In Photos: A look back at the lavish lifestyle of Playboy founder Hugh Hefner

Playboy founder Hugh Hefner has died at the age of 91. Hefner, a cultural icon, died of natural causes at his famous residence, the Playboy Mansion.

He shot to fame after publishing the first issue of Playboy in 1953. The edition featured a nude Marilyn Monroe. That same year, he launched media and lifestyle company Playboy Enterprises Inc. By the 1970s, the magazine had more than 7 million readers.

Hefner didn't just publish Playboy, he lived the lifestyle it embodied. He grew a multi-million dollar empire including private clubs, casinos, hotels, resorts, movies, and television. But, through all of this, he was never shy of enjoying and flaunting his wealth and success.

Frequently seen in the company of beautiful women, Hefner had three marriages and was open about his exploits with numerous women. Despite acknowledging, at the age of 85, that he never really found a “soulmate”, Hefner never seemed to stop trying.

He is survived by his wife Crystal Harris and four children. 

Here are some iconic photos of the Hugh Hefner: