In 1988 turned his empire over to his daughter Christie Hefner.

In 2005, Hugh attempted to create and Indian version of Playboy for India, which would feature South Asian women and Indian pop culture articles, but no nudity. He wanted to have Bollywood superstar Aishwarya Rai on the cover of the first issue. The magazine was rejected.

Served in the U.S. Army in WWII after graduating from Steinmetz H.S. in Chicago, IL (1944).

Pictured on a souvenir sheet issued by Grenada & the Grenadines on 1 December 2003, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Playboy Magazine. Six stamps in the sheet feature various Playboy covers, including the first issue with Marilyn Monroe and the May 1964 cover with Playmate of the Year Donna Michelle.

First magazine publisher to become a major celebrity.

Created the world-famous Playboy Mansion of Los Angeles in 1971.

A full-size replica of him is on display at the Madame Tussaud's Interactive Wax Museum at the Venetian Casino/Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. Unlike the other models, Hefner's likeness is not wax, but rather silicone.

Arrested in Chicago, Illinois, USA in 1963 for possessing "indecent" photos of actress Jayne Mansfield in the movie Promises! Promises! (1963).

At one time owned a 119-foot long DC-9 jet called the "Big Bunny". The jet was painted black with the well known white playboy bunny logo on its tail. It was equipped with a galley, living room, disco, movie and video equipment, wet bar and sleeping quarters for 16 guests.

Marilyn Monroe was the centerfold in the very first issue of his Playboy Magazine in December 1953. This was the only issue to name its playmate "Sweetheart of the Month". In the March 1965 issue, Playboy Magazine featured the first African-American centerfold: Jennifer Jackson. Playboy Magazine was originally going to be titled "Stag Party".

Creator and publisher of Playboy Magazine.

Is portrayed by Mitch Ryan in Death of a Centerfold: The Dorothy Stratten Story (1981) (TV), by Cliff Robertson in Star 80 (1983) and by Randall Batinkoff in Hefner: Unauthorized (1999) (TV).

A brass plaque over the front door of his Chicago mansion reads, "Si Non Oscillas, Noli Tintinnare", which roughly translates from Latin as "If You Don't Swing, Don't Ring".

Hefner's parents were farmers from Nebraska.

Hefner and Jenna Jameson share the same birthday (April 9th).

Originally worked on the publishing staff of "Child Life" magazine.

Claims to be a direct descendant of pilgrim leader William Bradford.

Older brother of Keith Hefner.

Plays a major role in the James Bond short story "A Midsummer Night's Doom" by Raymond Benson.

Has a species of rabbit named in his honor (Sylvilagus palustris hefneri).

Graduated from Steinmetz High School (Chicago, IL). As a child often visited the now demolished Mont Clare Theatre in Chicago. Graduated from the University of Illinois.

Children: Christie Hefner and David Paul (b. 30 August 1955) by Mildred Williams; Cooper Hefner and Marston Hefner by Kimberley Conrad. David owns a computer consulting firm.

Owns the burial vault next to Marilyn Monroe's. She is interred at Westwood Memorial Park, Los Angeles, California, USA, in the Corridor of Memories, crypt #24.

Was raised by rigid Methodist parents. His mother was one of the 45 investors Hefner recruited to launch "Playboy."

Has a round-the-clock kitchen staff to serve him his meals on a tray in bed. He also has his own drawer of cookies in the Playboy Mansion's kitchen.

Hefner had a Genius IQ of 152 in H.S. but was described as an "unenthusiastic" student.

Adamantly against drug use, and refuses to allow them in any of his houses. Anyone caught doing drugs at any Playboy Mansion is subject to immediate and permanent expulsion.

Used to work for Esquire magazine. He left to found Playboy after being denied a pay raise of $5 a week.

He grew up in Montclair, Illinois.