and blondes bursting with health," wrote in Playboy about the adventures of their publisher.

Playboy "s Cooper Hefner asks mom Kimberley Conrad to recreate iconic cover | https://t.co/zlpGfMLa2l

Playboy magazine founder Hugh Hefner has died in Los Angeles. He was 91 years old. It is reported that he died in his home surrounded by loved ones. He had a large mansion, one of the most expensive suites in the world, private jet travel and partying around the clock. He led a secular life even at 90 years old. But Hugh's most important asset, of course, is his playmates - the girls who live in Hefner's mansion. The beauties told how they lived in the millionaire's house.

All the girls in Hefner's mansion seem happy, but this is only an appearance. One of the former playmates said that in the house they were severely restricted in their rights and freedom of movement, and Hugh Hefner, although he was nice to them, perceived the girls as sex slaves who had to satisfy him around the clock. None of the girls dared to refuse him, or even rudely answer, because no one wanted problems. And only one of the girls decided on such a frank confession. Hugh is a millionaire, so he can afford a luxurious mansion, gorgeous girlfriends and the illusion of a beautiful, carefree life. However, be that as it may in reality, many of the men still dream of being in his place.

Playboy has always been surrounded by hundreds of the finest beauties. However, one girl was able to accomplish the impossible: Hugh Hefner finally found the woman he kept overnight. And she was the only one in his bed, the rest of the playmates were forced to trample behind closed doors. However, being married to a millionaire is not such a great gift. We'll have to put up with old age and, let's just say, unusual conditions marriage contract.

Crystal Harris married Hugh in 2013 and she signed an iron-clad marriage contract. Hugh Hefner wanted to make sure his inheritance went to his children, the University of Southern California, and charitable organizations... The girl was not entitled to a dime. This is probably one of the reasons why she broke up with him first, but in the end, Crystal accepted Hugh's terms.

Hugh owns a two-story villa worth $ 10 million. It has a rotating bed and walls, a jacuzzi, a terrace, a sunbathing area, an indoor pool, gym, media center, massage and spa facilities, glass elevator and much more.

Not only did he meet celebrities at parties, he lived with them! Hugh Hefner told Vanity Fair that his favorite guests are actor Tony Curtis and cartoonist Shel Silverstein. It was said that there is whole line underground tunnels connected to Hefner's mansion and leading to nearby celebrity homes. The tunnels were closed in 1989, but Hefner still has a special relationship with celebrities.

What did the rich man like to do in his free time? According to him, there was better rest than staying at his mansion. He told Vanity Fair that this is because « this is the place everyone wants to go and I agree with them. Everything, what you want is here. " He also enjoyed watching movies in his room or just working. Now that he is getting older, Hugh Hefner's life is much calmer, but he never stops enjoying life.

Hugh Hefner bought his private jet, The Big Rabbit, in the late 1960s. It was he who delivered the playboy and his guests to the next sexual adventure. The plane was a symbol of the sexual revolution. It was the only aircraft in black with spotlights installed at the ends of the wings to make sure the Big Rabbit always stood out. The 38-seat passenger plane was like an apartment - with a bedroom, living room, dining room and everything you need for entertainment. It was also staffed with a bar and club. Unfortunately Hugh sold the aircraft in 1975 and it was used as a commercial airliner until 2004.

How do I get an invitation to Hugh Hefner's party? You must be famous or submit your bikini photo if you are a girl. If you pass the test, you will be taken to the hottest party, the participants of which are literally surrounded by naked flesh. Large dance floor, unlimited alcohol and a pool for those looking to cool off. Unfortunately, last year Hefner sold his famous mansion to his neighbor in special conditions... But this does not mean that he will no longer throw parties. The new owner will not yet be able to fully use the building he bought, since, according to the terms of the sale agreement, the 90-year-old Hefner has the right to live here until the end of his life. It won't be free, though: Playboy Enterprises is promising to pay Metropoulos an annual rent of $ 1 million.

