Hugh Hefner

Jared Leto Is All Set To Play The Role Of Playboy Founder, Hugh Hefner, In An Upcoming Biopic

Oct 042017

The legendary playboy founder Hugh Hefner just passed away last week, but there are already plans to further immortalise him with a big motion picture. And, it seems like the director behind the upcoming biopic, Brett Ratner, has found his leading man – Jared Leto. Well, that was quick.

Apparently, Jared himself approached Ratner about playing the role of Hefner, after the producer-director got the rights to his story. While talking to The Hollywood Reporter, Ratner said, “Jared is an old friend. He told me, ‘I want to play him. I want to understand him’. And I really believe Jared can do it. He’s one of the great actors of today.”

Jared Leto Will Play The Role Of Playboy Founder Hugh Hefner In An Upcoming Biopic © Reuters

Even though Jared obviously can’t sit down with the man himself to fully understand him, which will help him portray him on the big screen, Ratner said that “there’s enough footage on Hef out there that Jared will be able to get as much information as he wants.”

Reportedly, Ratner acquired the rights to Hefner’s story from producer Jerry Weintraub after his death in 2015, but he had his eye on the project for about 10 years, with Robert Downey Jr’s name being also thrown in the mix while finding the perfect actor to play Hefner.

Jared Leto Will Play The Role Of Playboy Founder Hugh Hefner In An Upcoming Biopic © MTV

But, it seems like Jared has taken on the role now. Everyone knows about his method acting and how it can also get a little out of hand. Apparently, while playing The Joker in ‘Suicide Sqaud’, he sent his co-stars some interesting items, including used condoms and sticky Playboy magazines. Maybe, this was him just foreshadowing that he wanted to play the role of Hugh Hefner.

Jared Leto Will Play The Role Of Playboy Founder Hugh Hefner In An Upcoming Biopic © Twitter

But, his method acting is not just limited to him being quite weird; to play the role of a transgender woman in ‘Dallas Buyers Club’, he lost 13kgs and waxed his body from head to toe. Before filming ‘Requiem For A Dream’, he gave up sex and lived on the streets for two weeks to better understand the character. Recently, while playing the role of Niander Wallace – a blind, manipulative, replicant manufacturer – in ‘Blade Runner 2049′, he wore contact lenses to mimic the feeling of being blind.

Looks like people aren’t that excited about Jared’s involvement in the biopic, though.

Just read the words “Jared Leto will play Hugh Hefner” and my eyes rolled out of my head and down the hallway.

— Shannon Miller (@Phunky_Brewster) October 3, 2017

‘A Hefner biopic…’
Me: Oh dear
‘…directed by Brett Ratner…’
Me: Oh no
‘…starring Jared Leto’
Me: God is dead & we have killed him

— Lost in Ohtori (@lostinohtori) October 3, 2017

My biggest fear is laying on my death bed and someone whispering into my ear “Jared Leto is going to play you in a biopic”

— Kelen Keller (@KelenKeller38) October 3, 2017

Hugh Hefner’s dead viagra filled boner hasn’t even gone soft yet and they’ve already announce a biopic staring Jared Leto ðŸ¤¢

— Derrick AcostaðŸ?© (@goosetoffoh) October 3, 2017

Now, we can just wait and see what Jared will do before donning the iconic silk pyjamas and smoking jacket for the upcoming Hugh Hefner biopic.

Meet Daren Metropoulos, The New Owner Of The Playboy Mansion

Celebrities

Sep 292017

When Playboy founder Hugh Hefner passed away this week, the entire world mourned his demise. However, questions about the future of his multi-million Playboy Empire started floating on the internet. Cooper Hefner, who is Hugh’s son, will now take over the company’s day to day operations but one big question that has not been answered is the fate of the legendary Playboy Mansion.

Daren Metropoulos Is The New Owner Of The Playboy Mansion © Architectural Digest

In 1971, when Hugh’s career graph started going upwards, he purchased the iconic Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles where he relocated to permanently and lived until the time of his passing. (He even breathed his last inside that mansion, surrounded by family and friends.)

