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Bob Guccione, the founder of Penthouse, passed away at his Texas home last night. He was 79.

Guccione became a billionaire by taking nudity to a raunchier level than his magazine’s chief rival, Playboy. In 1982, he was included on the Forbes 400 list of the wealthiest people in the world. He was also a painter.

Throughout its history, Penthouse has been involved in a number of controversies.

It published nude photos of Vanessa Williams in 1988, costing her the Miss America crown. A year later, it featured stories on the sexual exploits of televangelist Jimmy Swaggart, toppling his ministry. It also introduced the world to Tila Tequila.

Guccione is survived by his wife, April, and four children.