Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, 4 Things You Didn't Know About the American Icon

Playboy's founder Hugh Hefner built an empire with his men's magazine that showcased celebrities like Cindy Crawford, Kim Kardashian, Sharon Stone and Pamela Anderson. (Video)

Hugh Hefner, founder of the Playboy media empire, died at the age of 91 Wednesday at the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles.

According to the news release from 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 recognizable American global brands in history, peacefully passed away today from natural causes at his home, The Playboy Mansion, surrounded by loved ones."

The businessman has had quite a few interesting moments during his career. TheStreet takes a look at 4 reasons why Hugh Hefner was a legend.

For an upclose and personal story about Hefner, the business and his family - be sure to read today's story by TheStreet's Leon Lazaroff, he reports how Hefner's playboy enterprises was a progressive, family business.

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This article was written by a staff member of TheStreet.