Donation
Ever since Playboy's first issue in 1953, Hugh Hefner has been in the public spotlight. He has been both praised and put down, but love him or hate him, he has been a prominent figure throughout the past two centuries with some interesting facts to follow him along the way.
Check out our gallery and find out facts that are rarely known about the original Playboy himself, Hugh Hefner.
In 2010, Hugh donated about $900,000 to prevent the Hollywood sign from being demolished.
Hef's Kids
According to hollywoodsign.org, "Thirty-two years after the Sign was rebuilt, the Sign’s #1 fan, Hugh Hefner, presents the Hollywood Sign Trust with the closing gift to ‘Save the Peak,’ capping efforts to raise funds to purchase and protect the 138 acres behind the Hollywood Sign."
Although he has had countless girlfriends, Hefner has had three wives and has had four children between them all. Hefner married his college sweetheart Mildred Williams in 1949, but the two divorced ten years after. They had two children, Christie Hefner, now 62, and David Hefner, 59.
Religious Ways
But despite the fact that he has had so many girlfriends, Hefner only remarried twice after Williams. His second marriage was to former Playmate of the Year Kimberly Conrad in 1989, who he had two children, Cooper Hefner, now 23, and Marston Hefner, 25. His third marriage was in 2012 to former Playmate of the Month Crystal Harris.
Arrested
Although Hugh Hefner is known for his loose lifestyle, he actually grew up in a strict Methodist household in his native Chicago, Illinois.
In 1963, Hugh Hefner was actually arrested. He was busted for "publishing and distributing an obscene magazine," according to the Chicago Tribune.
Weekly Allowance
However, the case was deemed a mistrial after the jury couldn't reach a decision on the verdict.
Holding Records
According to the Guinness Book Of World Records, Hugh Hefner holds the record longest-serving Editor-in-Chief of a magazine.
Age
According to ex-girlfriend Holly Madison, Hugh gave each of his girlfriends a $1,000 weekly allowance, and they would line up in his room in the morning to receive their allowance when they were living with him.
Hugh Hefner was born on April 9, 1926, making him 91 years old! Even for being that old, Hef still looks great for his age.
Not loyal
It makes us wonder what his secret is to his longevity.
While Hugh was away in the army, his first wife cheated on him.
No Drug Policy
He's said that it was "the most devastating moment of life.” But it's easy to say that he's enjoyed a nice life since.
Private Zoo
In her book, Hugh Hefner's ex-girlfriend Holly Madison claimed that Hugh was fervently against drugs, banning them from the house and making it clear that the girls should not be doing drugs if there are going to be in the house.
The Playboy Mansion is one of the few private residences in the entire United States to have a zoo license.
Cousins!
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the zoo houses monkeys, cockatoos, peacocks, African cranes, parrots, toucans, pelicans, doves and all sorts of other animals.
Believe it or not, Hugh Hefner is actually the 9th cousin to President George W. Bush.
Interviews
"You know I'm a 11th generation direct descendant of William Bradford, who came over on the Mayflower, a direct descendant of a puritan," Hefner told CBS News. "I suppose that it is not a big surprise but it is certainly unique to be a relation to ."
What's Your Number?
According to Holly Madison, Hugh personally interviews every single "Girl of the Month" in order to make sure they're Playboy material.
It may come as no surprise that Hugh Hefner has had his fair share of romantic relationships, but it sure is surprising when you put a number to it.
Stoke Of Bad Luck
According to Hef himself, he estimates that he has slept with over 2,000 women.
Back In 1985, Hugh Hefner suffered a mild stroke. Many thought this would be the beginning of the end for the man behind Playboy, but the stroke has affected him very little.
Genius
He is currently in his 90s and hasn't disclosed any serious health issues.
The average IQ for the typical adult is between 90 and 110, but Hugh Hefner is considered genius-status with his IQ at 152.
No Retirement
It's no wonder he has created one of the most successful publications of all time.
Hugh Hefner has no plans of slowing down anytime soon. According to Hefner, “I think that retirement is the first step towards the grave.
College Degree
It’s the perfect combination of work and play that keeps you young. If I quit work, it would be the beginning of the end for me."
Hefner has a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Genesis
Hefner graduated in 1949 and also received a double-minored in creative writing and art.
Hefner founded Playboy in his South Side Chicago apartment.
In The Family
Hefner told the Chicago Tribune in 1994 that "the entire staff was my card table, my typewriter and me." Little did he know then that he would expand into one of the most well-known publications in history.
Hefner's oldest daughter ran Playboy for 20 years. In 1988, Hefner named his oldest daughter, Christie Hefner, as CEO and chairperson of Playboy Enterprises, Inc.
She served as CEO and chairperson from 1988 until 2008. Hugh himself currently has final say on the logistics of the publication.