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Staff post about: Hugh Hefner Become an Author

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“My house is pretty much in order,” says the Playboy founder. “When it comes, it comes. But my mother lived to be 101, so knock on wood.”

There are few signs to show that the Hugh Hefner bio will be coming to an end anytime soon. But, if it does, it will be the conclusion to a story that has fascinated America for decades. At the same time revolutionary and scandalous, the life story of this one time repressed son of a Midwestern Methodist couple who rose to prominence by exploiting sexuality and pushing the boundaries of societies everywhere is sure to leave a lasting legacy for years to come.

That story begins on April 9, 1926 in Chicago, Illinois. Growing up in a home Hefner says had “no show of affection of any kind,” he served in the U.S. Army following graduation from high school, and during the final months of World War II. He then enrolled in the University of Illinois, majoring in psychology with a double minor in creative writing and art. He also took a semester of graduate courses in sociology and women and gender studies at Northwestern University. During university, Hefner became the editor of Shaft magazine, and also began selling his cartoons to other magazines. In spite of his busy schedule, Hefner managed to graduate from school in less than three years.

On June 25, 1949, Hefner married fellow Northwestern student Mildred Williams, with whom he would have two children, Christie and David Paul. The two would divorce ten years later in 1959. He would marry 1989’s Playmate of the Year, Kimberley Conrad, in 1989, with whom he would have another two children, before separating in 1998. After graduation, Hefner took up a job as a copywriter for Esquire magazine, but left in 1952 after being denied a $5 raise. He managed to lend his furniture for $600, in addition to raising $10,000 from 45 different investors, and used the funds to launch Playboy magazine.

It would be the major turning point in the Hugh Hefner bio. From thereon out, the success of the Playboy empire would continue to grow. That is not to say, however, that all of his troubles would end there. Because of his liberal views with regards to sexuality and drugs, Hefner was often the target of law enforcement officials. In 1963, after an issue of Playboy was published that featured nude photographs of actress Jayne Mansfield, Hefner was arrested on charges of selling obscene literature.

Hefner’s mansion was also often the scrutinized by federal agents for alleged drugs parties. As a result, Playboy created the Hugh M. Hefner First Amendment Awards “to honour individuals who have made significant contributions in the vital effort to protect and enhance First Amendment rights for Americans.” Hefner has also made large contributions to the country’s Democratic Party.

The Hugh Hefner bio is, in his words, “the stuff that dreams are made of.” As he continues to run his empire in his robe, smoking a Dunhill pipe, and on the arms of a handful of young blonde women, Hefner shows no signs of slowing down.

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