Hugh Hefner, the founder of Playboy, has passed away at the age of 91 on September 27. He was born on April 9, 1926 in Chicago, Illinois, and went on to become a millionaire after founding the influential men's magazine in 1953.

Hefner's death was confirmed in a statement from Playboy Enterprises that said he “passed away today from natural causes at his home, The Playboy Mansion, surrounded by loved ones.”

Hefner's son, Cooper Hefner, who is also the chief creative officer of Playboy Enterprises, said, “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. 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 also added that his father “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.”

Hefner was one of the most controversial personalities of the world, for his use of women for his men’s magazine was largely condemned by feminists from around the world and even after his death he was largely being deemed as a predator and exploiter of young women following his antics as a womaniser.