No matter your thoughts on the controversial life of Hugh Hefner, one thing you can say is that he had a long lasting effect on popular culture. Born in April of 1926, Hef as he was known, was born to middle class parents who were both teachers. He described them as "Midwestern and Methodist".
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| A Bunny inspecting a key, which was the membership identifier for the Playboy clubs. |
Writing has always been in his blood and he was a military writer during World War II.Through trial and error, and several attempts at raising enough money Mr. Hefner eventually founded and ran Playboy Magazine in 1953, with Marilyn Monroe on the cover.
Not only was his magazine and clubs popular from the 50's, 60's, and 70's but he also ran two popular late night television shows Playboys' Penthouse (1959-1960) and Playboy After Dark (1969-1970). Many people credit him as one of the loudest voices for the sexual revolution that swept the nation in the mid to late sixties.
He is named for an award called the Hugh M. Hefner First Amendment Award, created by Christie Hefner, which was created "to honor individuals who have made significant contributions in the vital effort to protect and enhance First Amendment rights for Americans."
He also funded a class at The University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts called "Censorship in Cinema". He was also a strong supporter of the LGBTQ community and fought for equal rights saying, "fight for all our rights. Without it, we will turn back the sexual revolution and return to an earlier, puritanical time."
Edit: Forgot to post pictures of my blue bunny suit!
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