PLAYBOY tycoon Hugh Hefner's rise to become one of the world's most famous men began with a heartbreak that tore his life apart.

The glamour magazine's owner - who died today aged 91 - became known as a serial ladies' man during a career that lasted 64 years.

8 The betrayal a young Hefner suffered at the hands of his first wife Mildred was something he later described as 'the most devastating moment' of his life Credit: Playboy

8 The betrayal is believed to have contributed to Hefner's decision to adopt his Playboy lifestyle Credit: Splash News

But it was the betrayal a young Hefner suffered at the hands of his first wife that marked his formative years and one that he went on to describe as "the most devastating moment" of his life.

He married Mildred Williams in 1949 in the belief the pair had 'saved themselves' for one another.

The couple had met at college in the mid 40s.

Little did Chicago-born Hefner know that his beloved Milly had slept with another man while her beau served in the US military during the Second World War.

8 Within four years of their marriage, Hefner had founded Playboy with a start-up loan of £6,000 - including £750 from his own mum Credit: PA:Press Association

8 The mag's early success was owed in large part to featuring a young Marilyn Monroe on its first cover Credit: Playboy

8 But while the magazine would go from strength to strength after featuring a young Marilyn Monroe in its first issue, his relationship with Milly would not Credit: Splash News

8 The success of his Playboy venture allowed him to buy the famous Playboy mansion Credit: Rex Features

Explaining his heartbreak, he said: "I think the relationship was probably held together by two years of foreplay.

"That wasn't unusual for our time. In fact, most of my immediate friends didn't have sex until they married. Milly and I had it just before.

"I had literally saved myself for my wife, but after we had sex she told me that she'd had an affair. That was the most devastating moment in my life.

"My wife was more sexually experienced than I was. After that, I always felt in a sense that the other guy was in bed with us, too."

Within four years of their marriage, Hefner had founded Playboy with a start-up loan of £6,000 - including £750 from his own mum.

8 He did not re-marry until he exchanged vows with Playmate Kimberley Conrad in 1989 Credit: 1988 Ron Galella, Ltd.

8 The couple divorced in 2010 after a 21-year marriage Credit: Rex Features

But while the magazine would go from strength to strength after featuring a young Marilyn Monroe in its first issue, his relationship with Milly would not.

The pair divorced in 1959 after having two children - Christie and David.

He did not re-marry until he exchanged vows with Playmate Kimberley Conrad in 1989.

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