Austrian billionaire Richard Lugner dies at 91 in Vienna villa

On Monday evening, the media reported the death of Austrian entrepreneur and billionaire Richard Lugner. In the 1960s, the businessman founded a company that initially focused on apartment renovations. Shortly thereafter, he became a significant figure in Vienna's architectural world. In 1990, he opened a shopping centre in Vienna - the famous Lugner City. He had been struggling with health issues for a long time. He passed away on 12th August 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 a prominent figure among the Austrian and Hollywood elite. The billionaire became famous for organising lavish balls at the Vienna Opera, which attracted crowds of celebrities. Over the years, he was accompanied by Kim Kardashian, Pamela Anderson, Jane Fonda, Paris Hilton, and Goldie Hawn. At last year's event, he danced with Priscilla Presley.

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

My wife wears the pants now. She should support me actively. 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.