Hugh Hefner's Final Tweets Reveal A Different Side To The Playboy Legend

Playboy founder Hugh Hefner died last night at the age of 91 while surrounded by his loved ones at the Playboy Mansion.

His face is synonymous with the Playboy brand - in his sailor hat or smoking jacket, with a pipe, and always surrounded by beautiful women.

REMEMBERING HUGH HEFNER'S BEST QUOTES

Perhaps less well-known is the philanthropic work that Hef was part of. In his final few tweets, he urged people to donate to 'those in need' who had been affected by Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma.

He wrote: "My thoughts are with everyone affected by Hurricanes Harvey & Irma, both the victims and the first responders.

"In times of such great adversity, it is inspiring to know we can put our differences aside and join together to help those in need."

The millionaire publisher, editor and businessman built Playboy Enterprises from scratch, starting with his iconic magazine in 1953 and eventually branching out into film, TV, nightclubs and a range of products including everything from homeware to perfume.

Through the foundation, Hef supported organisations which defended civil rights and civil liberties, with 'special emphasis on those working on projects related to First Amendment rights and rational sex and drug policies.'

A young Hugh Hefner outside the Playboy Mansion. Credit: PA

He saved the Hollywood sign, twice, once in the 1970s when he arranged a gala fundraiser at the Playboy Mansion to raise the necessary $250,000 to save the letters.

And again in 2010 when he donated $900,000 of his own money to stop a sale of the property.

He openly supported same sex marriage, and was quoted as saying it was 'a fight for all our rights'.

Credit: PA

Hef also supported animal charity Much Love Animal Rescue and even had an endangered subspecies of rabbit named after him - the sylvilagus palustris hefneri - after he donated a 'generous' amount of funding into research for the animal.

Sources: Twitter