Think of a woman who could light up a room with her smile, command attention with her figure, and then leave you speechless with her intellect. That’s Marilyn Cole. She wasn’t just another pretty face from the glossy pages of Pl*yboy—she was a pioneer. From Portsmouth’s modest streets to global fame, from magazine centerfolds to chess commentary and boxing journalism, Marilyn’s life is a remarkable story of fearless reinvention.

Portsmouth Roots and the Leap to London
Born on May 7, 1949, in Portsmouth, England, Marilyn grew up in a working-class family. Her early years were filled with the ordinary rhythm of seaside living, school, and clerical jobs at the Post Office and Portsmouth Co-op. But beneath the routine, Marilyn carried a deep hunger for something more—adventure, glamour, and independence.

That chance came in 1970 when she auditioned to become a Pl*yboy Bunny at the newly opened London Pl*yboy Club. At just 21, she slipped into the iconic corset, cuffs, and ears, stepping into a world far removed from her coastal hometown. From local clerk to hostess in one of London’s most exclusive venues, she had officially begun her transformation.

Video : Pl*yboy Pl*ymates of the Year Part 282/Music

Pl*yboy Fame: A Groundbreaking Moment
Marilyn Cole’s true breakthrough came in January 1972, when she appeared as Pl*yboy’s Pl*ymate of the Month. Her photoshoot, captured by Alexas Urba, made history as the magazine’s first full-frontal centerfold. For some, it was shocking; for others, liberating. Either way, Marilyn’s confidence and grace defined the moment.

The following year, she achieved another milestone—becoming Pl*ymate of the Year in 1973, the first and only British woman to hold the title. Hugh Hefner himself presented her with a $5,000 prize and a sleek pink Volvo, marking her status as an international icon. Around the same time, her beauty was immortalized on the cover of Roxy Music’s 1973 album Stranded, fusing her image with the cultural energy of the decade.

From Bunny to Screen Presence

Marilyn didn’t stop at modeling. She made appearances in television shows and even films, including a role in The Stud (1978) alongside Joan Collins. While she never pursued a full-fledged Hollywood career, her screen presence proved magnetic. Every appearance reinforced the idea that she was more than a pin-up—she was a woman who carried charisma into every room she entered.

A Love Story with Victor Lownes

Behind the glamorous headlines, Marilyn found love with Victor Lownes, the charismatic executive who ran Pl*yboy’s London operations. Despite their age gap, the two shared an enduring bond built on passion, loyalty, and shared adventures. They married in 1984, and Marilyn remained his partner until his passing in 2017. Their life together was one of extravagance, travel, and enduring affection—a love story that grounded her through decades of public attention.

Reinvention: From Pl*ymate to Journalist

What sets Marilyn Cole apart from many of her contemporaries is her bold reinvention. Rather than clinging to the image of her Pl*ymate years, she stepped into an entirely different arena—journalism.

In the 1990s, Marilyn began writing about chess for the British Chess Magazine. Her coverage was sharp, witty, and respected, offering insights into strategy and personalities in a field often dominated by men. She followed this success with reporting on boxing, bringing the same keen eye for detail and story to ringside events.

To Marilyn, chess and boxing were linked—two worlds of strategy, competition, and raw human drive. Her writing was not only well-received but also groundbreaking, proving that a woman known for beauty could also excel in intellectual and analytical spaces.

Life Today: Balance and Legacy

Now in her seventies, Marilyn Cole continues to thrive. Based in London, she balances her writing with personal passions, including yoga, travel, and mentoring young writers. She speaks openly about her past, embracing it without apology, and continues to embody the confidence that first made her famous.

Video : Marilyn Lange, Lillian Müller

Despite personal losses and public scrutiny, Marilyn remains a symbol of resilience. She has taken each chapter of her life—Pl*yboy fame, entertainment, love, and journalism—and turned it into a platform for growth and self-definition.

The Lasting Impact of Marilyn Cole

Marilyn Cole’s story isn’t just about nostalgia or glamour—it’s about reinvention. She proved that a woman could be a Pl*ymate and a respected journalist, that beauty and intellect aren’t opposites but powerful allies. She blazed a trail that showed how one identity doesn’t have to define a lifetime.

Her journey—from Portsmouth to Pl*yboy, from a cultural muse to a thoughtful writer—reminds us that the power to redefine yourself is always within reach. Marilyn Cole lived boldly, thought sharply, and loved deeply, and in doing so, became timeless.

Conclusion

Marilyn Cole is more than a figure in history’s glossy pages—she’s a masterclass in transformation. She shattered expectations, embraced reinvention, and proved that true power lies in the courage to evolve. Her legacy is a reminder that beauty fades, but confidence, curiosity, and the will to grow create a brilliance that never dims.