Fan mail sections were one of the most popular features in Playboy Magazine, starting from the magazine's debut issue in December 1953 until its last print edition in March 2020. The fan mail section gave readers a chance to send in letters to their favorite Playmates and receive personalized responses back. This was a significant way for the readers to get closer to their idols, who seemed more real than ever before.
In later years, Cheri occasionally printed model Q&As in response to reader letters, allowing fans to feel connected to their favorite women. These exchanges created an early version of "parasocial" relationships, now common in digital influencer culture. It made the models feel more human, approachable, and emotionally engaging.
One example of this was when a fan named John wrote to Cheri asking why she chose to pursue acting as a career instead of continuing her education in medicine. In her response, Cheri explained that although she loved medical school, she ultimately decided it wasn't what she wanted to do with her life and had always been drawn to entertainment. She went on to say that she feels incredibly lucky to have found work as an actress, especially after such a challenging start in show business. Her openness and honesty endeared her to many readers, who felt like they could relate to her struggles and triumphs.
Another fan letter that received a detailed response was one from a woman named Lisa, who asked Cheri about her experience working with Hugh Hefner during her photo shoot. Cheri responded by explaining how nervous she was at first but quickly realized how supportive he was and how much fun she had on set. She also shared some behind-the-scenes stories about the shoot and how much she enjoyed getting to know him over time.
Fan mail sections were a major part of Playboy Magazine for decades, providing readers with a unique way to connect with their idols. They allowed readers to see behind the curtain of glamour and get to know their favorite models on a deeper level. The responses from the models themselves added another layer of personality and relatability that helped make them even more iconic.: