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Former Playboy Playmates, authors, entertainers and regular readers of the iconic adult magazine mourned the death of the brand’s founder and visionary leader who changed the fabric of America.

Hugh Hefner died Wednesday at the age of 91 peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones, Playboy Enterprises Inc. said.

Norman Lear, the famed television producer of Hefner's generation, called him a man with a "keen sense of the future. We learned a lot from you Mr. Hefner."

We’ve lost a true explorer, a man who had a keen sense of the future. We learned a lot from you Mr. Hefner. #HughHefner — Norman Lear (@TheNormanLear) September 28, 2017

Former "Baywatch" star and Playmate Pamela Anderson was visibly upset in a video she posted to Instagram Thursday morning. In the clip, she wipes her eyes and says in a hushed voiced, "Goodbye, Hef." In her caption she wrote, "I am me because of you. You taught me everything important about freedom and respect."

Pamela Anderson and Hugh Hefner embrace in Los Angeles on Jan. 16, 2007. Laurence Cottrell / FilmMagic via Getty Images file

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Actress and former Playmate Jenny McCarthy said on Twitter "Thank you for being a revolutionary and changing so many people's lives, especially mine. I hope I made you proud." Model and actress and former Playmate Donna D’Errico said Hefner "ignited my career" and "I am forever indebted."

Related: Hugh Hefner, Playboy Magazine Mogul, Dies at 91

"Star Wars'" actor Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker, recalled meeting Hefner months before the movie opened and "expected stereotyped swinger/Wildman not the kind-thoughtful loyal friend he always was."

1st met him months B4 #SW opened-Expected stereotyped swinger/wildman not the kind-thoughtful loyal friend he always was to ML & me #RIPHef pic.twitter.com/r5Jbyg9TMH — Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) September 28, 2017

Author and Rolling Stone journalist Neil Strauss recalled Hefner’s words about his childhood, and Hefner telling his mother "Mom, anything that you may have done that was less than ideal was a blessing. It motivated me to create the world that I have created and accomplish what I have accomplished."

Nancy Sinatra, daughter of Frank Sinatra, called Hefner "One of the nicest men I've ever known."

One of the nicest men I've ever known. Godspeed, Hugh Hefner. pic.twitter.com/457cchqskO — Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) September 28, 2017

Adult film star Ron Jeremy said “today the world lost a legend” and credited Hefner with starting his own career. "For 22 yrs I got to wish him happy new year at his mansion. I'll miss him," Jeremy said on Twitter.

A great man, entrepreneur and innovator. Your legacy lives on. #Hef pic.twitter.com/36cRzlUPRw — Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) September 28, 2017

Actor Rob Lowe recalled a number of interesting conversations with the mogul and called Hefner "such an interesting man. True legend. What an end of an era!" Comedian and actor Richard Lewis said few did more for writers than Hefner.

Larry King called Hefner "a GIANT in publishing, journalism, free speech & civil rights." King added in the condolences on Twitter: "He was a true original, and he was my friend. Rest well Hef."

Photos: Playboy Magazine Founder, Hugh Hefner, Dies at 91

Cooper Hefner, chief creative officer of Playboy Enterprises, said Wednesday his father was “a leading voice ... in advocating free speech, civil rights and sexual freedom." Among the careers boosted by Hefner was that of Dick Gregory, the comedian and civil rights figure who got a major break when Hefner saw his act and hired him to perform at his nightclub in 1961.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson said "Hugh Hefner was a strong supporter of the civil rights movement. We shall never forget him. May he Rest In Peace."

Hugh Hefner was a strong supporter of the civil rights movement. We shall never forget him. May he Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/oL3lKLZRQ5 — Rev Jesse Jackson Sr (@RevJJackson) September 28, 2017

RIP to the legendary Hugh Hefner! I’m so honored to have been a part of the Playboy team! You will be greatly missed! Love you Hef! Xoxo — Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) September 28, 2017

If you were raised without a mom Hugh Hefner probably changed your life. Champion of great writing & freedom of speech & always kind to me. — Tom Arnold (@TomArnold) September 28, 2017

RIP @hughhefner - who spoke these words to me, which I never forgot and never will... pic.twitter.com/jMmgoX7hNc — Neil Strauss (@neilstrauss) September 28, 2017