End Of An Era, Hugh Hefner Has Passed Away At 91

The publishing word is a little more boring tonight as we sadly report the passing of Playboy founder Hugh Hefner at the age of 91. Hef wasn’t just the man behind the bunnies, but arguably that’s how most will remember him.

A representative for Playboy issued a statement to PEOPLE:

Hugh M. Hefner, the American icon who in 1953 introduced the world to Playboy magazine and built the company into one of the most recognizable American global brands in history, peacefully passed away today from natural causes at his home, The Playboy Mansion, surrounded by loved ones.

Cooper Hefner, Chief Creative Officer of Playboy Enterprises, had this to say:

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 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.

Hugh also was a recipient of numerous accolades and awards for his contributions to society and the publishing industry, including:

Received the 1996 International Publishing Award from the International Press Directory in London and was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the American Society of Magazine Editors at its 1998 ceremonies in New York.

In September 2001, inducted into the New York Friars Club as an honorary Friar on the occasion of his gala Roast in New York City, an evening of uninhibited comedy subsequently aired nationwide on the Comedy Central network.

In January of 2002, received the Henry Johnson Fisher Award, the highest honor of the Magazine Publishers of America.
In March 2002, inducted as an honorary member of the Harvard Lampoon, which named him “Harvard Lampoon’s Best Life-Form In The History Of The Universe.”

In 2008, honored by Spike TV with their Guy’s Choice “Alpha Male” lifetime achievement award.

In 2010, received both the Award of Honor and the First Amendment Award from the prestigious PEN Center USA organization.

In 2011, honored by with their “Mr. Wonderful” award for a lifetime of philanthropy and that same year he received the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Los Angeles Press Club.
In 2012, received the “Treasures of Los Angeles Award” from Central City Association of Los Angeles and was also honored with “The Distinguished Service Award” by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

A two-time Guinness Book of World Records holder for being the longest running editor of a magazine and for having the largest scrapbook collection, which currently consists of more than 2900 volumes.