Top Playboy Centerfolds
This is a list of females who have posed nude for the centerspread of the iconic magazine created by Hugh Marston Hefner, and dedicated to their memory.
Marilyn Monroe (born Norma Jeane Mortenson. June 1, 1926 - August 5, 1962) was an American actress, singer, and model. Decades after her unexpected death, she has remained one of Hollywood's greatest sex symbols with her eye-catching style, champagne blonde hair, and breathless manner of speaking. She... read more The only non-Playmate on this list, this "Sweetheart of the Month" was the focal point of the initial issue, released for December 1953. Her nude photographs were bought by Hugh Hefner from the Baumgarth Company and are considered classic American glamour photography.
Appearing as Miss March 1954, this pin-up participated in a swimsuit photoshoot that included nude photographs. These photographs ended up on the pages of Playboy.
Miss August 1954, who later became an actress with a rather extensive list of credits, was another model whose nude photographs were purchased by Hugh Hefner from the Baumgarth company.
Bettie Mae Page (April 22, 1923 – December 11, 2008) was an American model who gained a significant profile in the 1950s for her pin-up photos. Often referred to as the "Queen of Pinups", her jet black hair, blue eyes, and trademark bangs have influenced artists for generations. Already well-known by the time she posed for the iconic Christmas centerfold in January 1955, this prolific model had become a sensation in pin-up magazines and cult movies.
When she appeared as Miss November 1956, this busty beauty -- whose centerfold shot featured her cigarette being lit by an off-screen Hugh Hefner -- was a marvelous display of loveliness.
Reportedly the first (unofficial) Playmate of the Year, this lovely blonde became Miss December 1956 and remains a favorite even today.
The mother of famed actress Diane Lane, this lovely lady became Miss October 1957 and was famed for appearing with blonde, brunette and redheaded locks in her pictorial.
Allegedly the first underage (teenage) Playmate, this trim, well-curved brunette was Miss January 1958 and led to an obscenity charge against Hugh Hefner and Playboy.
Miss November 1958 was the first grandmother of a Playmate, as her grandson married a Playmate (Donna Perry, Miss November 1994). But her blonde loveliness was special in its own right.
The first Playmate from West Virginia, Miss January 1959 was very popular in other men's magazines as well, leading Hugh Hefner to put a two-year exclusivity clause in future Playmates' contracts.
One of the bustiest Playmates in Playboy history, Elaine sent a thunderclap through Playboy's readership with her appearance as the October 1959 Playmate.
Everyone knows the late Stella Stevens as being a prolific actress, in films such as "The Poseidon Adventure." What may not be as well known is that she was the January 1960 Playmate.
The first mother of a future Playmate (Miss February 1989 Simone Eden), Carol made her own Playmate appearance as the December 1960 Playmate.
Austrian-born Heidi became the June 1961 Playmate and made many noteworth appearances in the magazine.
The first Canadian Playmate, Pamela became Miss March 1962, showing that northern girls, with the way they smolder, are the equivalent of any California girls.
Busty Toni made her memorable Playmate appearance in February 1963 as a brunette, and when interviewed for the Playmates of the 1960s special on E! over three decades later, still dazzled as a blonde.
The late Donna Michelle (who died in 2004) was an amazing specimen who appeared as the December 1963 Playmate, then followed it up with an amazing Playmate of the Year pictorial in 1964.
Being the first Playmate of Asian heritage was a delight for viewers in August 1964, proving that beauty knows no ethnicity.
Miss February 1966 was a student at UCLA when she posed -- using a pseudonym -- for her centerfold. And what a busty delight it was!
Dolly became Miss May 1966 and embarked upon a decent acting career before marrying comedian Dick Martin (of Rowan & Martin fame) and making a happy family.
Dianne continues to delight fans, even though it's been nearly sixty years since she made her delightful nude debut as Miss September 1966.