Hugh Hefner, the founder of Playboy, died on Wednesday at age 91 in his home at the Playboy Mansion. As news of his death spread, celebrities and politicians began sharing their reactions online.
Kim Kardashian West, who posed for Playboy in 2007, said she was "so honored to have been a part of the Playboy team!"
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
Jenny McCarthy, who began her career modeling for Playboy in 1993, said "Thank you for being a revolutionary and changing so many people's lives, especially mine. I hope I made you proud."
RIP #Hef Thank you for being a revolutionary and changing so many people's lives, especially mine. I hope I made y… https://t.co/6Nz7oqYdfj
Kiss rocker Gene Simmons, who met his wife Shannon at the Playboy Mansion, shared a picture of the couple with Hefner.
We love you #hef #HughHefner
Conservative commentator Tomi Lahren, who did an interview with the magazine earlier this year, tweeted her condolences, saying that Hefner "broke the mold."
RIP Hef. You broke the mold. #HughHefner
Actor and model Sasha Grey, who has appeared in Playboy twice, shared her condolences.
Candice Michelle, who was a model and former World Wrestling Entertainment performer, shared her Playboy cover and thanked Hefner for making her dreams come true.
RIP to a kind gentle man that made one of my dreams come true! #ThankYou #HughHefner
Rev. Jesse Jackson, a civil rights activist and former politician, thanked Hefner for his support of 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.
Other people pointed to Hefner's support for comedian and civil rights activist Dick Gregory, who the magazine mogul hired to work at his Chicago Playboy Club in 1961.
And @hughhefner was one of the wokest white men of his era. A fierce defender of Black civil rights. He broke barriers with @IAmDickGregory!
Actor Ike Barinholtz, known for his role in Eastbound & Down, thanked Hefner "for being a defender of civil rights, a champion of free speech, and of course, all the boners."
Thank you Hugh Hefner for being a defender of civil rights, a champion of free speech, and of course, all the boners
Pauley Perrette, who plays forensic scientist Abby Sciuto on NCIS, shared an image of her and Hefner.
Me and Hugh Hefner back in the day. #RIP
Bridget Marquardt, who was one of Hefner's girlfriends and appeared in the television show Girls Next Door, which depicted her and Hefner's other girlfriends in the Playboy Mansion, said "forever grateful for all the wonderful memories and amazing experiences."
So sad but forever grateful for all the wonderful memories and amazing experiences #RIPHef #Playboy 💔
Actor Rob Schneider also heaped praise on Hefner.
' @hughhefner showed the world that sex wasn't this dirty thing to be ashamed of. But should be fun, sexy & celebrated. He liberated us.
Singer Paula Abdul shared her condolences.
RIP to a legend Hugh Hefner. Was watching the Amazon documentary at the same time he passed. #RIPHef
Other people shared memories of how they were first introduced to Hefner.
How I (and presumably many other 90s babies) was first was introduced to Hugh Hefner
Paris Hilton, who was on the cover of Playboy in 2005, called Hefner a legend and shared photos of the two of them together.
So sad to hear the news about @HughHefner. 😢 #RIPHef
Jeanie Buss, who owns the Lakers and once did a Playboy shoot, shared a memory of Hefner with her father, Jerry Buss.
Rest In Peace Hugh Hefner. 🐇Dr. Buss treasured your friendship. You lived life your way. #Maverick #Playboy
Kaya Jones, a member of the Pussycat Dolls, tweeted that she has known Hefner since she was 17 years old.
I feel sick. A person I've known since I was 17 years old. R.I.P. @hughhefner you'll be greatly missed.🙏🏼❤️
Elvira, aka Cassandra Peterson, shared this picture of her and Hefner.
RIP #HughHefner
Slash, the lead guitarist for Guns N'Roses, shared this picture of Hefner.
Busy Philipps, known for her roles on Freaks and Geeks and Dawson's Creek, shared a memory of meeting Hefner.
A girl I went to HS with was one of Hugh Hefner's girlfriends for a while(when he had 8 I think)I went to hang with her once. He was nice.🍸
Arianny Celeste, who is a UFC ring girl and model, shared her cover photo of Playboy and said it was an honor to pose for Hefner's magazine.
It was an honor to grace the cover of your magazine for the celebrity edition. Rest In Peace Hugh Hefner. 🙏🏼💗 #rip… https://t.co/mqw55nLkXf
WWE wrestler Jerry "the King" Lawler called Hefner "one of my true heroes" and said he "had the opportunity to visit with him twice" at the Playboy Mansion.
One of my true heros, Hugh Hefner has passed away at 91. Had the opportunity to visit with him twice at his mansion… https://t.co/PJyqta0YJ1
The Weeknd said "RIP."
RIP HUGH HEFNER
Comedian Billy Eichner thanked Hefner.
THANK YOU HUGH HEFNER
Screenwriter Joss Whedon asked "Wait, is it possible Hugh Hefner did good AND bad things?"
Wait, is it possible Hugh Hefner did good AND bad things? But... But... *robot head explodes, humans escape from robot hot tub*
Others made jokes honoring Hefner's legacy.
As per his wishes, Hugh Hefner’s body will be left in a fort in the woods for other kids to find & pass around.
R.I.P Hugh Hefner. Make God cum.
I'm only going to Hugh Hefner's funeral for the articles. Rest In Peace.
Hugh Hefner fucked Playboy centerfolds for 60 years. Heaven better step up its game.
Hugh Hefner, who lived a full, compassionate & amazing life, has passed. This has to be hard on,,,maybe not the perfect words,,,many.#RIPHef
Hugh Hefner lived my wildest dream, wearing mostly silk pajamas for 5 decades.