Hugh Hefner, the Man, the Myth, the Playboy Quiz

Answer: He started the high school newspaper.

His early work on the school's paper was just a hint about the career in journalism he would eventually enjoy. Hef's proud parents, Grace and Glen Hefner were understandably interested in his studies as they both shared the same occupation, they were both teachers. They were married for over half a century, from 1921 until 1976 when Glenn passed away.

Answer: U.S. Army

Hugh Hefner spent his time in the Army writing for a military newspaper. Fortunately the war ended two years after he entered service and he was discharged in 1946.

Answer: Psychology

I was a bit surprised, as some of you probably were. He did take a double minor in Art and Creative Writing, and at the U. of Illinois he completed his studies and earned his degree in just two and a half years, graduating in 1949.

Answer: Mildred Williams

Hef and Mildred were college sweethearts and their marriage lasted a decade (1949-1959). Mildred is the mother of their daughter, Christie and son, David. Kimberly presented Hef with two sons, Marston and Cooper. She had been a Playboy Playmate in January 1988 and was The Playmate of the Year in 1999.
The other three ladies have all been companions of Mr. Hefner...busy, busy, busy!

Answer: Esquire

Hugh Hefner worked at "Esquire" magazine as a copywriter. He quit in 1952 when they refused his request for a $5 weekly raise. In retrospect, they probably believe it would have been worth the five to keep him.

Answer: His mother

Many mothers have a soft spot for their kids' ambitions. His mom wasn't crazy about what he was going to use the money for, but couldn't resist the urge to believe in her son. She bankrolled him to the tune of $1,000. In retrospect, you'd have to agree it was money well spent.

Answer: Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe also appeared on the cover of the first issue of "Playboy". Hef coughed up $500, the best money he ever spent, to purchase a picture of M.M. which had appeared on her 1949 calendar. The actual photo had been shot in 1947, and Marilyn received $50 for her posing. (This was long before she was a well known star-actress). Then he plunked it in the centerfold. How did that work out? Much to Hef's surprise and elation, the issue sold over 53,000 copies. The cost of that first issue was 50 cents.

Interesting fact: Jayne Mansfield was the Playmate of the Month for February 1955 and she would go on to appear in the magazine over 30 times. Now THAT'S a lot of exposure!

Answer: Big Bunny

A (heavily) converted DC-10, The Flying Mansion may have been a more appropriate moniker. Big Bunny had a galley, a disco, a wet bar, sleeping room for 16, a movie theatre and Hef even added a nice circular bed to, er, sleep in. Also in the '70s, Hef closed many of his clubs, moved permanently to Los Angeles and started The Playboy Jazz Festival.

Answer: The Hollywood Sign

The total refurbishing expense of close to $250,000 reflected a per lettter cost of $27,777 per donor. Hugh Hefner's contribution was used to repair the Y. A few of the other donors were Gene Autry (the L), Alice Cooper (the O) and Andy Williams (the W). The original sign, designed by Thomas Fisk Goff, read Hollywoodland. It was dedicated on February 7, 1973 and its nine 45' tall letters stretch over 350 feet in the Santa Monica mountain area known as Mt. Lee.

Interesting fact: A humorous alteration was briefly made in 1987 when the sign was changed to read Holywood. It was done to commemorate the visit of Pope John Paul II to LA-LA Land.

Answer: His daughter Christie

Christie, born in 1952, was his oldest child. She ran the business for over 20 years, stepping down as CEO in 2009. But no matter who took over for him, no matter how long they ran it, the first name people associate when they hear something about "Playboy" magazine is Hugh Hefner, the man with the pipe, the mansion, the robe and the Playmates.