HUGH Hefner's Playboy magazine published nudes and racy columns until it began to wind down its printing operations in 2020.
Since Hefner's death in 2017, a new owner has resided in the Playboy Mansion and fans want to know more about the home's current residents.
Who owns the Playboy Mansion?
Hefner's Playboy mansion - which was the center of the thriving business for years - was sold to Daren Metropoulos in 2016 for $100m on the condition Hefner could continue to live there while paying rent until he died in 2017.
In the agreement, it was said the 14,000-square-foot, 29-room mansion was in need of "substantial renovations and repairs following a long period of deferred maintenance."
Metropoulos had originally considered bulldozing the house but instead decided to renovate the famous estate.
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The main structure is still standing but the front lawn has now been turned into a car park.
After taking ownership, Metropoulos said: "I’m extremely passionate about its architecture and look forward to this momentous opportunity to transform one of the finest estates in the country.
"As Mr. Hefner was aware, I plan to meticulously refurbish the property with the highest quality and standards in mind."
When was the Playboy Mansion founded?
Fans are shocked to know that the first Playboy Mansion was originally located in Chicago's Gold Coast District.
The 70-room, 30,000-square-foot mansion was bought back in 1959 and was located at 1340 North State Parkway.
However, in 1971, Hefner's former Playboy model Barbi Benton persuaded him to later buy the home in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles, near Beverly Hills for $1.1million.
The 29-room, 21,987-square-foot mansion quickly became known as the iconic Playboy Mansion.
What happened to Hugh Hefner?
Hefner passed away peacefully in the Playboy Mansion at the age of 91.
His death was reportedly caused by cardiac arrest.
Hugh’s son Cooper Hefner said in a statement: “My father lived an exceptional and impactful life as a media and cultural pioneer and a leading voice behind some of the most significant social and cultural movements of our time in advocating free speech, civil rights and sexual freedom.
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“He defined a lifestyle and ethos that lie at the heart of the Playboy brand, one of the most recognizable and enduring in history.
“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.”
When did Hugh Hefner start Playboy?
Hefner founded Playboy magazine in 1953 and the company's first magazine in December that year featured Marilyn Monroe on the cover.
Its well-written articles and unabashed embrace of the philosophy of hedonism made it a major influence during the sexual revolution of the 1960s, according to Britannica.
Hefner later expanded his business into nightclubs and other entertainment media.
Why did Playboy stop making magazines?
In March 2020, Playboy announced it would no longer be printing its quarterly magazine and was opting to go fully digital instead with plans to return to limited print runs in 2021.
In an open letter, Playboy's CEO, Ben Kohn, wrote: "We have decided that our Spring 2020 Issue, which arrives on U.S. newsstands and as a digital download this week, will be our final printed publication for the year in the U.S.
"We will move to a digital-first publishing schedule for all of our content including the Playboy Interview, 20Q, the Playboy Advisor and of course our Playmate pictorials.
"In 2021, alongside our digital content offerings and new consumer product launches, we will bring back fresh and innovative printed offerings in a variety of new forms–through special editions, partnerships with the most provocative creators, timely collections and much more.
"Print is how we began and print will always be a part of who we are."
The BBC reported that Playboy decided to cease its print operations because it was unable to keep up with competitors, who had harnessed online business models.
