Celebs paid their respects to the 'Playboy' founder's life and legacy following his death on Wednesday.
Playboy founder Hugh Hefner died on Wednesday at the age of 91, and many of the movie stars, models and other celebrities who knew the American publishing icon took to social media to share their condolences and and tributes to his legacy.
Former Playboy model Jenny McCarthy shared a photo of her cover issue as a tribute to Hefner, and reflected on what he did for her career and American culture.
"RIP #Hef Thank you for being a revolutionary and changing so many people's lives, especially mine. I hope I made you proud," she wrote.
Baywatch star Donna D'Errico shared a similar message of gratitude to the late publisher, writing, "Hugh Hefner put me in Playboy & ignited my career. I am forever indebted, Hef. You will forever live on as an icon of epic proportions. #RIP."
Kevin Burns, executive producer of The Girls Next Door, fondly remembered the legendary pop culture figure, who co-created and starred in the hit reality series.
"I was privileged to know Hef for 23 years as both a friend and creative partner. My best experience with him was while making The Girls Next Door. He was incredibly smart, surprisingly funny, intensely loyal and generous beyond words," Burns shared in a statement to ET. "The world has lost one of the great philosopher icons -- I have lost one of my best friends."
Model and actress Shanna Moakler, who was chosen as Playboy's Playmate of the Month in Decemeber 2001, spoke with ET Wednesday night and said she was "heartbroken" by his passing.
"Even knowing that someone has lived an incredible and long life never prepares you for the loss… I'm just thankful for the impact he had on so many people's lives and I know he is with his brother now playing backgammon. Thank you for giving me the chance to share what a special man he was," Moakler shared. "My heart goes out to the entire Playboy family, his immediate family and all the women whose lives he empowered. Iconic, kind and a true gentleman is how I will always remember him. Thank you for all the memories, Mr. Hefner."
Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton also posted memorials in Hefner's memory, and the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star said that they were spending the night "reminiscing about the Playboy parties at the mansion & how much we love Hef."
Read some more of the sweetest tributes and fondest memories stars have shared in the wake of Hefner's passing below.
Hefner is survived by his wife, Crystal, and four grown children: Christie, who served as CEO of Playboy Enterprise for more than 20 years, David, Marston and Cooper.