Built in 1927 by architect Arthur R. Kelly, the two-story Gothic building is located in one of the most prestigious areas of Los Angeles. It has 22 rooms. On the territory of the estate with an area of ​​about 25 thousand square meters. m there is a tennis court, basketball court, swimming pool with a grotto, as well as a small zoo. Hefner bought the estate in 1971 for about $ 1.1 million, and throughout the 1970s he regularly hosted the famous Playboy parties here. The mansion was put up for sale earlier this year. for 200 million dollars... Thus, the discount came out twofold. Given that, according to experts, the real price of the estate due to its unsatisfactory condition today is no more than $ 60 million.

Metropoulos also bought his current home next door from Hefner. The deal for $ 18 million took place in 2009. Both houses were designed by the same architect and were originally conceived as two parts of one complex. Therefore, after purchasing the Playboy mansion, Metropoulos plans to merge the two buildings. According to Playboy Enterprises, the money from the sale of the mansion is needed to support the business. Last year it became known that the company is discussing the possibility of sales of the legendary magazine .

Hugh Hefner settled in his 29-room mansion only the most beautiful girls... And they had to wear only the most revealing clothes. Every girl was given out a week $ 1000 to spend on themselves. In their life in the mansion was also included in an unlimited number of beauty services and plastic surgery, most often the girls chose breast augmentation, liposuction and rhinoplasty. Hugh not only chose the hottest girls, but also remade them for himself and his tastes.

If you are one of the playmate girls, you should forget about concepts like respect and consent. No matter how old he is, the playboy never stopped having sex. Despite the fact that he publicly denied this, each girlfriend had to participate in a strange ritual: before going to bed, Hefner invited all the girls dressed in pink flannel pajamas to his bedroom. They put on shows and kissed each other to turn him on while he satisfied himself. It is impossible to count the number of girls who walked through the revolving bedroom door because there were too many of them. And at times there was a crush in the playboy's bed. Former playmate Madison says all girls hate this bedroom routine. Hugh Hefner may be the world's greatest playboy, but that doesn't make him the best partner in bed. Hundreds of women could talk about it.

"Rabbits" do not have the right to live outside the mansion, and they also cannot go out freely, that is why the house is surrounded by such a high fence. Former playmates say it looked like a prison. The girls had to return to the mansion by 9 pm, they could not invite their friends to the mansion, and male visitors were not allowed. They had to always look as beautiful and sexy as possible, and God forbid they get into gossip unpainted or unpresentable. Those who broke the rules were immediately kicked out.

Hugh Hefner is so rich that he found a way to buy the elixir of life. Surrounded by young people beautiful women A 91-year-old man will remain forever young. Playboy knows what's trending now. He's not shy about appearing in a Snapchat video with his wife Crystal. Even though his body may be old, his heart will always be young, just like the women he loves.

Maybe the secret of immortality is this: to live every day as if it were the last. After all, at this age, every day for Hugh may indeed be his last. But when the time comes, he can proudly say that he lived life to the fullest.

• The media mogul was born in Chicago. He served in the army and graduated from the Faculty of Psychology. He invented Playboy magazine while still a student. The first issue - with Marilyn Monroe on the cover - was released in December 1953 with a circulation of only 70 thousand copies. In the 70s, this figure already reached five million a month.
• The current editor-in-chief of the publication Hefner was 64 years old - this fact is entered in the Guinness Book of Records.

Hugh Hefner is a man who has long been called the father of world eroticism. Having founded and led the legendary Playboy magazine, he revolutionized the world of glossy journalism, and also gave cause for thought to millions of copycats around the world.

Hugh Hefner's early years, childhood and family

Our today's hero was born in the city of Chicago in the family of Grace Caroline Swanson and Glenn Lucius Hefner. As a child, Hugh Hefner was the most ordinary guy, and therefore it is quite difficult to tell something interesting about his youth. He, like all other guys, loved sports, beautiful cars and beautiful girls. Due to his athletic physique, he was always popular with the opposite sex, but it was difficult to call him a real womanizer in the full sense of the word.

After graduating from Chicago high school, our today's hero went to the army and very soon was sent to Europe. In 1944, he took part in the hostilities in France and Germany, thus marking the last months of World War II.

