Millie Williams, born Mildred Williams, is best known as the first wife of Playboy founder Hugh Hefner. While she lived a quiet life after their divorce, her role in the origin story of one of America’s most iconic entertainment empires still captures public curiosity.
She even appeared in the documentary series “60 Minutes” (1993), offering a rare glimpse into her personal story with Hefner. But after their split, Millie stepped away from the spotlight and has since remained incredibly private.
Fans still wonder: Where is Millie now? Did she remarry? What happened with her kids? And what led to the downfall of her marriage to one of the most famous men in publishing?
Let’s dive in.
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Who is Millie Williams?
Millie Williams was Hugh Hefner’s first wife and his college sweetheart. The two were married for ten years and had two children together: Christie Hefner (born 1952) and David Hefner (born 1955).
Though Millie never pursued fame herself, she gained attention again in the 1990s when she featured in “60 Minutes,” reflecting on her time with Hefner during the early years of Playboy’s rise.
Her Early Life and Education
Millie Williams was born on March 10, 1926, in Chicago, Illinois. As of 2025, she is 99 years old. Despite her link to one of pop culture’s biggest figures, she has kept most of her early life and family history private.
She attended a local high school and later enrolled at Northwestern University, majoring in sociology. However, she dropped out early in her academic journey. Coincidentally, Northwestern would later become known for producing prominent media personalities — including her future husband.
Her Life with Hugh Hefner
Millie and Hugh met as teens in high school and reconnected at Northwestern. While Hugh went off to serve in the U.S. Army during World War II, Millie waited for him — but admitted years later that she had an affair during his absence.
The couple married on June 25, 1949, in an intimate ceremony. Both were just 23 at the time.
Together, they had:
- Christie Hefner (born November 8, 1952) – who would go on to lead Playboy Enterprises.
- David Hefner (born August 30, 1955) – who now works outside the limelight in tech.
Millie and Hugh stayed married for 10 years but ultimately divorced on March 18, 1959. The cracks in their relationship started early, largely due to Millie’s admission of infidelity during Hugh’s military service. In her words, she allowed him to “have other women” as penance, which ironically weakened the foundation of their marriage even further.
Millie Williams’s Second Marriage
After divorcing Hefner, Millie remained single for several years. Eventually, she married a man named Edwin Gunn. Although little is publicly known about this marriage, it’s believed to have lasted a short while. Gunn adopted Millie’s children, who temporarily took his last name — but later reverted back to “Hefner.”
Appearance and Public Image
Millie was often described as a graceful woman with soft features, raven-colored hair in her youth, and warm hazel eyes. Over time, she embraced a peaceful, private life far from cameras and public appearances.
Millie Williams’s Children
Christie Hefner
Christie followed in her father’s footsteps — but on her own terms. She became CEO of Playboy Enterprises in 1988 and led the company until 2008. During her leadership, she launched Playboy.com and expanded the brand into new territories, including digital media and international licensing.
Christie holds a degree in English and American Literature from Brandeis University and is also known for her philanthropic work, particularly around healthcare and First Amendment rights.
David Hefner
David Hefner took a different path, staying away from the Playboy limelight. Born in 1955, he became a computer systems analyst and now lives in Chicago. He has never been publicly involved in the Playboy business and has always maintained a low profile.
The Death of Hugh Hefner
After separating from Millie, Hugh Hefner married twice more and fathered additional children. He also became a pop culture symbol — surrounded by celebrities and models at the Playboy Mansion.
He passed away on September 27, 2017, at age 91 due to sepsis caused by an E. coli infection. As per his wishes, he was buried next to Marilyn Monroe at Westwood Village Memorial Park, a burial spot he purchased back in 1992 for $75,000.
Net Worth & Social Media Profiles
Millie never pursued a high-profile career. She became a stay-at-home mother, focusing on her children’s upbringing. After divorcing Hugh, she reportedly received a significant share of assets — although no verified estimates of her net worth exist.
Given Hugh Hefner’s $45 million estate at the time of his death, it’s reasonable to assume Millie received a comfortable divorce settlement. However, her current finances remain private and unconfirmed.
Where Is Millie Williams Now in 2025?
As of 2025, Millie Williams is believed to still be alive and living a quiet life away from the public eye. Now approaching 100 years old, she is not known to use social media and hasn’t made any public appearances in years.
Despite her absence from the spotlight, she remains an important part of Playboy’s early history — and of course, the mother of two of Hugh Hefner’s children.
Some FAQs about Millie Williams
How old is Millie Williams?
She was born on March 10, 1926. As of 2025, Millie is 99 years old.
What is Millie Williams famous for?
Millie Williams is the first wife of Hugh Hefner, the man behind the Playboy magazine. Millie and Hugh stayed married for a decade. During this time, they became parents of two children.
What is the relation between Millie Williams and Hugh Hefner?
Millie Williams and Hugh Hefner were college sweethearts. She became her first wife by marrying him on June 25, 1949.
Is Millie Williams still alive?
Yes, to the best of public knowledge, she is still alive. However, she has not made public appearances in many years.
