Hugh Hefner, a pioneering magazine publisher, died on September 27, 2017 at the age of 91. A champion of the First Amendment, he was the founder of Playboy Enterprises, Inc., which began as a magazine and expanded into a lifestyle brand. Hefner redefined american culture with his groundbreaking vision of peaceful sexual expression and expansive ideas about lifestyle and entertainment. From his humble beginnings as a copywriter in the 1940s, Hefner built an empire. He was the primary creative force behind Playboy, which was published in more than 30 countries and included TV shows, radio, and online businesses. His vision changed the landscape of how the world views and enjoys sexuality, ushering in a new era of openness and acceptance. Hefner's legacy will live on through his unparalleled contribution to one of the most iconic brands of all time. He will be remembered for his countless hours of dedication to pushing the boundaries of the status quo. Hefner leaves behind his wife Crystal Harris, four grown children, and numerous friends and associates.