However, it is not known by many that in 2016, Hugh gave up his ownership rights when he sold the mansion to his neighbor, Daren Metropoulos.

Daren is a wealthy 33-year-old entrepreneur who had been living next to the mansion since 2009. During the summer of 2016, he purchased the Playboy Mansion for $100 million but with a condition; the contract signed between the two said that the transaction would not be completed till Hefner passes away and until then Hefner could still live there.

Now, you’ve got to be someone special to be able to purchase a mansion like this one and Daren is just that. He is the son of a private-equity investor and multi-millionaire C. Dean Metropoulos who has served as the owner of a number of firms like Chef Boyardee, Pabst, and Bumble Bee Tuna.

Daren has worked with his dad for years at Metropoulos & Co. as the co-CEO of the Pabst Brewing Company from 2010 to 2014. He is currently 33-years-old but at the age of 25, he had enough money to purchase the house next to the Playboy Mansion from Hugh Hefner for $18 million.

A lesser known fact is that both the houses were originally designed together and were once known as ‘Wolfskill Ranch’ (a single unit) by the architect Arthur R. Kelly. It was built in 1927 for the department store mogul Arthur Letts, Jr.

Metropoulos is now the owner of both properties and has already started with his plans for expansions. At the time of purchase in 2016, Metropoulos said in an interview that he felt, “’fortunate and privileged to own a one-of-a-kind piece of history and art.” He also revealed his plans for the two properties, “I look forward to eventually rejoining the two estates and enjoying this beautiful property as my private residence for years to come.”

Daren Metropoulos, new owner of Playboy Mansion, at its sister house, his home since 2009. pic.twitter.com/Bpn8AuqII2

— Daren Metropoulos (@JDMetro) August 16, 2016

If we look at Daren’s life so far, there’s no doubt that he would make an ‘ideal’ owner of the Playboy Mansion. He and his brother Evan have been portrayed as hard-partying rich kids or brilliantly instinctual budding tycoons.

Also, if you have ever wondered what’s so great about the Playboy Mansion, then brace yourself.

It has 22 rooms including a wine cellar that includes a Prohibition-era secret door, a screening room, a game room, a zoo, pet cemetery, a tennis/basketball court, a waterfall and a swimming pool area that includes a grotto and sauna. The lavish grounds include a large pond, a citrus orchard, tree ferns and redwoods.

Daren Metropoulos Is The New Owner Of The Playboy Mansion © Architectural Digest

If this doesn’t leave you awestruck then have a look at this tour of the mansion:

Now we can only hope that Daren doesn’t make any changes that might affect the integrity of the mansion.

Playboy Bunnies And Celebrities React To The Passing Of Hugh Hefner

Celebrities

Sep 282017

Over the last few years, news about Hugh Hefner’s ailing health was doing the rounds but yesterday, the iconic founder of Playboy succumbed to certain ‘natural causes’ as per the statement released by Playboy Enterprises:

“Hugh M. Hefner, the American icon who in 1953 introduced the world to Playboy magazine and built the company into one of the most recognisable American global brands in history, peacefully passed away today from natural causes at his home, The Playboy Mansion, surrounded by loved ones. He was 91 years old.”

Hefner was a self-made man who started his career as a regular copywriter and went on to become one of the most iconic figures in the modern world. He made huge contributions towards boosting the careers of some of the most famous names in popular culture.

So naturally, his demise triggered an outpouring of tributes all over the internet. Fans, celebrities and Playboy bunnies took to their social media accounts to pay their respects.

1. Nancy Sinatra posted an adorable picture with Hefner along with a sweet message.

One of the nicest men I’ve ever known. Godspeed, Hugh Hefner. pic.twitter.com/457cchqskO

— Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) September 28, 2017

2. Kim Kardashian appeared on the cover of Playboy in 2007 to promote her show ‘Keeping up with the Kardashians’.

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

3. Actor Mark Hamill reminisced about his first meeting with Hugh along with an iconic quote of him.

1st met him months B4 #SW opened-Expected stereotyped swinger/wildman not the kind-thoughtful loyal friend he always was to ML & me #RIPHefðŸ˜ pic.twitter.com/r5Jbyg9TMH

— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) September 28, 2017

4. ‘Kiss’ singer Gene Simmons talked about the multitude of talents that Hefner had.

