* PART 2 * DEVELOPMENT OF PLAYBOY MAGAZINE: The Playboy logo, depicting the stylized profile of a rabbit wearing a tuxedo bow tie, appeared in the second issue and remained the trademark icon of the brand. Hefner chose the rabbit for its "humorous sexual connotation" and because the image was "frisky and playful"- an image he fostered in the magazine's articles and cartoons. Hefner wanted to distinguish his magazine from most other men's periodicals, which catered to outdoorsmen and showcased he-man fiction. Hefner decided his magazine would instead cater to the cosmopolitan, intellectual male (he promoted the Playboy Philosophy - an evolving manifesto on politics and governance), and feature more overt sexual imagery. However, Hefner never lost sight of the fact that it was pictures of nude women which ultimately sold the magazine. Work on the publication consumed much of Hefner's life and marriage. By the late 1950s, Playboy's circulation had surpassed that of rival magazine Esquire. HEFNER’S GIRLFRIENDS AND WIVES: Personal issues loomed. Hefner and his first wife divorced in 1959 after having had two children. As a single man, Hefner had a bevy of younger girlfriends and became known for his romantic, unpretentious presence. Yet he also earned a reputation for being controlling and trying to enforce double standards. He married three women during his life: Mildred Williams, Kimberley Conrad and Crystal Harris. THE GOLDEN AGE: In the 1960s, Hefner became the persona of Playboy - the urbane sophisticate in the silk smoking jacket with a pipe in hand. He adopted a wide range of pursuits and socialized with the famous and wealthy, always in the company of young, beautiful women. As the magazine's increased success came to the attention of the mainstream public, Hefner was happy to portray himself as the charismatic icon and spokesperson for the sexual revolution of the 1960s. Hefner built a vast enterprise of ‘private key’ clubs that were racially inclusive in a time where segregation was still legally enforced. PLAYBOY BUNNIES: Hostesses, known as Playboy Bunnies for their scanty outfits made up of rabbit ears and puffy tails, staffed these high-end establishments. The Bunnies often did quite well financially via tips and were directed to keep a certain professional distance from ordinary patrons. The women also had strict conditions placed on them in regards to appearance, including size. Playboy Enterprises also built hotel resorts, started modeling agencies, and operated a number of media endeavors. Hefner hosted two short-run television series, ‘Playboy's Penthouse’ (1959 – 1960), and ‘Playboy After Dark.' HEFNER’S ARREST AND ACTIVISM: In 1963, he was arrested and stood trial for selling obscene literature after an issue of Playboy featured nude photos of Hollywood actress Jayne Mansfield. The jury couldn't reach a verdict, and the charge was eventually dropped. In 1964, Hefner founded the Playboy Foundation to support endeavors related to fighting censorship and researching human sexuality. CELEBRITIES IN MAGAZINE: Over the years a range of female celebrities have appeared in Playboy, including Marilyn Monroe, Madonna, Kate Moss, Jenny McCarthy, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Drew Barrymore, Nancy Sinatra, and, appearing on the most covers, Pamela Anderson. HEFNER'S AWARDS: Hefner received numerous awards for his contributions to society and the publishing industry. HEFNER’S QUOTE: "COULD I BE IN A BETTER PLACE AND HAPPIER THAN I AM TODAY? I DON'T THINK SO." *** BIOGRAPHY.COM * (Excerpted From 'Mr Playboy: Hugh Hefner and the American Dream' By Steven Watts. Copyright Nov. 2008)