The January 1969 issue of Playboy introduces Connie Kreski as the Playmate of the Year (PMOY), succeeding Paige Young, a Playmate of the Month (PMOM). The PMOY title, akin to a prestigious beauty contest award, offers enhanced public exposure and career opportunities. Kreski had been an actress and dated several prominent figures, including Roman Polanski and James Caan. Her life ended prematurely in 1995 due to cirrhosis of the liver, raising questions about her struggles despite initial success. Connie’s story intertwines with notable 1960s pop culture events, including the Manson family murders.
In November 1968, Paige Young was featured as Playboy Magazine’s Playmate of the Month amidst growing anti-Vietnam War sentiment on college campuses. Playboy donated issues to troops in Vietnam, where centerfolds like Young’s became popular. 1968 also witnessed the tragic assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy, events that spurred nationwide unrest. Despite her temporary fame, Young aspired to be a painter, struggling financially but relishing her creative independence, often appearing in media as a promotional ambassador for Playboy throughout 1969.