Entertainment
Playboy Founder, Hugh Hefner Dies At 91
The famous founder of the International Adult Magazine, Playboy, Hugh Hefner has died at the age of 91. His death was announced by the Play Boy Enterprises Inc. which said the 91 year-old passed away peacefully in his home from natural causes.
In his reaction, Cooper Hefner, his son said he would be “greatly missed by many”. He paid tribute to his father’s exceptional and impactful life as a media and cultural pioneer, calling him an advocate for free speech, civil rights and sexual freedom.
Hugh Hefner began publishing Playboy Magazine in his kitchen at home in 1953. Playboy became the largest selling men’s magazine in the world shifting seven million copies a month at its peak.
The trail blazing magazine helped make nudity respectable in mainstream publications and made him a multi millionaire. It spawned a business empire that include casinos and nightclubs.
Hefner became famous for throwing huge parties at luxurious mansions in his later years as he grew to live with more than six playboy mansion models.
Hugh Hefner was born into a strict Methodist family in Chicago. He rebelled, spectacularly producing the first issue of Playboy. The widely acclaimed magazine was adorned with Marilyn Monroe as its first centre fold, the magazine was an instant hit.
It’s huge sales were driven by glossy colour picture of nude ‘playmates’, but it also developed a reputation for fine writing. Norman Mailer, Kingsley Amis and Ray Bradbury were among its contributors.
Hugh Hefner lived the lifestyle portrayed in his Play boy magazine. His Playboy mansion in Los Angelese where he died surrounded by friends, epitomised an adolescent dream.
He claimed to have slept with more than 1000 women and has a reality TV show that has become more popular than any nude or sex tape.
He was attacked by feminists accused of reducing women to sex toys, but he styled himself as the “Godfather of the sexual revolution”.
Meanwhile, the world has reacted to the death of the life style icon. Celebrities around the world have paid homage to the man who was famous for his wild parties at the Playboy mansion and iconic sexual lifestyle magazine.
In honour of Hefner, here are ten things you didn’t know about the Playboy founder.
Hugh Hefner served in the armed forces during World War II as a clerk and writer for a military magazine/newspaper.
Hugh Hefner does not own the famous Playboy mansion. While he was alive, he lived in the mansion, but he was no longer the owner of the property. Playboy enterprises actually owns the building and recently placed it on sale at $200m.
Despite the sale, the company stated that Hefner had to be allowed to live there.
Hugh Hefner bought plot next to Marilyn Monroe. He was a huge fan of the late legendary actress, Marilyn Monroe. She was even the first cover girl of playboy magazine that later featured others stars.
His love for her made him decide that he would love to spend the rest of her life beside her. Hugh bought the burial plot next to Monroe and would be buried there.
Hugh Hefner kept the Holly wood sign alive. He was also a philanthropist which dates back to the late 70s when the famous Hollywood sign in California came down due to termite infestation. Hugh raised the money needed to bring it back up again.
The Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine is a prestigious accolade awarded by Thomas Jefferson University, recognising outstanding individuals.
The actress was honoured with the Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine by Thomas Jefferson University in America in recognition of her outstanding contributions to social activism and impact through her work.
This remarkable achievement, they said, highlights her dedication to societal well-being and marks her as the first Black recipient of this distinguished award.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine is a prestigious accolade awarded by Thomas Jefferson University, recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to the medical field, promoting scientific discovery and advancements.
Named after Lennox K. Black, a Canadian manufacturing executive known for his philanthropic efforts and service on various boards, including Thomas Jefferson University, the prize celebrates excellence in medical innovation and global contribution to health and medicine.
The actress is renowned for her activism and impactful work in areas concerning women’s health and rights, including her efforts to combat issues like fistula and gender-based violence.
According to the award organisers she has been instrumental in bringing about social change through her films and campaigns. They added that her work extends beyond borders, affecting lives and policies internationally, embodying the spirit of the Lennox K. Black International Prize.
On receiving the award, Stephanie expressed her gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to using her platform for social good.
“This recognition goes beyond me; it is for all the women and girls fighting for a healthier, safer world. It amplifies our message and our work. It strengthens my resolve to continue advocating for gender equality, social justice, and improved maternal and reproductive health in Africa,” she said
Susan Aldunge, Interim President of Thomas Jefferson University, admired the actress, saying, ‘‘Your ability to educate while humbly addressing the cultural obstacles impeding progress for young women is commendable. Your intelligent, personal take on the necessary human rights changes has deeply impacted all lucky to encounter you. Congratulations once more on this well-deserved award and the acknowledgement of your efforts.’”
Ms Aldunge further said that Thomas Jefferson University, a leader in medical education and research, hosts the award to underscore its mission of improving lives through innovation in health care.
‘‘The university is proud to honour Stephanie Linus, whose work aligns with Jefferson’s values of creativity, collaboration, and compassion in pursuing excellence in medicine and beyond.
“Awarding the Lennox K. Black International Prize to Stephanie Linus celebrates her achievements and signals a broader recognition of the importance of social activism in medicine and health,” she added.
“Her pioneering efforts continue to inspire and effect change, paving the way for a healthier, more equitable world’’.
Stephanie, who was named Chairperson of the Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) for the Best International Feature Film (IFF) category of the Oscars in August 2023, is best known for her 2015 advocacy movie ‘Dry’, which tells the story of a 13-year-old girl whose parents marry her off to a 60-year-old man, with devastating consequences.
Ilebaye’s revelation came just after Phyna had publicly called out the organizers for withholding some of her prizes.
Phyna, who revealed this to Newsmen insinuated that Ilebaye broke the gender code by announcing that she got her full prize money.
She also stressed that she would continue to demand for her balance, stating that she worked hard for the money during the show’s 72-day duration.
“I believe I should at least get what I worked so hard for 72 days. You all suddenly remembered your alert screenshots and IG Live………… Common……one among others is 1BTC which is over 80m in today’s market.
“To those who got their money in full
I’m happy for you. As a poor man’s child, let me ask for my money and other items remaining.,” She added.
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