The founder of iconic Playboy magazine Hugh Hefner has died at the age of 91 due to natural causes, the magazine confirmed in a statement.
The multi-millionaire died peacefully at his home in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles, California on 27 September 2017, surrounded by his loved ones.
Over the past few years, Hefner’s health had been deteriorating and he was not seen in public for quite some time.
The Playboy icon is survived by his wife, Crystal, and his four children – Christie and David from his first marriage and Marston and Cooper from his second marriage.
Cooper Hefner, chief creative officer of Playboy Enterprises posted a statement on Wednesday night, saying, “My father lived an exceptional and impactful life as a media and cultural pioneer and a leading voice behind some of the most significant social and cultural movements of our time in advocating free speech, civil rights and sexual freedom.”
“He defined a lifestyle and ethos that lie at the heart of the Playboy brand, one of the most recognizable and enduring in history,” he added.
Hefner founded the iconic magazine in 1953 with Marilyn Monroe gracing the first cover.
Other female celebrities who have graced the magazine include Cindy Crawford, Pamela Anderson, Madonna, Naomi Campbell, Carmen Electra, Drew Barrymore and Kim Kardashian.