The Ultimate List: 10 Actresses Who Defined The Playboy Magazine Legacy (And The Star Leading The 2025 Comeback)

The landscape of celebrity and media is constantly evolving, but few publications hold the cultural weight and history of *Playboy* magazine. For decades, the magazine served as a controversial yet undeniable launchpad for countless careers, particularly for actresses looking to transition from obscurity to household name status. The magazine's legacy is so potent that even in its current digital-first form, and with the highly anticipated return of a print annual edition in February 2025, the conversation around its celebrity covers remains fresh and relevant.

As of December 13, 2025, the focus has shifted from the classic "Playmate of the Month" to empowering major celebrities and entrepreneurs who use the platform to control their own narrative and image. The following list explores the most influential actresses who have graced the pages of *Playboy*, from the Golden Age of Hollywood to the modern digital era, including the star who recently fronted the magazine's newest vision.

Lori Harvey: The Modern Face of the Playboy Brand

The selection of Lori Harvey as a recent cover model for *Playboy* signifies the magazine's modern, entrepreneurial direction, moving beyond traditional acting roles to embrace multi-hyphenate celebrity status. While primarily known as a model and successful businesswoman, Harvey's profile is a perfect example of the new celebrity power *Playboy* seeks to align with.

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• Full Name: Lori Harvey
• Born: January 13, 1997
• Birthplace: Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
• Occupation: Model, Socialite, Entrepreneur, Actress
• Notable Family Connection: Stepdaughter of comedian and TV host Steve Harvey
• Career Highlights: Walked in fashion shows for Dolce & Gabbana, launched her own skincare brand, SKN by LH.
• Playboy Cover: Graced a recent cover, marking a major milestone in her career and aligning her with the magazine’s new vision of empowerment and self-ownership.

Harvey's appearance demonstrates that the magazine is now less about discovering unknown talent and more about collaborating with established figures who embody independence and business acumen. This shift is critical to understanding the *Playboy* brand in the 2020s and beyond, especially as it prepares for the return of its iconic print format.

Iconic Actresses Whose Careers Were Launched or Defined by Playboy

For many stars, a *Playboy* spread was not a career footnote, but a powerful catalyst. These actresses leveraged the platform, often controversial at the time, to transition from television or modeling into major film roles, cementing their status as cultural icons and sex symbols. This group represents the peak of the magazine’s influence during the Hugh Hefner era.

1. Pamela Anderson: The Undisputed Queen of the Covers

Pamela Anderson is arguably the actress most synonymous with the *Playboy* brand. Discovered in 1989, the *Baywatch* star holds the record for the most *Playboy* covers by any individual, appearing on the front of the magazine more than a dozen times. Her poses were instrumental in launching her acting career and defining the magazine’s aesthetic throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.

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2. Marilyn Monroe: The Original Icon

The very first issue of *Playboy* in 1953 featured Marilyn Monroe, setting the tone for the magazine's future celebrity focus. While the photos were taken earlier in her career, her appearance on the inaugural cover instantly gave the magazine credibility and a timeless Hollywood connection.

3. Lindsay Lohan: The Modern Hollywood Scandal

In 2012, actress Lindsay Lohan posed for *Playboy*, featuring a spread that famously paid homage to the original Marilyn Monroe cover. The appearance came during a tumultuous time in her career, and the high-profile feature was a major news event, demonstrating the magazine's continued ability to capture the cultural zeitgeist.

4. Drew Barrymore: The Statement of Independence

Actress Drew Barrymore posed for the magazine in 1995 at the age of 19. Her decision was seen as a bold statement of independence and rebellion, further solidifying her image as a Hollywood wild child before she transitioned into a successful producer and talk show host.

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5. Jenny McCarthy: From Playmate to Actress

Jenny McCarthy began her career as a *Playboy* Playmate in 1993 and was named Playmate of the Year in 1994. She successfully leveraged this visibility into a long career as an actress, television host, and comedian, starring in films and TV shows like *Singled Out*. She is a prime example of a model who used the platform as a direct career launchpad.

6. Denise Richards: The Bond Girl Feature

Known for her roles in films like *Wild Things* and as a Bond girl in *The World Is Not Enough*, actress Denise Richards posed for *Playboy* in 2004. Her shoot was a high-profile event that capitalized on her established sex symbol status in Hollywood.

7. Charlize Theron: The Early Career Exposure

Before becoming an Oscar-winning actress, Charlize Theron had nude photos taken in her early 20s which were later purchased and published by *Playboy* in 1999. While she initially tried to block the publication, the exposure did not halt her rise to A-list status, demonstrating the shifting power dynamics between celebrities and the magazine.

8. Carmen Electra: The Multi-Talented Star

Actress, model, and television personality Carmen Electra first appeared in *Playboy* in 1997. Like Pamela Anderson, she became a recurring favorite, appearing on the cover multiple times throughout her career, often coinciding with her roles in films and on TV shows like *Baywatch*.

9. Erika Eleniak: Another Baywatch Alumna

Erika Eleniak, another actress from the hit series *Baywatch*, was a Playmate of the Month in 1989. Her appearance helped launch her career and is often cited alongside other *Baywatch* stars who found fame through the magazine.

10. Heather Rae Young: The Reality TV Star Turned Actress

Reality star and actress Heather Rae Young (of *Selling Sunset* fame) has credited her 2010 *Playboy* centerfold appearance as the "launchpad" for her career. This highlights the magazine's continuous role in giving exposure to aspiring actresses and media personalities, even into the modern era.

The Playboy Evolution: From Hefner’s Vision to 2025

The history of actresses in *Playboy* is a mirror reflecting the changing standards of celebrity, sexuality, and media control. The magazine, founded by Hugh Hefner, initially created a new kind of celebrity: the Playmate, who often transitioned to acting.

In the 21st century, the dynamic flipped. Instead of *Playboy* creating stars, established actresses and celebrities began using the magazine as a platform to take ownership of their image, often with full creative control over the shoot. The features became less about pin-up and more about high-fashion editorial and personal narrative.

This modern approach is key to understanding the magazine's latest move: the reintroduction of an annual print edition in February 2025. This return to physical media is a strategic move to blend nostalgia with a contemporary focus on high-quality, curated content featuring powerful, independent, and multi-talented celebrities like Lori Harvey.

Whether it was the career-defining moment for a *Baywatch* actress or a statement of empowerment from a modern entrepreneur, the appearance of a celebrity in *Playboy* has always been a cultural flashpoint. The publication’s legacy as a controversial but significant platform for actresses and media personalities remains intact, promising a fresh, new chapter in 2025.