Celebrities Pay Tribute to Hugh Hefner After His Death at 91
The death of a cultural icon always leads to a wave of social media reactions, and Hugh Hefner's is no exception.
After news of the Playboy founder's death on Wednesday broke, celebrities quickly began paying tribute to him. They shared kind words, fond memories, and acknowledged his many accomplishments. Hefner was 91 when he died and was known for building an iconic media brand that challenged cultural norms and boundaries.
"He defined a lifestyle and ethos that lie at the heart of the Playboy brand, one of the most recognizable and enduring in history," Cooper Hefner, Hugh's son and Playboy Enterprises' chief creative officer, said in a statement Thursday. "He will be greatly missed by many, including his wife Crystal, my sister Christie and my brothers David and Marston and all of us at Playboy Enterprises."
The reality TV contingent -- particularly those that had modeled for the magazine in the past -- was vocal on social media.
RIP to the legendary Hugh Hefner! I'm so honored to have been a part of the Playboy team! You will be greatly missed! Love you Hef! Xoxo
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) September 28, 2017
So sad to hear the news about @HughHefner. ???? #RIPHefpic.twitter.com/IQiEYhMfvf
— Paris Hilton (@ParisHilton) September 28, 2017
So sad but forever grateful for all the wonderful memories and amazing experiences #RIPHef#Playboy ???? pic.twitter.com/RkHje7h0Un
— Bridget Marquardt (@Bridget) September 28, 2017
RIP #Hef Thank you for being a revolutionary and changing so many people's lives, especially mine. I hope I made you proud. ????#PMOY 94 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/sF9ARYgEpw
— Jenny McCarthy (@JennyMcCarthy) September 28, 2017
RIP @hughhefner ???? thank you for making me part of the Playboy family. Sending lots of love and prayers to @crystalhefner
— Heidi Montag (@heidimontag) September 28, 2017
We love you #hef#HughHefnerpic.twitter.com/gr5DXSH22D
— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) September 28, 2017
Hefner was also remembered for the way he changed our culture and supported social progress, including civil rights.
Hugh Hefner was a strong supporter of the civil rights movement. We shall never forget him. May he Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/oL3lKLZRQ5
— Rev Jesse Jackson Sr (@RevJJackson) September 28, 2017
Hugh Hefner was a GIANT in publishing, journalism, free speech & civil rights. He was a true original, and he was my friend. Rest well Hef. pic.twitter.com/bJ1wxoK4gR
— Larry King (@kingsthings) September 28, 2017
Hugh Hefner's definition of obscenity:
"Racism, war, bigotry, but sex itself, no. What a sad cold world this would be if we weren't sexual beings...I mean, that's the heart of who we are."— bob saget (@bobsaget) September 28, 2017
Still others shared stories about how they knew the man behind Playboy. We really wish we knew Kat Dennings's tale.
I met Hugh Hefner at the Playboy mansion. He was very nice to my mom. Don't ask. #RIPHef
— Kat Dennings (@OfficialKat) September 28, 2017
RIP, Hef.
