With the help of “Playboy,” established entertainment giants gained additional attention in the 1980s and 1990s. Whoever was lagging professionally or swimming in the front took advantage of the opportunity and also took a lot of money. It was not uncommon for a men’s magazine to entice viewers with five-issue sums. Communicated externally, however, it was always and exclusively about the “aesthetic aspect”.
While most celebrity photo spreads were analyzed after a short period of time only in the dark rooms of regular tables, the really big cover themes remained on everyone’s lips long after their appearance. Sectors had no role in this. Whether it’s movies, TV or sports: If you weren’t clueless in your professional environment, the “Playboy” debacle guarantees lasting headlines.
Katrina Witt in the same breath as Marilyn Monroe
Figure skating princess Tanja Szczewzenko, gymnastics eye candy Magdalena Brzeska, raab beater Regina Halmich and of course runner legend Katarina Witt set the biggest exclamation marks to come from the sports arena. The latter can still claim to be jointly responsible for one of the strongest “Playboy” versions ever. Before the Internet era, the magazine with Katrina Witt on the cover (1998) was the only magazine that had been distributed worldwide since 1953 with acting icon Marilyn Monroe.
Some German musicians also gained a lot of attention with their “Playboy” versions. In addition to Foxtrot star Linda Hesse, the Eurodance girls of “Mr. President” (Daniela Hawks, Judith Hildebrandt) and hit queen Michelle blew up a lot of dust with their revealing photos.
Most nudists came and still come from the TV and cinema sectors. Tina Ruland, Jenny Elvers, Mariella Ahrens and Meret Baker ensured permanent print headlines ahead of global digitization. Radost Böckel, Caroline Biel, Giulia Siegel, Kosma Shiva Hagen and Claudel Deckert gratefully took the baton and carried the “Playboy” banner shirtless and panties to the present and the future.
Wendler’s wife, Laura Muller, recently received a welcome there from a meditation summit — albeit only for a short time. Just being naked is not enough. Sooner or later you will have to put some more iron in the fire. But Michael will definitely explain this to his Laura again.
