About
"Humor is the heart of humanity. One of the things that sets us apart from the lower species is a sense of humor. And it helps to give you a perspective. Humor properly understood is a very serious business."
In his forty-five minute interview for the American Comedy Archives at Emerson College, Hugh Hefner talks about his connection to humor, and his friendships with comedians like Lenny Bruce and Don Adams. He describes having comedians on his early talk show Playboy’s Penthouse, as well as breaking ground by having African-American comedian Dick Gregory perform at his clubs. He discusses the humor of "Playboy" magazine, and early contributors like Jules Feiffer. He speaks of the then-current state of censorship in media, and also touches on humor and repression, as well as fame and celebrity. Bill Dana and Jenni Matz conducted the interview on March 9, 2005 in Los Angeles, CA.
Highlights
Hugh Hefner on his "Playboy Philosophy"
Hugh Hefner on the cartoons of "Playboy," and on what "Playboy" was all about
Hugh Hefner on fame and celebrity, and on the importance of laughter
Hugh Hefner on humor and repression
Hugh Hefner on having standup comedians at his Playboy Clubs in Chicago, and on his friendships with Lenny Bruce and Don Adams
Hugh Hefner on the early humor in "Playboy," and on early contributors like Jules Feiffer
Full Interview
Chapter 1
On his connection to humor, on his syndicated show Playboy's Penthouse, and on his connection to Lenny Bruce; on having standup comedians at his Playboy Clubs in Chicago, and on his friendships with Lenny Bruce and Don Adams
On putting African American comedian Dick Gregory on Playboy's Penthouse and in his nightclubs; on his "Playboy Philosophy"
On the early humor in "Playboy," and on early contributors like Jules Feiffer; on the cartoons of "Playboy," and on what "Playboy" was all about
On the then-current state of censorship in media, and on the government's role; on humor and repression; on fame and celebrity, and on the importance of laughter
Shows
Playboy's Penthouse
Hugh Hefner on his connection to humor, on his syndicated show Playboy's Penthouse, and on his connection to Lenny Bruce
Hugh Hefner on putting African American comedian Dick Gregory on Playboy's Penthouse and in his nightclubs
Topics
Censorship / Standards & Practices
Hugh Hefner on the then-current state of censorship in media, and on the government's role
Civil Rights Movement
Hugh Hefner on putting African American comedian Dick Gregory on Playboy's Penthouse and in his nightclubs
Fame and Celebrity
Hugh Hefner on fame and celebrity, and on the importance of laughter
Historic Events and Social Change
Hugh Hefner on putting African American comedian Dick Gregory on Playboy's Penthouse and in his nightclubs
Television Industry
Hugh Hefner on the then-current state of censorship in media, and on the government's role
Hugh Hefner on fame and celebrity, and on the importance of laughter
Genres
Talk Shows
Hugh Hefner on his syndicated show Playboy's Penthouse
People
Don Adams
Hugh Hefner on having standup comedians at his Playboy Clubs in Chicago, and on his friendships with Lenny Bruce and Don Adams
Lenny Bruce
Hugh Hefner on his connection to humor, on his syndicated show Playboy's Penthouse, and on his connection to Lenny Bruce
Hugh Hefner on having standup comedians at his Playboy Clubs in Chicago, and on his friendships with Lenny Bruce and Don Adams
Dick Gregory with Emerson College
Hugh Hefner on putting African American comedian Dick Gregory on Playboy's Penthouse and in his nightclubs