Hugh Hefner returned to his homeland only in 1946. During this period, he moved to the town of Urban-Champaign, where he began to study at the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Illinois. According to some biographers, it was during his student years, during dashing parties, that the idea of ​​the Playboy magazine first came to the future publisher. It was then that he began to engage in publishing for the first time.

Hugh Hefner first got in touch with the world of glossy journalism while working for Shaft magazine, for which he drew cartoons for several years.

Subsequently, our today's hero also worked in another large print publication - Esquire magazine. Having managed to feel on himself all the subtleties of great journalism, Hugh Hefner finally established himself in the idea that he could create his own magazine, and some time later he began to implement his old idea.

Hugh Hefner's Star Trek: Playboy and its Success

In the early fifties, Hugh Hefner began raising money to create his own magazine. He earned about $ 600 on loans, borrowed $ 8,000 from several interested investors, and also borrowed another thousand from his mother. Having collected the necessary amount, "Hef" set to work.

Model Harris reveals why she dumped Hugh Hefner

The base name for the new edition was Stag Party, but later Hefner abandoned this brand, rightly believing that this could create unnecessary associations with the already existing men's magazine Stag Magazine. From that moment, work began on a new brand, which very soon formed into a simple and concise name Playboy.

In December 1953, the first issues of the magazine appeared in all newspaper shops in the United States. The nude edition of Marilyn Monroe was released in a circulation of 70 thousand copies, three quarters of which were sold out within the first week. Hugh Hefner did not even count on such a stunning success.

Some time later, a new release followed, followed by another. Thus, already in the mid-fifties, Playboy magazine became very famous among American buyers.

The erotic, bright and provocative magazine fell in love with the local public, who had been living for several years in anticipation of a real sexual revolution. The grains fell into fertile soil, and a few years later, Hugh Hefner's edition acquired a truly legendary status.

Hugh Hefner 85 years old

The popularity of the magazine was strengthened by the publication of photographs of many American celebrities - Cindy Crawford, Sharon Stone, Naomi Campbell and others. Many lesser-known representatives of American show business even offered Hugh Hefner their own erotic photos in order to raise their rating in the eyes of American men in a similar way.

In the seventies and eighties, Playboy magazine became not just an erotic publication, but a real symbol beautiful life... Hugh Hefner himself tried to strengthen the popularity of his brainchild with all his might. Creating a halo of mysterious ladies' man around himself, he excited the audience with news of sexual parties in his mansion, as well as many high-profile novels. They tried to imitate him, and therefore the brilliance and attractiveness of Playboy magazine did not fade over time. In the seventies, regional editorial offices of the magazine began to appear in different parts of the world. Currently, Playboy publications are available in most countries of the world, including Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Georgia, Estonia and many other states of Eastern Europe.

V different years erotic photographs of many representatives of the Ukrainian and Russian stage appeared in Playboy magazine.

Hugh Hefner's personal life, girls and Playboy today

Even before education legendary magazine Hugh Hefner was married to a girl named Mildred Williams. Together they lived for about ten years, during which the daughter Christie and son David Paul were born.

This couple broke up in 1959. After that, our today's hero for thirty years cohabited with various models, and also often arranged famous sexual parties in his mansion. It is known for certain that for several years he took place in a love relationship with seven models at the same time.

Only thirty years after the dissolution of his first marriage, Hugh Hefner married again. His second wife was model Kimberly Konrad. The famous playboy lived with her for ten years. Subsequently, he again returned to his usual way of life. However, on December 31, 2012, he married again. The third wife of 87-year-old Hugh Hefner was model Crystal Haris.

Death

On September 27, 2017, the Playboy founder passed away at the age of 92. This was announced by the magazine's official Twitter account. According to official figures, he died of natural causes. surrounded by family and friends in his mansion.

Hugh Hefner was envied by all normal men from all over the planet - a lot of money, a constant crowd of sexy girls nearby and world fame. What more could you want in this life?

He was never seen sad, the smile never left his face - you must admit that in his situation it was quite difficult to be sad)

The whole world knew about sexy bunnies and about Hugh, of course, too - rarely when the author of the publication was so associated with him

And the fact that Hugh was cool once again proves that he is special after death. Today the most popular hashtag on social networks is not at all the traditional #rip, as we used to see, #breastinpeace - Breasts in the world! Hugh left us at 92 years old, a symbol of the sexual revolution and the main playboy of the world died of natural causes ...

