Claim: Hugh Hefner was a soldier.

Hugh Marston Hefner -LRB- born April 9 , 1926 -RRB- is an American men 's lifestyle magazine publisher , businessman , and a well-known playboy . Hefner is a native of Chicago , Illinois and a former journalist for Esquire . He is best known for being the founder and chief creative officer of Playboy Enterprises . A self-made multi-millionaire , his net worth is over $ 43 million due to his success as the founder of Playboy magazine . Hefner is also a political activist and philanthropist active in several causes and public issues . He is a World War II veteran .