Hugh Hefner, the creator of Playboy, chose the playmates carefully! Some of them were actresses, some models, some voluptuous beauties, some TV stars. Many of them attained fame, many faded into obscurity.
Here we feature the top 10 most famous Playboy Playmates, who were famous for various reasons... some merely notorious, but famous nonetheless!
Shanna Moakler
Playmate of the Month - December 2001
A former Miss USA, Shanna Moakler became a Playmate in December 2001. She was the wife of Blink 182's Travis Barker.
Jayne Mansfield
Playmate of the Month - June 1963
Better known as a bustier version of Marilyn Monroe, February 1955 Playmate Jayne Mansfield was also considered a sex symbol in the 50s and 60s.
Dorothy Stratten
Playmate of the Month - August 1979
Dorothy Stratten, Miss August 1979 and 1980's Playmate of the Year, had a surprisingly short life since she was murdered by her husband, Paul Snider, at the tender age of 20.
Kelly Monaco
Playmate of the Month - April 1997
One of only two non-blondes on this Top 10, Kelly has the distinction of being nominated for two daytime Emmys as Samantha McCall on 'General Hospital.' She has also appeared on 'Dancing with the Stars.'
Jenny McCarthy
Playmate of the Month - June 1994
She has appeared on a number of television shows and movies where she has performed acts described as grotesque or toilet humor at best. She's now living with Jim Carrey.
Shannon Tweed
Playmate of the Month - November 1981
Shannon was known for many years for her skills as an actress in erotic thrillers for which she was obviously qualified.
Betty Page
Playmate of the Month - January 1955
This pinup starlet was known throughout the 50s and 60s for her risque and often fetishistic pictorials.
Pamela Anderson
Playmate of the Month - February 1990
One of the most famous Playmates of the last decade, she has appeared the most number of times on the cover of Playboy.
Anna Nicole Smith
Playmate of the Month - May 1992
Anna has had an extremely chequered life... somewhat like the stuff novels are made up of. She modelled for Guess and married a Texas oil billionaire, went through court cases and custody battles, weight loss and gain.... And died of an accidental drug overdose.
Marilyn Monroe
Playmate of the Month - December 1953
With marriages to the likes of Joe DiMaggio and Arthur Miller and relationships with John F. Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe was the archetypal sex symbol throughout her professional career despite her lackluster success at relationships
