Keith Hefner, the younger brother of Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, died on Friday, April 8, at his home in Beverly Hills, TMZ reports. He was 87.
According to TMZ, the younger Hefner brother had been battling cancer. However, it remains unclear whether the disease was the cause of his death.
Keith was a longtime executive at Playboy and handled everything from training Playboy Bunnies to recruiting the models. He became well known to viewers and fans of the publication during the filming of E!’s The Girls Next Door, which chronicled Hugh’s crazy lifestyle with his three girlfriends, Holly Madison, Kendra Wilkinson and Bridget Marquardt.
Wilkinson, 30, reacted to Keith’s death on Friday, writing on Twitter: “Just heard the news about Keith Hefner. He was such an awesome guy. I will miss him. #RIPKeith.”
Hef’s younger brother also appeared on two episodes of Wilkinson’s spinoff series, Kendra, as well as one episode of Madison’s spinoff Holly’s World. Keith occasionally dabbled in acting, appearing in two episodes of the 1969 TV series Get Smart. He also has a few film credits under his belt, including 1977’s Evil Town and 1985’s Fever Pitch.
He was married to Playboy model Caya Hefner. On Thursday, April 7, prior to Keith’s death, Caya shared a sentimental throwback photo of herself with her husband and his famous big brother, who turns 90 on Saturday, April 9.
Love this pic of us. A brother in law & a husband that I genuinely love and care very much! #grateful ?? #tbt pic.twitter.com/KmI58OjUd8
— Caya Hefner (@cayahefner) April 7, 2016
Keith’s wife also posted a Snapchat of herself goofing around in bed with her ailing husband this past Monday, April 4. “Love him very much..” she captioned the video on Facebook. “He’s taught me so much about love and life. Thank you for everything honey. Forever grateful to be part of your life…”
Hugh posted a photo with his brother on Twitter on Friday, writing, “This morning, my dear brother and best friend passed away. I love you, Keith. Rest in peace.”
