Larry Flynt

Early Life and Military Service

Larry Flynt was born in Magoffin County, Kentucky, to a father who was a bootlegger and alcoholic. His father abandoned the family when Flynt was just eleven years old. To escape his challenging home life, Flynt lied about his age and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served as a radar operator.

Early Career and Business Ventures

By his early twenties, Flynt had experienced two failed marriages and was working as a dishwasher. In 1968, his fortunes changed when he opened his first bar in Dayton, Ohio. This marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey, leading to the opening of multiple bars and strip clubs, including the famous Hustler Club.

The Creation of Hustler Magazine

In 1972, Flynt created the Hustler Newsletter to promote his clubs. As demand grew, he transformed the newsletter into the nationally distributed Hustler Magazine, known for its explicit adult content. The magazine sparked controversy and faced legal challenges but also became immensely popular.

Legal Battles and Free Speech Advocacy

Throughout his career, Flynt frequently found himself at the center of legal battles, often fighting criminal charges and lawsuits related to the explicit content in his magazine. He became a staunch defender of the First Amendment, standing up for free speech rights in various court cases.

Assassination Attempt and Personal Struggles

In 1978, Flynt’s life took a devastating turn when he was shot by white supremacist Joseph Paul Franklin. The attack left him paralyzed from the waist down, and Flynt spent the rest of his life in a wheelchair. His personal life was marked by multiple marriages and controversies.

Building a Media Empire

In addition to Hustler Magazine, Flynt founded Larry Flynt Publications (LFP), which managed a range of magazines and ventured into adult film production through Hustler Video. Flynt also expanded his business empire to include the Hustler Casino and the Hustler Hollywood Store.

Death and Legacy

Larry Flynt passed away in 2021 due to heart failure. Despite the controversies that surrounded his career, he left a lasting legacy as a media mogul, a staunch advocate for free speech, and a key figure in the adult entertainment industry.