Austrian billionaire Richard Lugner, aged 91, has died, marking the end of a life filled with extraordinary wealth, high-profile romances, and opulent living.
At a Glance
- Austrian entrepreneur and billionaire Richard Lugner has passed away at the age of 91.
- Lugner was known for hosting celebrities at the Vienna Opera Ball, including Kim Kardashian and Jane Fonda.
- He died at his villa in Vienna after battling health issues and undergoing surgery.
- Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer praised Lugner as a “successful entrepreneur and a dazzling personality.”
A Life of Wealth and Celebrity
Renowned Austrian billionaire Richard Lugner, aged 91, passed away in Vienna, Austria. Known for his immense wealth and lavish lifestyle, Lugner was a mainstay in tabloids, thanks to his romantic entanglements with many high-profile celebrities. He hosted celebrities at the Vienna Opera Ball, including Kim Kardashian, Jane Fonda, Pamela Anderson, and Goldie Hawn, turning the event into a spectacle of glamor and opulence.
Lugner tied the knot for the sixth time two months ago with Simone Reiländer. Shortly after their wedding, he experienced health complications, including back pain and a ruptured heart valve, ultimately leading to his death. The billionaire had planned his funeral arrangements and ordered his tombstone following his health scare.
Austrian billionaire Richard Lugner dead at 91, two months after marrying sixth wife https://t.co/lEH0ooaQkJ pic.twitter.com/UbVLQTkmIB
— Page Six (@PageSix) August 12, 2024
High-Profile Romances and Lavish Lifestyle
Lugner’s extravagant way of life and romantic liaisons made him a beloved figure in both national and international media. He established traditions like paying international celebrities to accompany him to high-society events, further cementing his image as a man who lived life large. His first celebrity guest was Harry Belafonte, and he continued to host a slew of stars like Pamela Anderson, Jane Fonda, and Priscilla Presley.
“A successful entrepreneur and a dazzling personality,” Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said, paying tribute to Lugner’s contributions in both business and culture. Lugner made two independent attempts to become president of Austria, highlighting his influence and ambition beyond the business world.
Richard Lugner dies two months after marrying 42-year-old bride — his 6th wife
Austrian billionaire and entrepreneur known as the don of the Vienna Opera Ball who squired A-listers like Goldie Hawn, Jane Fonda, Kim Kardashian and Priscilla Presley, was 91https://t.co/uvUPXkP3Cc
— New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) August 13, 2024
A Legacy Mocked by Health Issues and Final Arrangements
Lugner dealt with a series of health issues, including prostate cancer in 2016 and skin cancer in 2020. Despite these challenges, he continued to build his business empire, including the Lugner City shopping complex he established in 1990. This towering figure of Austrian high society leaves behind four children from previous marriages, all of whom are set to manage his extensive foundation, which includes real estate, money, and investments.
Lugner’s death also resulted in a dispute among the heirs, with his four children at odds with his sixth wife over the inheritance. Nevertheless, Simone Reiländer has taken over his business operations, becoming the “sole boss” of his empire. She has been granted the right to live in Lugner’s Doeblinger mansion until her death, after which his children will gain access.
Austrian billionaire Richard Lugner dead at the age of 91 https://t.co/9hpEFawOLR pic.twitter.com/zoXJj9x2V4
— Toronto Sun (@TheTorontoSun) August 14, 2024
Richard Lugner will be remembered as one of the most colorful figures at the intersection of wealth and celebrity. His life, filled with opulence and high-profile romances, leaves an indelible mark on Austria’s cultural landscape. The legacy he leaves behind is complicated, fascinating, and forever etched into the annals of both business and entertainment.
Hamburg, Vienna, and Lagos—not to mention major media outlets worldwide—mourn the passing of a true icon. One can only imagine what stories and legends will surface as his multifaceted life continues to be explored by journalists, biographers, and enthusiasts of high society.
Sources
1. Richard Lugner — Austrian billionaire who paid A-listers to be arm candy — dead at 91