Let's remember how it all began and for whom the whole world mourns today.

Hefner graduated from the University of Illinois Department of Psychology. Then he became interested in publishing, moonlighting as an editor and drawing cartoons. In those same years, Hefner first thought about creating a men's magazine, the first issue of which - with Marilyn Monroe herself on the cover - was released in 1953. The sexual revolution began in the United States and the rest of the world. The magazine published not only photo shoots with naked women, among whom were famous actresses, models and athletes. The pages of the publication published John Updike, Kurt Vonnegut and Tom Clancy, as well as interviews, for example, with Bill Gates or Kevin Spacey.

After the first "Playboy" appeared in Chicago, and the publication itself came out with a circulation of 70 thousand copies, Hugh Hefner at first doubted that he would ever release a second issue.

However, his fears did not materialize - three quarters of the circulation were sold in a week, and by the end of the first decade the magazine was selling over a million copies! The reason for the success was simple - Hefner's magazine was fundamentally different from the then men's editions, which mainly covered sports events, tourism, yachts, and outdoor picnics.

And to start publishing the magazine, Hugh Hefner borrowed $ 8 thousand from friends and relatives, and he himself invested $ 600, taken from the bank on the security of family furniture. As a result, Hefner had little money for the release of a new issue of the magazine and he knew the name of the publication, but did not have the main thing - his "zest". Therefore, Hugh thinks for a long time about how to interest future readers ... He remembered that during the service, many soldiers glued photos of female movie stars on the walls above their beds, and then it dawned on him!

Hefner recalls his friend John Baumgart, who owned a calendar company with beauties in Chicago and buys from him a photo of a young actress named Jean Martenson for $ 50, who later took the pseudonym Marilyn Monroe for filming at XX Century Fox.

Hefner wanted his magazine to promote a sophisticated lifestyle. In 1956, Playboy began publishing stories by Vladimir Nabokov and James Baldwin. Interviews with world celebrities began to appear on its pages: philosophers, writers, politicians, actors and musicians. For many stars of show business and cinema, Playboy has become a launching pad.

In 1959, Hefner decided to open his own club. And already in February 1960, the first Playboy establishment opened its doors in Chicago, and then they appeared in Miami, New Orleans and New York. Those buying a key for $ 25 got access to a restaurant, bar, jazz and cabaret. PLAYBOY. The history of the most popular men's gloss. One of Hugh's innovations at the club was the "Bunny Girls" who created the atmosphere in Playboy establishments. The beauty, who was wearing a tight bodysuit, bunny ears and a fluffy tail, is quickly becoming a sex symbol of the 60s.

In the 60s, the club of 30 establishments consisted of about 1 million people, and a total of 2.5 million Playboy "keys" were sold for about 60 million dollars. And what happened to the magazine? .. It was cult at that time, the magazine continued to gain popularity. Playboy fascinated readers every year. Despite the fair amount of beautiful nude female bodies on its glossy pages, this magazine never stooped to the level of vulgar pulp fiction. Avant-garde, stylish and made with impeccable taste - Playboy is unmatched today.

In 1972, Playboy's circulation peaked - the November issue was 7,161,561 copies. The magazine was distributed all over the world. Where is it legal and where it is not. In 1979, the thickest issue came out, with 412 pages. In 1998, Playboy magazine alone generated $ 320 million in revenue for Hefner's empire. At this time, the entire Playboy corporation ranked third in the world in terms of sales.

Hugh Hefner himself said about his magazine: “I never considered Playboy a magazine about sex. For me, it has always been a lifestyle publication in which sex is just one of her component parts... And in general, sex is healthier when it is not hidden and not hidden: why make society stupid? "

A neat bore in life, Hefner realized the need for the most important marketing campaign - creating his own public life. Well, who could he, Hugh Hefner, be in this life, except as the most important playboy in the world? What are at least the numerous parties and the attitude of the millionaire to the female sex. There was a period when Hefner lived with seven models, but in 2004 he decided to abandon such a harem.

