Like so many others, Hugh Hefner was frowned upon, especially at the start, given how edgy the concept of Playboy was and for some, still is.
Despite the naysayers, Hefner would build an iconic brand, one that will be felt for years to come.
Incredibly, it all started with a $5,000 investment, with $1K coming from his own mother. He revealed the incredible details alongside People Magazine, in one of his final interviews prior to his passing.
"It was an exciting time because I had no idea how things would turn out. I launched the magazine on $5000 dollars. My mother loaned me $1000. The first issue came out at the end of 1953. I knew I needed something original."
"I had a photographer shoot a 3D feature for the first issue and learned it would cost too much money. When the 3D thing turned out to be too expensive, at that same moment I came across the photos of Marilyn Monroe. People had heard about it but they hadn’t seen it. And that was the first issue."
The brand is still going strong today. As we'll reveal in the following, the brand doesn't always say yes to the rich and famous posing for their magazine. In fact, they have a history of closing the door on lots of celebs. Maybe not of the Jennifer Aniston type popularity, but you get our point!
Hef Doesn't Always Say Yes
Hugh Hefner is all about making waves, especially when it comes to trendy celebrities. If the appeal isn't there, he simply was not interested.
According to Suggest, a few stars have tried to reach out in the past, only to get the cold shoulder from the brand.
Among the list includes Farrah Abraham, who made a name for herself on MTV, during the hit show 'Teen Mom'. Farrah has revealed it all in the past, along with making a certain tape. Perhaps this was a deciding factor in Playboy deciding to look elsewhere.
Audrina Patridge is another name, it is said that she auditioned for the spot, sending revealing photos to the brand. Unfortunately for the reality star, the photos ended up leaking online. It was a double loss as she didn't get a spot with the Hef's team either.
Other notable snubs include Shirley Jones, Kate Gosselin, Piz Rizza, and a handful of other celebs.
The Family Was Thriving On Reality-TV
We can understand some of those names not making it, however, this one was a surprise given her star power at the time, not to mention her dad's celeb status.
The family's reality show skyrocketed on MTV back in 2002. The show is regarded as the most-viewed ever on MTV. The family is also known as the pioneers of reality TV.
To this day, there is still talk about a reboot and according to a certain cast member, a return can still take place.
“It wouldn’t be The Osbournes if we weren’t all on it. In all honesty, I thought these conversations were put to one side and today is the first I’m hearing of it, so I don’t know if it’s — and I haven’t spoken to anyone — so I don’t know if it’s media making it up, or if it’s real."
Kelly admits, the possibility is still there, though convos have stalled.
“In early February we were in talks but then we all decided maybe we’re not ready for it and we kind of stopped and so, as far as I knew, the conversations had stopped until today when they said that in the media, so I have to find out myself. I don’t know. It could really be happening."
Hef Wasn't A Fan Of Her Look
At one point, it was said that Hefner had a big interest in both Megan Fox and Kelly Osbourne. It was initially reported that Kelly wasn't interested in the spot. However, later on, Hefner put out a statement, claiming he wasn't interested in the reality star.
"I can’t see it happening somehow–we don’t airbrush to that extent.”
Not the best words from Hef, especially given that behind the scenes, Osbourne was struggling with her image.
Not only did Osbourne have a hard time dealing with her look, but she also had issues with keeping sober.
Missing Out Was A Good Thing
Given that Osbourne struggled with her look behind the scenes, posing for the magazine might've made things worse.
Kelly admitted alongside EW, that chatter of her look really got to her and put huge pressure on her shoulders.
"When I first got sober, I didn't feel like I deserved to be in any room that I was in, and then I'd gain so much weight, so I thought that everyone was just looking at me like, 'She's fat and disgusting.' And, like, people were taking pictures of me. And I could see them. 'Look how fat Kelly Osbourne is now.'"
The pressure of it all made Osbourne turn to drug use, till this day, she admits that she's a work in progress.
Getting Sober
Living a sober life is a huge priority for Osbourne these days. She admits, relapses have taken place in the past, though she's set on making things right.
"I only want to be the best version of myself with my family and my boyfriend and my friends, and I was not."
"It's a battle for me every single day," she said in the interview, explaining why she opted to share her story on Red Table Talk. "And it's never, ever gonna get easy. I have to hold myself accountable for every single thing I do."
Ultimately, not getting the Playboy gig might've been a blessing. It could've caused more harm than good, given her struggles behind the scenes.
Sources: EW, Suggest, Hollywood Life & People