December 1st, 1953: First Playboy Magazine Published, Marilyn Monroe At Its Centerfold

Today in History

(Original Caption) 7/10/80-Los Angeles, CA- For 20 years, Playboy Bunnies scuttled about on their errands of mercy clad in 1-piece bathing suits with cuffs, collars, ties, oversized ears and cottontails. No longer. Now they do their scuttling in a corset-like "Merry Widows" with bone foundation and lots of lace. Hugh Hefner himself unveils the new look at his Los Angeles Playboy Club with the aid of (L-R) Karen, Randi, and Gretchen.

(Original Caption) 7/10/80-Los Angeles, CA- For 20 years, Playboy Bunnies scuttled about on their errands of mercy clad in 1-piece bathing suits with cuffs, collars, ties, oversized ears and cottontails. No longer. Now they do their scuttling in a corset-like "Merry Widows" with bone foundation and lots of lace. Hugh Hefner himself unveils the new look at his Los Angeles Playboy Club with the aid of (L-R) Karen, Randi, and Gretchen.

On December 1, 1953, Playboy magazine was first published, marking the start of a cultural revolution. Founded by Hugh Hefner, Playboy was designed to be more than just a men's magazine—it aimed to blend sexuality with sophistication, offering a new kind of publication that would change the way people viewed both sex and lifestyle. The first issue featured a cover image of a famous star, Marilyn Monroe, and a centerfold that would become iconic in the years to come.

The first edition of Playboy may have been modest, but it set the stage for a new era in publishing. Monroe, though not involved with Playboy at the time, was featured in a nude photograph that had originally been taken in 1949 for a calendar shoot. This image, known as the "golden nude," was used as the magazine's centerfold, helping Playboy make a bold statement about its editorial vision. The magazine sold more than 50,000 copies, an impressive number for a first-time publication, especially given the controversy surrounding its content.

Hugh Hefner’s goal with Playboy was to create a publication that went beyond nudity, offering readers more than just photos of beautiful women. Hefner wanted Playboy to be a platform for the modern man—one that blended intellectual content with elements of entertainment and sexual freedom. Despite facing difficulties in raising funds and getting the magazine printed, Hefner’s vision quickly gained traction, thanks in part to the magazine’s cultural appeal.

Over the years, Playboy grew into a powerful force in American media. It played a significant role in the sexual revolution of the 1960s, helping shift public attitudes about sex, relationships, and personal freedom. The magazine also became known for its interviews with prominent figures, coverage of arts and culture, and, of course, its daring centerfolds. Hugh Hefner's vision, which began with a single issue in 1953, would leave an indelible mark on American pop culture and change the media landscape forever.

The publication of Playboy on December 1, 1953, wasn’t just the birth of a magazine—it was the beginning of a cultural movement that would influence generations to come. Hefner’s magazine would go on to challenge societal norms, shaping how the world viewed sexuality, freedom, and modern manhood.