PASince the advent of the revolutionary Playboy magazine, thousands of models have passed through the halls of Hugh Hefner’s mansion, taking their first steps in their incredibly fruitful careers.
Since it was announced that the Playboy founder died of natural causes, models are gathering to thank him for the platform he gave them and for kick-starting their careers.
Speaking to E! News, one of Hefner’s three girlfriends Kendra Leigh Baskett said:
Hef changed my life. He made me the person I am today. I couldn’t be more thankful for our friendship and our time together.
I will miss him so much but he will be in my heart forever.
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
Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton led the tributes to the Playboy mogul who helped launch them into the spotlight.
So sad to hear the news about @HughHefner. ? #RIPHef pic.twitter.com/IQiEYhMfvf
— Paris Hilton (@ParisHilton) September 28, 2017
Jenny McCarthy is a former Playmate of the Year and started her career as a nude model in Playboy magazine in 1993, so she had a lot to thank Hef for.
Thank you @hughhefner
— Lindsey Pelas (@LindseyPelas) September 28, 2017
Carmen Electra wrote:
I am so grateful I had the opportunity to shoot many Playboy celebrity pictorials with u Hef❤️ thank u for picking me and Bringing me into the magical world of Playboy ! I just can’t stop crying and I can’t imagine how many bunnies are crying for u too. U are a class act and I will always have gratitude for your kindness.
Hugh Hefner put me in Playboy & ignited my career. I am forever indebted, Hef. You will forever live on as an icon of epic proportions. #RIP
— Donna D'Errico (@DonnaDErrico) September 28, 2017
Hefner ‘ignited’ Donna D’Errico’s career and she later went on to have a starring role in Baywatch.
RIP hef. You were always sweet to me on movie nights at the mansion. Love to you @crystalhefner xo #RIPHef
— Courtney Stodden (@CourtneyStodden) 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
Heidi Montag thanked him for her place in the Playboy family…
May you #RIP Hugh Hefner?
My condolences to the Hefner family!?— La Toya Jackson (@latoyajackson) September 28, 2017
La Toya Jackson was on 24 different covers of Playboy.
#RIP Hugh Hefner, you always were a big inspiration, rest easy legend. pic.twitter.com/CZ7t7WL0Jz
— Dan Bilzerian (@DanBilzerian) September 28, 2017
Many men of the world aspire to be like Hugh, surrounded by women…
Met @hughhefner while screening the pilot episode of The Playboy Club at the mansion w/ my dad and he couldn't have been more lovely. RIP?? pic.twitter.com/1LDvqTNYXy
— Jenna Dewan Tatum (@jennadewan) September 28, 2017
Of course, Scotty T has his two pence…
In honour of @hughhefner I’m gonna shag my Monday to sunday girlfriends all in one day today
Wearing a red robe
RIP Hef ❤️?
— Scotty T MBE (@ScottGShore) September 28, 2017
Larry King described him as a ‘true original’ and a ‘friend’.
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
A great man, entrepreneur and innovator. Your legacy lives on. #Hef pic.twitter.com/36cRzlUPRw
— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) September 28, 2017
No doubt as the news sinks in, hundreds more models will come forward and give their thanks.
The joke many have made still stands… it will be hard for heaven to beat the life Hugh Hefner left behind.
