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Hugh Hefner was born on April 9, 1926 in Chicago, Illinois. The American magazine publisher was the founder of the iconic Playboy magazine. The first issue, released in 1953 featured the wonderful Marilyn Monroe in a nude calendar shoot and sold over 50,000 copies!
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Hugh Hefner not only found Playboy magazine, in fact, he extended his brand into a world of Playboy clubs and luxury mansions where he and Playboy "playmates" used to live and party quite often.
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While Hugh Hefner's family has been described as conservative, he was actually an advocate for sexual liberation and freedom of expression!
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Hugh Hefner was not only a very successful entrepreneur but also a political activist, especially for the causes of animal rescue and First Amendment rights.
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Also known as "Hef," he hosted numerous television shows including Playboy's Penthouse, from 1959 to 1960, and Playboy After Dark, from 1969 to 1970. He also voiced himself in some of the most popular animated series like The Simpsons, and Family Guy!
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In 1985, Hugh Hefner suffered a minor stroke. He was 58 years old. After his recovery he re-evaluated his wild lifestyle and made several changes toning down his party habits.
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Hugh Hefner dated and married several Playboy playmates! He dated as many as seven women simultaneously. The Playboy Mansion eventually turned into a family-friendly homestead.
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Hugh Hefner's legendary Palyboy Mansion was sold for $100 million to private equity company Daren Metropoulos. "Hef" continued living and working there.
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Did you know that a full-size replica of Hugh Hefner is on display at the Madame Tussaud's Interactive Wax Museum in Las Vegas, Nevada?
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Hugh Hefner used to host wild parties at his Playboy Mansion. However, he was against any drug use and refused to allow them on any of his properties. Anyone caught doing drugs would be subject to permanent and immediate expulsion.