The popular men’s magazine Playboy is more than just another print erotic magazine; it’s a symbol of the sexual revolution era. For decades, its covers have featured photographs of the most glamorous women of their time. Barbara Streisand, Farrah Fawcett, Sharon Stone, Pamela Anderson, Madonna — the list of famous models and actresses goes on and on. Yet initially, the project didn’t seem promising even to its longtime editor-in-chief, who released the first issue without including his own name.
How the World’s Most Famous Men’s Magazine Came to Be
Playboy founder Hugh Hefner began his career at Esquire. The position of copywriter wasn’t very lucrative, but he was content until the office decided to move to New York. Hefner requested a salary increase to cover the relocation costs, but management refused, leading him to resign.
In 1952, the future publisher wanted to start his own business. Playboy would eventually become a major competitor to Esquire, which also targeted a male audience.
Hugh was an unconventional individual. From a young age, he was interested in journalism, helping to publish a student newspaper and drawing caricatures for it. He graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in philosophy and served in the Marine Corps. His IQ was 152, the same as some Nobel laureates.
To start his venture, Hefner needed $8,000. He borrowed money from 45 people, including his mother. His father refused to provide funds, not believing in his son’s enterprise.
The magazine was originally to be called Stag Party, but since a magazine by that name already existed, the budding entrepreneur settled on Playboy. Hefner’s friend’s mother worked at PlayBoy Automotive Company, which inspired the use of the name. The initial logo featuring a deer in a tuxedo was replaced with a rabbit in a bow tie. Art designer Arthur Paul created the sketch in just half an hour, unaware of how famous his work would become. The rabbit was meant to symbolize playfulness, while the formal bow tie added sophistication.
The First Issue: The Secret of Success
The test issue went on sale on December 1, 1953, with no issue number. The founder had significant doubts about whether the project would be profitable. However, the initial print run of 54,000 copies sold out within days. Playboy was different from other men’s magazines on the market, which primarily focused on travel, sports events, and outdoor picnics.
The “face” of the first issue was a then-little-known actress named Jean Mortenson, who later adopted the pseudonym Marilyn Monroe. Hefner purchased previously unseen erotic photos of her for $500. The magazine’s signature feature, a photo of a partially undressed “Playboy Bunny” in the centerfold that readers could hang on their walls, also appealed to readers.
The profit allowed Hefner to pay off debts and fully immerse himself in preparing future issues. The revolutionary publication was flying off the shelves.
In 2018, a first issue was sold at auction for a staggering $31,000.
Playboy Conquers the World
Hugh Hefner was full of original ideas that only increased the brand’s popularity. In 1955, he decided to feature photos of ordinary “girls next door,” rather than only professional models, to emphasize that beauties exist beyond Hollywood. This led to the creation of the “Girl of the Month” and “Girl of the Year” titles.
Profits soared, allowing Hefner to open a club bearing the same name in 1960. Following Chicago, entertainment venues opened in New Orleans and other cities. Visitors were greeted by charming “Bunnies” in tight bodysuits, wearing bunny ears and tails. The “Bunny Girls” became sex symbols of the era. By the mid-60s, clubs around the world had over 1 million members.
Starting in the 70s, Playboy magazine opened editions in other countries. To attract a serious audience, it featured interviews with prominent figures and works by renowned writers. Playboy interviewed Vladimir Nabokov, Fidel Castro, Martin Luther King Jr., Jimmy Carter, and John Lennon. It published texts by Arthur C. Clarke, Ray Bradbury, Frederick Pohl, and other authors. Hefner himself stated that he never considered his creation just a magazine about sex; it promoted a particular lifestyle.
The Decline of the Empire
By the mid-70s, most venues became unprofitable as fashion changed. After major scandals, casino clubs were shut down. Distribution problems arose as erotic magazines were no longer sold freely.
In 1985, Hugh Hefner suffered a stroke, and the management of the business passed to his daughter, Christie. To stay afloat, she shifted priorities to focus on the development of Playboy TV.
The print version of the magazine was phased out, with the last issue published in the spring of 2020. However, the online version continues to entertain fans.
Fascinating Facts: What We Know About Playboy
Hefner is an iconic figure who built everything from scratch. The story of his magazine could fill an entire novel. Here are some intriguing details related to the publication:
- At its peak popularity (November 1972), more than 7 million copies were sold.
- Pamela Anderson graced the cover of Playboy the most, appearing 10 times.
- In 2015, the magazine announced it would stop publishing nude photographs, but erotic photos were reinstated a year later.
- Revenue from licensing the logo generates over $10 million annually. Branded women’s T-shirts and chains are the top sellers.
- All issues from 1970 onwards are published in Braille.
- The logo is hidden on the cover, with publishers encouraging readers to find it.
- The magazine never descended into explicit pornography.
- In 2009, Marge Simpson from “The Simpsons” appeared on the cover.