Austrian billionaire Richard Lugner dies at 91 in Vienna

Media have circulated information about the death of Richard Lugner. The Austrian entrepreneur and celebrity favourite passed away at 91 in his Vienna villa.

On Monday evening, media circulated the information about the death of Austrian entrepreneur and billionaire, Richard Lugner. In the '60s, the businessman founded a company that initially specialized in apartment renovations. Shortly afterward, he became an important figure in the world of Viennese architecture. In 1990, he opened a shopping centre in Vienna - the famous Lugner City. He had been struggling with health problems for a long time. He passed away on August 12 at the age of 91 in his Vienna villa. The sad news was confirmed by the press agency Agence France-Presse.

In addition to running businesses in the construction sector, Richard Lugner was also a significant figure among Austrian and Hollywood social elites. The billionaire gained fame through organizing lavish balls at the Vienna State Opera, which attracted crowds of celebrities. Over several years, among those who partied by his side were Kim Kardashian, Pamela Anderson, Jane Fonda, Paris Hilton, and Goldie Hawn. At last year's event, he also partied with Priscilla Presley.

Along with success, fortune, and glamour, there was a rather tumultuous private life. Richard Lugner walked down the aisle six times - the last time on June 1 of this year. The billionaire married 42-year-old Simone Reiländer. Local media reported that during the ceremony, he said that this was his "last wedding." Previously, the businessman pledged fidelity and marital honesty to Christine Gmeiner (their marriage lasted from 1961-1978), Cornelia Laufersweiler (1979-1983), Susanne Dietrich (1984-1989), Christine Lugner (1990-2007), and Playboy model and actress Cathy Schmitz (2014-2016). The billionaire had four children: Jacqueline, Nadine, Alexandra, and Andreas.

My wife now wears the pants. She should actively support me. From now on, we will share my work. (...) At some point, when I am no longer here, she will be the sole boss - he said about his sixth wife just a week before his death.