Hugh Hefner: Life and Times
Hefner was born in Chicago in April 1926 to Glenn Rae Hefner and Grace Cummings. His mother was a stay-at-home mom who had a strong influence on his early life, while his father worked in sales. He graduated from Steinmetz High School in 1944 and served briefly in World War II before attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for one semester. He later transferred to Northwestern University, where he studied psychology and creative writing. In 1949, he married Mildred Williams but divorced her shortly afterward due to irreconcilable differences. After graduating from college, Hefner took a job as a copywriter at Esquire magazine, which would eventually become his inspiration for Playboy.
The Beginning of an Empire
In 1953, Hefner began working on the prototype of what would become Playboy. The initial idea was to create a men's lifestyle magazine that celebrated the pleasures of the good life, including fine food, drink, clothes, and cars. However, Hefner soon realized that the market was saturated with similar publications and decided to focus more on sex appeal. In December 1953, he launched Playboy with Marilyn Monroe on the cover, featuring nude photos inside.
The magazine quickly became a sensation, selling over 50,0000 copies per month by its second issue. It featured stories about politics, sports, fashion, and entertainment, along with interviews and reviews, and of course, scantily clad women. Over time, it also became known for its celebrity interviews and political commentary, which often challenged conventional wisdom. Hefner was not afraid to take risks or push boundaries, leading him to run afoul of censors and social norms. For example, in 1962, he published an article titled "The Jesus Story" that questioned traditional Christian beliefs, prompting outrage across America.
Hefner's Impact on American Culture
Despite criticism from various quarters, Hefner remained steadfast in his commitment to sexual freedom and free expression. His legacy is evident in many ways, from the popularization of bunny-themed merchandise to the rise of casual dating culture. In addition, Playboy helped pave the way for other magazines like Penthouse and Hustler, as well as more mainstream publications such as Cosmopolitan and GQ. Hefner also played a role in promoting civil rights, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement when he offered financial support to Martin Luther King Jr.'s cause.
Legacy and Controversy
Hefner passed away at age 91 in September 2017 after suffering from heart failure. His impact on society remains debated, but there is no denying his influence on American culture and media. Some see him as a visionary who challenged taboos, while others view him as exploitative and sexist. Nonetheless, his legacy continues through his magazine, which remains one of the most recognizable brands globally.