734+ Women: The Complete History And Modern Evolution Of All Playboy Centerfolds (2024 Update)

The Playboy Centerfold is one of the most recognizable cultural artifacts of the 20th century, a symbol that transcended mere magazine pages to define an era of American pop culture. As of the current date, December 13, 2025, the legacy of the Playmate of the Month (PMOTM) continues to evolve, moving from the iconic three-page gatefold in the print magazine to the dynamic, creator-focused world of digital platforms.

The total number of women featured as a monthly centerfold, or Playmate of the Month, now exceeds 734 since the magazine’s debut in 1953, creating a vast and often controversial history. This article delves into the complete story, highlighting the most iconic figures, the dramatic end of the traditional nude print era, and the surprising new direction the "Centerfold" concept has taken in 2024 and beyond.

The Legacy of the Centerfold: A Historical Snapshot (1953-2016)

The concept of the monthly centerfold was the cornerstone of Hugh Hefner's vision for Playboy magazine, starting with its very first issue. The inaugural "Sweetheart of the Month" was none other than the legendary Marilyn Monroe, whose calendar shots were purchased and used by Hefner to launch his empire in December 1953. This set the precedent for the Playmate of the Month (PMOTM), a title that would become a global benchmark for glamour and celebrity.

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The models were not just pin-ups; they were carefully selected and often provided biographical details, creating a narrative that made them seem more accessible and aspirational. The fold-out "gatefold" itself became a collector's item, a feature that appeared in every issue for over six decades. The sheer volume of models is staggering, with over 700 women earning the title of Playmate of the Month, many of whom went on to achieve significant fame in acting, modeling, and television.

The most prestigious title, the Playmate of the Year (PMOTY), was first officially awarded in 1960 to Ellen Stratton. This distinction came with a significant prize package and cemented the winner's place in popular culture. Notable PMOTY winners include Liv Lindeland (1972), Patti McGuire (1977), Shannon Tweed (1981), and Renee Tenison (1989), who was the first Black woman to receive the coveted title.

The Final Fold: The End of the Print Era (2016-2020)

The traditional centerfold era faced its most significant challenge in the mid-2010s. In a move that shocked the publishing world, Playboy announced in 2015 that it would cease publishing fully nude photographs in its print edition, beginning with the March 2016 issue. This decision was largely driven by the ubiquity of nudity on the internet and a desire to update the brand for a new generation. The first non-nude Playmate was Dree Hemingway, the great-granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway.

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However, the experiment was short-lived. Following Hugh Hefner's death and a change in editorial direction, Playboy reversed its decision. The magazine announced its return to full nudity in 2017, with the March/April 2017 issue featuring Playmate Elizabeth Elam. The ultimate end of the print centerfold came in 2020 when Playboy announced it would cease regular print publication due to the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing entirely on its digital presence.

The final nude centerfold in the print magazine was an icon who had graced the cover more than any other: Pamela Anderson. Her 2016 pictorial was intended to be the last nude feature before the initial shift, making her the symbolic bookend to the magazine’s 63-year tradition of nude photography. She holds the record for the most Playboy covers of all time, appearing 13 times.

From Print to Platform: The New Digital 'Centerfolds' (2024 Update)

The concept of the "Centerfold" has not died; it has merely migrated and evolved. The most significant development in the modern era is the launch of the Playboy Centerfold platform, a direct rival to other subscription-based content services like OnlyFans. This shift transforms models from static magazine subjects into independent creators and influencers.

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In this new digital ecosystem, the title of Playmate of the Month (PMOTM) and "Playboy All Star of the Month" continues to be an honor, but it is now awarded to creators on the platform. The focus is on offering "elevated, safe and exclusive" content, with models retaining more control over their own brand and revenue. This move to a digital-first, creator-economy model ensures the legacy continues, albeit in a radically different format.

While the Playmate of the Year (PMOTY) title saw a hiatus from 2021 to 2024, the brand continues to celebrate its modern stars. Names like Eva Elfie and Jennie Rose have been recognized in recent "Playboy All Star" announcements, showcasing the brand's pivot to recognizing talent within the digital sphere. Creators like Lexi Luna have also been featured prominently on the Centerfold platform, demonstrating the new direction of the brand's talent acquisition.

The Pantheon of Playmates: Most Iconic Figures

To truly appreciate the scope of the centerfold’s history, one must look at the women who became cultural phenomena. These figures represent the enduring power of the Playmate title and contribute significantly to the brand’s topical authority:

• Marilyn Monroe: The original "Sweetheart," her appearance in the first issue launched the magazine and her own icon status.
• Pamela Anderson: Holding the record for the most covers, she is inextricably linked to the brand's 90s and 2000s peak, and the final nude centerfold.
• Anna Nicole Smith (Vickie Marshall): Playmate of the Year 1993, her rags-to-riches story and subsequent tabloid fame made her one of the most recognizable Playmates globally.
• Jenny McCarthy: Playmate of the Month in October 1993 and PMOTY 1994, she successfully leveraged her Playmate status into a major television and acting career.
• Shannon Tweed: Playmate of the Month in November 1981 and PMOTY 1982, she transitioned into a successful career as an actress and model.
• Sara Jean Underwood: Playmate of the Month in July 2006 and PMOTY 2007, she represents the transition era, becoming a major internet personality and social media influencer.
• Kimberley Conrad: Playmate of the Year 1989 and Hugh Hefner's second wife, she is a key figure in the history of the Playboy Mansion.
• Carmen Electra: A frequent model and celebrity guest, her association with the brand cemented her status as a pop culture sex symbol.
• Holly Madison, Kendra Wilkinson, and Bridget Marquardt: While primarily known as Hugh Hefner's girlfriends and stars of the reality show *The Girls Next Door*, their constant presence at the Playboy Mansion and frequent appearances in the magazine make them integral entities in the brand's history.

The impact of these women extends far beyond the magazine's pages. They became actresses, entrepreneurs, activists, and media personalities, demonstrating that the title of Playmate was often a launchpad for a much larger career. The legacy of "all the Playboy centerfolds" is not just a collection of photographs, but a chronicle of evolving beauty standards, media trends, and cultural liberation since the 1950s.

In conclusion, the centerfold has undergone a complete metamorphosis, moving from a physical, controversial print icon to a decentralized, digital content platform. While the era of the physical, nude centerfold is over, the spirit of the Playmate—celebrating female form and self-expression—continues to thrive in the modern, creator-driven digital landscape of 2024.