THE HISTORY OF HUSTLER

The HUSTLER Timeline

“Once I began following my own instincts, I became a millionaire. And that, I think, is a key secret to every person’s success, be they male or female, banker or pornographer: Trust your gut.”

– Larry Flynt

In the summer of 1974, a cultural seismic shift occurred that would forever alter the landscape of American adult entertainment. It was the birth of Hustler Magazine, a publication that would boldly and unapologetically push the boundaries of free speech, eroticism, and social commentary. From its humble beginnings as a newsletter to its evolution into a sprawling empire encompassing casinos, retail stores, and streaming TV stations, the story of Hustler is a tale of audacity, controversy, and societal influence that spans nearly five decades.

The Timeline

1945
1945
1945

Larry Flynt, age 3

With mother Edith Arnett. Larry Flynt was born on November 1, 1942, in Lakeville, Kentucky.

1960-1964
1960-1964
1960-1964

In Service

Larry Flynt with radiomen aboard the USS Enterprise.

1967
1967

HUSTLER is Born

Larry Flynt stands in front of the first HUSTLER Club, in Dayton, Ohio. He follows its success with clubs in Akron, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo.

1972
1972
1972

The Newsletter

Larry Flynt creates the first HUSTLER Newsletter, a simple four page, black-and-white publication dedicated to providing information about his clubs. Pete Rose is featured on the September 1973 cover of The HUSTLER, Official Publication of Mini Clubs of America.

1974
1974
1974

HUSTLER Magazine is Born

The first issue of HUSTLER Magazine is published in July.

1976
1976
1976

Publication Company Established

Larry Flynt Publications (LFP) is established, along with a variety of new adult entertainment magazines.

1977
1977
1977

Pretty in Pink

Larry Flynt’s Westwind 1124, painted Centerfold Pink.

1979
1978
1978

LFP Relocates to L.A.

Larry Flynt relocates LFP from Columbus, Ohio, to 2049 Century Park East, Century Plaza South Tower, Los Angeles, California.

1983
1983
1983

Falwell “Interview”

Larry Flynt Publishes a parody ad in HUSTLER Magazine targeting Jerry Falwell, a prominent Christian televangelist and fundamentalist.

1987
1987
1987

SCOTUS Supports Flynt

Larry Flynt talks to the press at the United States Supreme Court after a hearing on Hustler Magazine, Inc. v. Falwell, 485 U.S. 46. The Justices ruled for Flynt in a unanimous decision.

1995
1995
1995

HUSTLER TV is Born

HUSTLER TV, is born and available through satellite, video, on demand and digital cable in America. HUSTLER TV Canada, Europe and Blue HUSTLER soon follow.

1996
1996

The People Vs. Larry Flynt

The People vs. Larry Flynt is released to critical acclaim, garnering nominations for Woody Harrelson as Best Actor and Milos Forman for Best Director at both the 54th Golden Globe Awards and the 69th Academy Awards. Forman won the Golden Globe for Best Director.

1998
1998
1998

Tying the Knot

Larry Flynt and Elizabeth Berrios are married.

1998
1998

HUSTLER Hollywood

The first HUSTLER Hollywood store opens on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, California.

1998
1998
1998

Reward Offer Works

Larry Flynt famously offers a $1 million reward in The Washington Post. Flynt’s offer leads to the resignation of incoming House Speaker Bob Livingston.

1999
1999

The Oxford Union

Larry Flynt speaks at The Oxford Union.

2000
2000
2000

HUSTLER Casino

The HUSTLER Casino opens in Gardena, California.

2003
2003
2003

Flying in Class

Larry Flynt’s Gulfstream 4

2003
2003
2003

Larry for Governor

Larry Flynt runs for Governor of California

2006
2006

The Ex-Presidents

Larry Flynt with President Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton

2008
2008
2008

Happy Holidays

Larry and Liz Flynt with their pet Schnauzers Corky, Coco and Skippy for the annual holiday photo.

2011
2011
2011

Larry King Interview

Larry Flynt is interviewed by Larry King, promoting his book One Nation Under Sex, cowritten with David Eisenbach.

2014
2014
2014

Buscemi Shoes

Buscemi Shoes posts their first billboard ads, featuring HUSTLER Magazine founder Larry Flynt.

2016
2016
2016

Lucky Lady Casino Opens

Larry Flynt opens Larry Flynt’s Lucky Lady Casino in Gardena, California.

2017
2017
2017

Impeach Trump!

Larry Flynt offers a $10 million reward for any evidence that would lead to the impeachment of President Donald Trump.

2020
2020
2020

Flying High

Larry Flynt’s Gulfstream G550.

2021
2021
2021

Final Resting Place

Larry Flynt’s final resting place in the Great Mausoleum at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.

2022
2022
2022

Anniversary Issue

HUSTLER Magazine Anniversary Issue.