A great man, entrepreneur and innovator. Your legacy lives on. #Hef pic.twitter.com/36cRzlUPRw

— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) September 28, 2017

5. The message by Dan Bilzerian is sweet but the picture… we don’t what to feel about it.

#RIP Hugh Hefner, you always were a big inspiration, rest easy legend

A post shared by Dan Bilzerian (@danbilzerian) on Sep 27, 2017 at 9:24pm PDT

6. Former ‘Playmate of the Year’ Jesse McCarthy uploaded a picture of her Playboy cover and thanked Hugh for changing her life.

RIP #Hef Thank you for being a revolutionary and changing so many people’s lives, especially mine. I hope I made you proud. ðŸ˜“#PMOY 94 â?¤ï¸? pic.twitter.com/sF9ARYgEpw

— Jenny McCarthy (@JennyMcCarthy) September 28, 2017

7. Actress and model Donna D’Erico expressed her gratitude.

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

8. Former politician and American civil rights leader, Rev Jesse Jackson praised Hefner’s strong stand in the civil rights movement.

Hugh Hefner was a strong supporter of the civil rights movement. We shall never forget him. May he Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/oL3lKLZRQ5

— Rev Jesse Jackson Sr (@RevJJackson) September 28, 2017

9. Singer Charlie Puth was taken aback by the news.

Wow…just read the news. Rest In Peace Hugh Hefner. Your legacy and soul shall live on!

— Charlie Puth (@charlieputh) September 28, 2017

10. Paris Jackson had a lot to say about his demise.

So sad to hear the news about @HughHefner. ðŸ˜¢ #RIPHef pic.twitter.com/IQiEYhMfvf

— Paris Hilton (@ParisHilton) September 28, 2017

11. Legendary producer, Norman Lear was all praises for Hefner.

We’ve lost a true explorer, a man who had a keen sense of the future. We learned a lot from you Mr. Hefner. #HughHefner

— Norman Lear (@TheNormanLear) September 28, 2017

12. Stand-up comedian and actor Richard Lewis appreciated Hefner’s efforts towards ‘breaking boundaries’.

RIP HF. Few did more for writers, inc myself, breaking boundaries and helping Lenny fight for his 1st Amend Rights. pic.twitter.com/Vi4iDgYdCn

— Richard Lewis (@TheRichardLewis) September 28, 2017

13. TV and radio host Larry King couldn’t help but recognize everything Hefner did for the publishing industry.

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

He is survived by his wife Crystal Harris and four children- David, Marston, Cooper who is currently the Chief Creative Officer at the company and Christie, who has previously served as the CEO of Playboy Enterprise for more than 20 years.

10 Little-Known Facts About Hugh Hefner That Reveal The Man Behind The Playboy Dream

Celebrities

Sep 282017

The original porn king of the world, Hugh Hefner led an unapologetic life. Starting from a single photograph (of the iconic Marilyn Monroe) he built a magazine empire responsible for the sexual awakening of many generations of men. Known for its erotic content, the magazine was a reflection of its founder who led an equally scandalous life in his Playboy Mansion. The man who was famous for popping Viagra like chocolates claims to have slept with thousands of women. The fact that he lived up to the ripe age of 90 is proof enough sex is good for your health.

We picked a few facts from his life that reveal a little more of the glorious personality of the king of porn. A life lived just right. No wonder he was voted by his class in high school as the ‘most likely person to succeed’.

Little Known Facts About Hugh Hefner © Reuters/Disha Bhatia

Clearly, the man had his priorities right. A former Playboy model revealed how he lost hearing in one ear due to Viagra, and had to resort to hearing aids, but that didn’t stop him from using it.

