Hugh Hefner’s Ex-Wife Calls Him a ‘True Gentleman’ After His Widow Crystal Harris Urges Jessica Biel to ‘Reconsider’ Playing His Wife

Title: Hugh Hefner’s Ex-Wife Shares Flattering Tribute Ahead of 'Playmates'

URL Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/news/hugh-hefner-ex-wife-crystal-harris-jessica-biel-playmates-1236908495/

Published Time: 2026-10-11T22:59:01+00:00

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Hugh Hefner’s Ex-Wife Calls Him a ‘True Gentleman’ After His Widow Crystal Harris Urges Jessica Biel to ‘Reconsider’ Playing His Wife


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Kimberly Hefner, who was married to [Hugh Hefner](https://variety.com/t/hugh-hefner/) from 1989 until their divorce was finalized in 2010, has taken to social media to share a statement in support of her late husband after his former wife, [Crystal Harris](https://variety.com/2026/film/news/hugh-hefner-widow-jessica-biel-reconsider-playing-wife-1236906237/), alleged she experienced sexual, emotional, financial and physical abuse while married to the Playboy magazine founder. Harris shared her story following the news that Jessica Biel would play a fictional version of Hefner’s wife in the upcoming film “[Playmates](https://variety.com/t/playmates/).”

“I was married to Hef for over 21 years. We shared a lifetime of beautiful memories, raised 2 wonderful sons together, and had a deeply loving bond that remained strong until his passing on September 27th, 2017 and continues with me to this day,” wrote Kimberly. “I often told him if you look up the word gentleman in the dictionary you would find his name and photograph. Hef was in every sense of the word, a true gentleman, kind, loving, generous, philanthropic, and a man of extraordinary character.”

She continued: “Losing Hef was devastating, and his absence is still deeply felt. I had the privilege of knowing and loving the man behind the public image, and I will always treasure the life and memories we shared. I will always believe the world was a better place because he was in it. I am forever grateful and blessed.”

Before they tied the knot, Kimberly and Hugh met when she was modeling for Playboy’s Playmate of the Month centerfold. Hugh met Harris at a Halloween party at the Playboy Mansion when she was a 21-year-old college student. She moved into the mansion shortly thereafter and married Hugh in 2012. The two remained together until his death in Sept. 2017, after which Harris published her 2024 memoir “Only Say Good Things: Surviving Playboy and Finding Myself,” in which she revealed her experiences at the mansion.

“Playmates” will revolve around “Elle (Indiana Elle), a 13-year-old know-it-all who considers the Playboy Mansion her second home, and meets Anna (Lily-Rose Depp), one of seven hopefuls vying to be Playmate of the Month,” per the film’s synopsis. “The two form an unlikely friendship and try to help each other get what the other wants most, a magazine cover and a boy.”

Lorraine Nicholson, the daughter of Jack Nicholson, is writing and directing the Searchlight film. Bill Pullman will star as Hugh.

See Kimberly’s post below.

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