Playboy founder Hugh Hefner died Wednesday night at the age of 91.
According to Playboy, the 91-year-old passed away of natural causes surrounded by loved ones at his Los Angeles mansion.
American Icon and Playboy Founder, Hugh M. Hefner passed away today. He was 91. #RIPHef pic.twitter.com/tCLa2iNXa4
— Playboy (@Playboy) September 28, 2017
For decades, he was the pipe-smoking, silk-pajama-wearing center of a constant fantasy party at the Playboy mansion in Chicago and then in Los Angeles.
Playboy was founded more than 60 years ago and is now published in more than 20 countries across the world.
Hefner's son and chief creative officer of Playboy Enterprise, Cooper Hefner, said, "My father lived an exceptional and impactful life as a media and cultural pioneer leading voice behind some of the most significant social and cultural movements of our time in advocating free speech, civil rights and sexual freedom."
The first issue of Playboy was published in December 1953 and the now standard "Playboy interview" debuted in 1962. Hefner built a brand that defined the sexual culture of the second half of the 20th century.
In 1980, Hefner championed the reconstruction of the iconic Hollywood sign and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
He is survived by his wife, Crystal, his sons, Cooper, David and Marston and his daughter Christine.
Multiple celebrities took to Twitter to react to the news:
Rest in peace #HughHefner - he will forever be remembered as the Hollywood legend who lived life to the fullest.
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) September 28, 2017
A great man, entrepreneur and innovator. Your legacy lives on. #Hef pic.twitter.com/36cRzlUPRw
— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) September 28, 2017
RIP @hughhefner ? thank you for making me part of the Playboy family. Sending lots of love and prayers to @crystalhefner
— Heidi Montag (@heidimontag) September 28, 2017
Wow...just read the news. Rest In Peace Hugh Hefner. Your legacy and soul shall live on!
— Charlie Puth (@charlieputh) September 28, 2017
RIP hef. You were always sweet to me on movie nights at the mansion. Love to you @crystalhefner xo #RIPHef
— Courtney Stodden (@CourtneyStodden) September 28, 2017
1st met him months B4 #SW opened-Expected stereotyped swinger/wildman not the kind-thoughtful loyal friend he always was to ML & me #RIPHef? pic.twitter.com/r5Jbyg9TMH
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) September 28, 2017
R.I.P. to the legend Hugh Hefner pic.twitter.com/0WopDrAH1h
— D12 (@D12) September 28, 2017
I had a number of great conversations and with Hugh Hefner. Was such an interesting man. True legend. What an end of an era!
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) September 28, 2017
@hughhefner ..when I did playboy he spoke words to me that affected my direction. he was a man the room would stop for when he entered #rip
— Aubrey O'Day (@AubreyODay) September 28, 2017
