Richard Lugner, the Austrian billionaire known for his colorful personality and extravagant lifestyle, passed away at the age of 91, just two months after marrying his sixth wife, 42-year-old Simone Reiländer. Lugner’s life was a mix of business acumen, public spectacle, and a love for the limelight, making him a household name in Austria and beyond.
Born in Vienna on October 11, 1932, Lugner’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident from a young age. He rose to prominence by founding Lugner City, the seventh-largest shopping center in Austria, in 1990. This was just one of the many achievements that would define his career. Another significant project was the construction of the Vienna Islamic Centre, Austria’s first and largest mosque, showcasing his ability to see opportunities where others did not.
Lugner wasn’t just a businessman; he was a showman. He became a fixture at Vienna’s famous Opera Ball, bringing in international stars like Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, Jane Fonda, and Pamela Anderson, much to the delight of the press and public. His flamboyant lifestyle and penchant for attracting Hollywood celebrities turned the Opera Ball into an event watched closely by tabloids around the world.
His personal life was just as headline-grabbing as his business ventures. Lugner married six times, with his most recent wedding to Reiländer occurring just this past June. Despite their nearly 50-year age difference, the couple seemed to share a deep connection. Reiländer, speaking to Austrian media earlier this year, described Lugner as “everything she wanted in a man.” She admired him as a successful figure to look up to—a sentiment that echoes the traditional values of respecting one’s elders and appreciating hard-earned success.
However, Lugner’s health had been in decline even before his latest nuptials. Following his wedding, he was hospitalized with back pain, which he attributed to his exercise bike. His condition worsened over the summer, leading to a ruptured heart valve that required treatment at the Vienna General Hospital. Despite his failing health, Lugner faced his mortality with the same meticulous planning that characterized his business dealings. He made his funeral arrangements and even ordered his tombstone in advance, ensuring that his affairs were in order for his heirs.
In a statement shared by the Lugner City shopping center, his employees expressed their deep sorrow at the loss of their “beloved boss,” calling him the “mortar” that held everything together. The sentiment reflects the deep respect and admiration that many Austrians had for Lugner, despite the controversies that often surrounded him.
Lugner’s legacy will be remembered as a blend of business success, showmanship, and an unapologetic embrace of the high life. He leaves behind four children from his various marriages and relationships, ensuring that the Lugner name will continue in both business and Austrian society. His widow, Simone, whom he had entrusted with his business operations, now carries the torch as the “sole boss” of his empire.
As Austria bids farewell to one of its most enigmatic figures, Richard Lugner’s life story serves as a reminder of the importance of ambition, resilience, and the ability to live life on one’s own terms.
