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What Is Cooper Hefner’s Net Worth?
Cooper Hefner, the son of the late Playboy Enterprises founder Hugh Hefner, has carved out his own path as an American businessman and military serviceman. As of 2024, Cooper Hefner’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million. This wealth has been accumulated through various roles within Playboy Enterprises, his entrepreneurial ventures, and other activities.
Early Life and Education Details
Cooper Hefner was born on September 4, 1991, in Los Angeles, California. His father, Hugh Hefner, was the founder of Playboy magazine, and his mother, Kimberley Conrad, was a model. Growing up in the Playboy Mansion, Cooper’s early life was far from ordinary. He attended Ojai Valley School, where he completed his high school education in 2009. Later, he pursued higher education at Chapman University in Orange, California, earning his bachelor’s degree in 2015.
Business Ventures and Career Milestones
Cooper Hefner’s career began while he was still attending Chapman University. He started working for Playboy Enterprises, Inc., gaining experience in various aspects of the business. However, in early 2016, he decided to leave Playboy due to disagreements with the CEO, Scott Flanders, regarding the company’s direction. During this period, Cooper focused on writing and publishing op-eds covering culture, philosophy, and politics.
He then ventured into entrepreneurship by founding Hop (Hefner Operations and Productions), a media startup aimed at creating content and social events for Millennials. This marked a significant step in his career, demonstrating his ability to identify and cater to a specific demographic. Soon after, Cooper returned to Playboy and was appointed as the company’s chief creative officer when his father stepped down from the role. His return signaled a shift in Playboy’s strategy, blending tradition with modern approaches.
In early 2017, Cooper announced the return of nude images to Playboy magazine, a move that generated considerable attention and discussion. Later that year, he oversaw the decision to feature Playboy’s first-ever transgender playmate in a centerfold. These decisions were instrumental in boosting the magazine’s earnings, which increased by over 39% in 2017. This increase underscored his influence and ability to drive revenue through innovative strategies. By early 2019, Cooper advanced to the position of chief of global partnerships at Playboy Enterprises. However, he soon departed to launch his own media company, Hefner Media Corporation, and a digital content platform, StagDaily. These ventures were subsequently put on hold as Cooper made the decision to enlist in the United States Air Force.
In August 2023, Cooper Hefner founded Hefner Capital, marking his continued involvement in business and investment ventures.
Military Service and Other Activities
Cooper Hefner’s commitment to public service is evident through his military career. Previously a member of the California State Military Reserve, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in late 2019. In 2021, he was deployed to New Jersey’s Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst as part of President Biden’s Operation Allies Welcome. This operation played a crucial role in assisting the resettlement of approximately 130,000 refugees from Afghanistan following the US withdrawal. Cooper also serves as a member of the Tennessee State Guard, further highlighting his dedication to military service.
In addition to his military commitments, Cooper is actively involved in academia. He teaches at his alma mater, Chapman University, and serves on the school’s board of governors. In 2022, he ran as a Democrat for the California State Senate in the state’s 30th district, but withdrew from the race after four months.
Hugh Hefner’s Estate and Playboy Brand Details
At the time of his death in 2017, Hugh Hefner’s net worth was valued at $50 million. Contrary to common misconception, Hugh Hefner did not own the Playboy Mansion. Instead, the mansion was primarily owned by Playboy Enterprises. Hugh Hefner paid an annual fee to cover rent and other expenses, such as food and parties, which typically amounted to around $1 million per year. In 2016, Playboy Enterprises sold the Playboy Mansion for $100 million to Daren Metropoulos, with the condition that Hefner could continue living there for the rest of his life. The mansion was initially listed for $200 million. The Hefner family did not directly benefit from the sale of the mansion.
At the time of his death, Hugh Hefner owned 35% of the Playboy brand and 100% of the remaining print magazine. In 2018, Hefner’s family sold his 35% stake in the Playboy brand to Icon Acquisition Holdings LLC, the company that owned the other 65%, for $35 million. The transaction was structured in two parts: Icon Acquisition Holdings agreed to purchase 800,000 shares in the Playboy company for $15 million. Additionally, the million shares held by the family trust were placed in escrow, with Playboy funding it through a $20 million loan. Hugh Hefner was survived by his four adult children and his wife, Crystal Hefner. His estate’s assets were distributed according to his will.
Personal Life and Real Estate
In 2015, Cooper Hefner became engaged to British actress Scarlett Byrne, known for her roles in the “Harry Potter” film series and the television series “The Vampire Diaries.” The couple married in 2019 and welcomed their first child, a daughter named Betsy Rose, in 2020. In 2022, they had twin daughters named Marigold Adele and Blossom Pearl.
In July 2021, Cooper Hefner purchased a home in Los Angeles for $2.14 million. The property is located in a desirable neighborhood and provides a comfortable living space for his growing family.
