Austrian Billionaire Richard Lugner Dies at 91, 2 Months After 6th Marriage

Photo : X / @karlnehammer

Richard Lugner, the Austrian billionaire renowned for his extravagant lifestyle and connections with celebrities, has passed away at the age of 91. Lugner died at his villa in Vienna on Monday, just two months after marrying his sixth wife, Simone Reilander. Despite efforts by emergency services, they were unable to revive him.

Lugner was a notable figure in Austria, having amassed his fortune through successful ventures in construction and real estate. His larger-than-life personality and celebrity connections made him a prominent figure in society. Lugner was well-known for bringing high-profile stars such as Kim Kardashian and Pamela Anderson to the Vienna Opera Ball, a tradition he cherished and used to bolster his public profile.

In recent months, Lugner had been facing various health issues and had undergone surgery. Nonetheless, he made a notable appearance at the Vienna Opera Ball in February, attending with Priscilla Presley, the ex-wife of Elvis Presley. His presence there was a testament to his enduring passion for high society and celebrity culture.

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Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer paid tribute to Lugner on X, stating, "Richard Lugner was a successful entrepreneur and a dazzling personality. An Austrian original who never lost his way. May he rest in peace!"

Lugner’s legacy includes the iconic Lugner City shopping center in Vienna, which he established in 1990. The shopping center honored him with a heartfelt message on Facebook, describing him as "our mortar and above all our beloved boss."

Beyond his business endeavors, Lugner also had political aspirations. He ran twice for the Austrian presidency as an independent candidate, in 1998 and again in 2016.

His recent marriage to Simone Reilander, 42, was an intimate ceremony held at Vienna City Hall on June 1. Lugner had declared at the time, "It will be the last marriage," reflecting his hopes for stability in his final years.

Previously, Lugner was married to Christine Gmeiner (1961-1978), Cornelia Laufersweiler (1979-1983), Susanne Dietrich (1984-1989), Christina Lugner (1990-2007), and Playboy model and actress Cathy Schmitz (2014-2016). He leaves behind four children from his previous marriages.