Since 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.
Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton led the tributes to the Playboy mogul who helped launch them into the spotlight.
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.
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.
Hefner ‘ignited’ Donna D’Errico’s career and she later went on to have a starring role in Baywatch.
Heidi Montag thanked him for her place in the Playboy family…
La Toya Jackson was on 24 different covers of Playboy.
Many men of the world aspire to be like Hugh, surrounded by women…
Of course, Scotty T has his two pence…
Larry King described him as a ‘true original’ and a ‘friend’.
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.
