Health Update on Hugh Hefner Ahead of His 91st Birthday

Last year, Playboy founder Hugh Hefner was battling rumors about his health, but it appears he's doing better these days.

In September, Page Six reported that Hefner was not doing well. A source said, "He looks like he is down to around 90 pounds and super sick. His people are really trying to keep this under wraps. You even have to sign a confidentiality agreement to go up to see him.”

At the time, his reps shut down the rumors, insisting, "Hugh Hefner is fine. It is no secret that over the past few years he has suffered with back pain that has made it a bit more challenging for him to get around, but at 90 years of age he is enjoying his life and still very involved in the day-to-day activities of editing the magazine.”

Earlier this week, his son Cooper gave an update on his dad's health, telling E! News, "He's doing fine. My dad has always made the joke that if the mansion was your house, why would you want to leave?”

Cooper went on, "I think because he has stepped back from the day-to-day operations of the business, people have thought that his health was not very good. The reality is he has a really bad back — that happens when you're 90 — and he is enjoying life at the mansion.”

Days before he celebrates his 91st birthday on Sunday, Hugh spent time with Matt Whelan, who plays him in Amazon's "American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story.” Matt shared about meeting the sexual icon, "He was a gentleman, very charming and friendly. I remember mentioning how much I enjoyed stepping into his shoes for the five-and-a-half weeks we shot 'American Playboy,' and he said, with a big smile on his face, 'Yeah, I bet. I've enjoyed the last 90 years living it.'"