Richard Lugner, an Austrian construction billionaire and socialite who made headlines by bringing the world’s VIPs to Vienna’s legendary Opera Ball, has died at the age of 91, according to local media citing family sources. Lugner, a successful construction mogul, died in his Viennese mansion on Monday, according to Austrian media.
Conservative Chancellor Karl Nehammer described him as a “vibrant Austrian original” who remained true to himself. Lugner married Simone Reiländer, 42, for the sixth time at Vienna City Hall on June 1, just months before his death.
Lugner, who was born in Vienna on October 11, 1932, swiftly rose to prominence in the construction industry by focussing on small-scale projects during the 1960s building boom, according to the APA news agency.
In 1975, Lugner was commissioned to build the Vienna Islamic Centre, Austria’s first and largest mosque. More than a decade later, he built his eponymous “Lugner City” shopping centre.
The eccentric 91-year-old was an integral part of Vienna’s high society, with Lugner frequently dominating the headlines, including criticism over his sexist comments. Lugner was a fan of the limelight, inviting the world’s celebrities.
Lugner has previously hosted celebrities such as Sophia Loren, Pamela Anderson, Paris Hilton, and Kim Kardashian. He previously married 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).