Hef himself explains this peculiar style by the need to correspond to the status of a secular lion, created by him for the greater popularity of the magazine. On the business negotiations Hugh could easily have appeared in a silk robe thrown over his pajamas and with a pipe in his teeth. In the morning, Hefner prefers black and dark blue pajamas, and in the evening he changes them to red or blue. This is exactly how the publisher of an avant-garde stylish magazine should look, extravagant and unusual.

Hefner turned from a publisher into a real character in pop culture. He repeatedly appeared in the role of himself in films, TV series, cartoons. Took part in the reality show "Playboy Girls", which was filmed at his mansion. The very life of old man Hef, as his friends and fans called him, was like a TV show - ups, downs, numerous weddings, scandals and divorces.

In 1996 he received the London International Publishing Achievement Award. In 1998 in New York he entered the Hall of Fame of the American Society of Journal Publishers. In January 2002, in the same New York, he received the highest award for magazine publishers in America - the Henry Johnson Fisher Award.

"When Hugh Hefner dies, no one says: he is now in the best of worlds."
"Hugh Hefner, the man who lived in a dream."
"Man, myth, legend."

Let's remember him as we saw him all the last time

Hugh Marston Hefner (April 9, 1926, Chicago, USA) - American publisher, founder of Playboy magazine.

Childhood, adolescence

Hugh's parents had rather strict views. Even going to the cinema was forbidden in the family. He did not study well: he lacked diligence and perseverance. At the same time, Hugh enjoyed writing articles and drawing cartoons for the school newspaper. The teachers were confident that in the future the boy would become a journalist.

In 1944, Hefner joined the army after serving in the last months of World War II. Then he began his studies at the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Illinois. During this period, Hugh Hefner moonlighted as editor of Shaft magazine, and also created cartoons for other magazines. The idea of ​​creating Playboy came from his student years.

Career

Hefner worked in Esquire's advertising department, but quit after being denied a pay raise. It is worth noting that Hefner was paid $ 5 for one piece, and he wanted $ 10. After that, the aspiring journalist decided to raise funds for the foundation of his own magazine. As a result, he earned $ 600 on lending, borrowed $ 8000 from investors (there were 45 of them), and $ 1000 from his own mother. The working title of the new magazine was Stag Party. But in order not to conflict with the already existing Stag Magazine, it was decided to abandon this name.

1953 - The 1st issue of "Playboy" is published with a circulation of 7 thousand copies. Its cover featured Marilyn Monroe. ¾ of the circulation was sold in the first week. 6 years later, the edition came out with a circulation of one million.

At first, 85% of the magazine was articles. This publication has published great writers, published interviews with famous politicians, defended the views of fighters for human rights and other public figures.

Playboy has featured Kurt Vonnegut, John Updike and Tom Clancy. Such celebrities as D. Rodman, T. Hilfiger, K. Spacey, D. Travolta and B. Gates gave interviews to the named magazine. K. Witt, S. Crawford, N. Campbell, S. Stone and other world stars took part in the magazine's photo sessions. Although at first almost any woman could become the face of the magazine. In the beginning, it was this principle that helped Hugh Hefner save on model royalties.

1971 - Playboy Enterprises was founded, which included a chain of hotels, clubs, casinos and resorts. In addition, it included a model agency, a television company, a recording studio and a limousine rental service. The company received its main income from entertainment and gambling establishments. But in the late 70s, corporate earnings dropped significantly. A number of establishments even had to be closed.

1985 - Hefner hands over the business to his daughter Christie.

1998 - Hefner's profit from the sale of Playboy was $ 320 million.

Personal life

In 1949, Hugh married Mildred Williams, with whom he was married for 10 years. They had two children: daughter Christie (born 1952) and son David Paul (born 1955). After his divorce from Mildred, he lived as a bachelor for 30 years. But in 1989, Hefner still marries the model K. Konrad. He will also live with his second wife for 10 years. Since 2000, he has lived with 7 girls, ranging in age from 18 to 28 years old. At the end of 2012, Hugh married the young model K. Harris.