Little Known Facts About Hugh Hefner © Reuters / Disha Bhatia

The man who defined the teen years of boys across the world was a virgin until 22.

Little Known Facts About Hugh Hefner © Daily Mirror/ Disha Bhatia

Even the king of porn had rules.

Little Known Facts About Hugh Hefner

Little Known Facts About Hugh Hefner © Reuters/ Disha Bhatia

Who would have thought the man who lived a life of pleasure and opulence would have served for 2 years in the army during WW II?

Little Known Facts About Hugh Hefner © AP / Disha Bhatia

Little Known Facts About Hugh Hefner © Daily Mirror/ Disha Bhatia

Little Known Facts About Hugh Hefner © Reuters/ Disha Bhatia

A crush that lasted for a lifetime.

Little Known Facts About Hugh Hefner © AP/ Disha Bhatia

Little Known Facts About Hugh Hefner © Wikimedia Commons/ Disha Bhatia

Hugh Hefner: The Playboy Life, In Pictures

Celebrities

Sep 282017

Hugh Marston Hefner was the father of the most successful men’s magazine ever. He was also an icon who brought about a sexual revolution in conservative America back in 1950’s. Hefner led a life most men can only dream of and that is why he is considered an icon who had a massive influence on the pop-culture of the 60’s and 70’s. Here, we relive some moments from the incredible life of the original playboy, in pictures.

1. Hefner was born on April 9, 1926 to Grace and Glenn Hefner who were strict Methodists.

2. He had an IQ of 152, although his high school performance was only average.

3. In 1944, Hefner joined the army as an infantry clerk.

4. After being honorably discharged from the army, Hefner joined the Art Institute of Chicago in 1946 and later enrolled at the University of Illinois in fall that year.

5. In 1949, Hefner joined the Chicago Cartoon Company as an assistant personnel manager.

6. Although Hefner switched to Esquire in 1951, he later on dropped out to create his own publication.

7. All through 1951 and 1952, Hefner works on various stop-gap jobs only to discover that no other publication was serving content for the new-age gentleman.

8. Playboy’s first edition came out in 1953 and sold 54,175 copies. A huge success for a first time entrepreneur.

9. By 1956, Playboy’s circulation surpassed that of Esquire – the company Hefner once worked for.

10. By 1959, Hefner’s Playboy was selling a million copies a month and the company expanded its business to organising jazz festivals and producing television series (Playboy After Dark).

11. Within a decade, Playboy became the most consumed men’s magazine ever with 7 million copies a month being sold (1970).

12. A picture that perfectly defined Hugh Hefner’s high flying Playboy lifestyle at the time. He and his girlfriend Barbara Benton with film director Roman Polanski arriving in the Big Bunny, Hefner’s private jet in 1970.

13. In 1971, as Playboy goes public, Hefner becomes a media mogul with involvement in clubs, resorts and casinos apart from various other media properties.

14. Awarded Hollywood Hall of Fame in 1980, Hefner still preferred the high life with weekend poolside parties.

15. In 1985, Hugh Hefner suffered a stroke after which he decided to limit his excesses and subsequently settled with longtime girlfriend Kimberly Conrad in 1989.

16. All through the 90’s Hefner remained involved in various philanthropic projects and a pretty decent family life.

17. In 1998, he separated from his wife Kim Conrad. Launches ‘The Girls Next Door’ in 2003 which airs in more than 150 countries.

18. On his 80th birthday in 2006, apart from the yearly grand parties Hefner donated $1 million to UCLA Film and Television Archive.

19. Hef finally divorced from his wife Kim in March, 2010 and got engaged to Crystal Harris.

20. After breaking up and getting re-engaged, Hugh Hefner married the 26-year-old Crystal Harris in 2012.

21. In 2015, Hefner, in an apparent compromise agreed with Playboy’s chief content officer Cory Jones’ vision of a ‘no-nudes’ Playboy magazine.

22. Hugh Hefner breathed his last on 27th September, 2017. He died of natural causes.

23. His Playboy Mansion has been listed on the market for $200 million.