Marilyn Monroe helped launch Hugh Hefners career. But they never even met.
Hugh Hefner, who died Wednesday at 91, will be laid to rest beside the woman who helped turn him into a publishing mogul and cultural force: Marilyn Monroe. When he launched Playboy in 1953,Hefner decided to use a nude, color photo of Monroe as his inaugural Sweetheart of the Month, the predecessor to Playmate.