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Mr Playboy thanks his girls
28/08/2006 10:19 - (SA)
Beverly Hills - At 80, Hugh Hefner, the famed founder of the adult media empire "Playboy," sings praises to three shapely young women who share his bed and his life and to whom he attributes his surprising vitality.
Receiving several French journalists, including AFP correspondents, in his extravagant mansion in Beverly Hills, Hefner is surrounded by the three - Holly Madison, 26, Bridget Marquardt, 32 and Kendra Wilkinson, 21.
"Well, I think that relationships with young people keep you young," he points out. "I don't know if the sex is better than it was 20 years ago, but the life is a lot better.
"I've tried it and all the variations of the theme," admits Hefner, saying that at one point he tried to maintain relationships with seven women at the same time.
"That became notorious and also had conflicts because the girls did not all get along with one another, so I decided to downsize and I wound up with three very special ladies," says the old man with playful eyes, wearing his trademark silk robe.
'This is a real relationship'
Hefner, or Hef as he is known to his most intimate friends, became a millionaire by selling to America and then the entire world his glamour magazine since 1953. Now, he has adapted himself to the 21st century.
His life is at the centre of a reality TV show, The Girls of Playboy, that starts its second season in the US next month and is available in some international markets.
"Hef is captivating," summarises Holly, a platinum blonde just like Kendra and Bridget. She says that their life together, seen as scandalous by conservative Americans, is perfect. "This is a real relationship, a real family."
The young woman, who came to this California mansion from the frozen tundra of Alaska, has a little bunny rabbit - a symbol of Playboy - tattooed on her lower back.
Hefner says she is now his favorite girl. "Holly and I will probably be together the rest of my life," he says.
But despite being first concubine, she complains about not having a place to call her own.
"I am jealous right now because Bridget and Kendra have huge bedrooms," laments Holly. "That they will decorate however they want."
A life of leisure
Bridget, the oldest of the three, hails from rural California and comes off as carefree and frivolous, while the young Kendra, a native of San Diego, enjoys parties and likes to take advantage of the good things in life.
Dressed in cut-off shorts, cowboy boots and a pink checkered shirt, Bridget could be a good candidate to play a part in an erotic version of Little House on the Prairie.
Kendra appears more athletic, clad in low-cut jeans and a tight blouse that brings forth her voluptuous chest.
"It is unbelievable! Even in my dreams I didn't imagine I'd live like this!" the girls giggle in chorus.
All three speak with awe about Hef, singing praises to the intelligence of the man who allows them to lead a life of leisure in a jacuzzi or swimming pool, a limousine or his private jet.
"Marriage works for some people, not for others," argues Hefter, striking a philosophical note. "I was married twice and was faithful. But I must confess that wasn't the happiest and most productive time of my life. I find something sad in marriage after a while, when the romance and passion is gone."
"I feel younger than I did 10-15 years ago," adds Hefner, who takes credit for helping launch the career of Marilyn Monroe by placing her on the cover of the first Playboy.
And he isn't about to retire. "My mother lived to 101," he points out.
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South Africa
