Austrian construction magnate and prominent society figure Richard Lugner has died at the age of 91, just over two months after marrying his sixth wife, 42-year-old Simone Reiländer.
Lugner died on Monday, August 12, 2024, at his villa in Vienna, according to reports from Austrian media and confirmation from family sources.
His death comes shortly after he exchanged wedding vows with Reiländer at Vienna City Hall on June 1, 2024.
The marriage marked Lugner’s sixth trip down the aisle. He had previously been married to Christine Gmeiner, Cornelia Laufersweiler, Susanne Dietrich, Christina Lugner and Cathy Schmitz.
Lugner’s final marriage attracted considerable public attention because of the couple’s age difference and his long-standing status as one of Austria’s most recognisable society personalities.
Who Was Richard Lugner?
Born in Vienna in 1932, Lugner built his reputation in the construction industry before expanding into retail and entertainment.
He became particularly well known after opening Lugner City, a major shopping centre in Vienna, in 1990. The development later became an important part of his public profile and business activities.
Away from business, Lugner became a familiar face at the annual Vienna Opera Ball, where he regularly appeared with internationally recognised celebrities.
Over the years, his Opera Ball guests included Hollywood stars such as Jane Fonda, Goldie Hawn and Pamela Anderson, as well as Kim Kardashian and other international personalities.
His tradition of bringing celebrity guests to the prestigious event began in the early 1990s and helped make him a widely recognised figure beyond Austria.
In February 2024, he attended the Opera Ball with Elvis Presley’s former wife, Priscilla Presley, as his guest.
His Final Months
Lugner had experienced a number of health challenges in the months preceding his death.
Austrian broadcaster ORF reports that he had recently undergone heart surgery and had struggled to fully recover afterwards.
Despite his health difficulties, he remained active in public life and continued making appearances with his new wife.
His death was reported on August 12, with Austrian media saying he passed away at his home in Vienna’s Döbling district.
Six Marriages And Four Children
Lugner was married six times during his lifetime.
His first marriage was to Christine Gmeiner in 1961, followed by marriages to Cornelia Laufersweiler, Susanne Dietrich, Christina Lugner and Cathy Schmitz.
His marriage to Simone Reiländer in June 2024 was his final one.
He is survived by four children — Andreas, Jacqueline, Alexander and Nadine.
A Brief Political Career
Lugner also ventured into Austrian politics.
He contested the country’s presidential election as an independent candidate in 1998 and again in 2016, combining his business and media profile with an unconventional political campaign.
His political ambitions, however, never displaced his better-known roles as a businessman, television personality and prominent figure at the Vienna Opera Ball.
For decades, Lugner remained a distinctive presence in Austrian public life, moving between business, entertainment, celebrity culture and politics.
His death now brings to an end the colourful public career of a businessman whose name became closely associated with Vienna’s construction industry, Lugner City and the celebrity spectacle surrounding the city’s famous Opera Ball.
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