Early Life and Education
Hugh Marston Hefner was born in Chicago in 1926. He grew up in a modest household and attended Steinmetz High School before enrolling at the University of Illinois. He later studied at Northwestern University but left before completing his degree to pursue journalism and publishing.
Military Service and Early Career
During World War II, Hefner served as a United States Army infantry clerk. After the war, he worked as a copywriter for a small advertising agency in Chicago. In the early 1950s, he began developing ideas for a men's magazine that would feature provocative photography alongside lifestyle and cultural content.
Launch of a Media Empire
In 1953, Hefner founded Playboy magazine with an initial investment of $500. The first issue, published in December 1953, featured Marilyn Monroe and quickly gained attention. The magazine's blend of entertainment, interviews, and lifestyle writing helped it become a cultural phenomenon. Hefner later expanded the brand into clubs, television, and licensing, building a recognizable global enterprise.
Learn more about the early history of Hugh Hefner and the founding of Playboy at Britannica.
