Richard Lugner, a prominent Austrian entrepreneur, socialite, and media personality, passed away on August 12, 2024, at the age of 91 in his villa in Döbling, Vienna. Known affectionately as ‘Mörtel’ (mortar), Lugner had been struggling with health issues in recent months, including spinal problems and a heart valve operation in July.Lugner rose to fame as a construction entrepreneur in the 1960s, revitalizing old buildings in Vienna and founding the Lugner Bau- und Immobiliengesellschaft in 1962. His most notable achievement was the Lugner City shopping center, opened in 1990, which became a hub for his business ventures and celebrity connections.He gained international recognition for his annual appearances at the Vienna Opera Ball, where he would escort famous guests such as Pamela Anderson, Jane Fonda, Paris Hilton, and Priscilla Presley. Lugner was also known for his political ambitions, running for the Austrian presidency twice, in 1998 and 2016, receiving 9.91% and 2.26% of the votes respectively.His personal life was equally colorful, with six marriages and three children. His last marriage was to Simone Reiländer, 42, whom he wed just months before his passing. Lugner was known for giving his partners animal nicknames, with Simone being called ‘Bienchen’ (little bee).Despite his sometimes controversial public persona, Lugner was remembered fondly by many. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer tweeted, ‘He was a successful entrepreneur and a colorful personality. An Austrian original who never bent. May he rest in peace!’.Lugner had prepared for his passing, having arranged his funeral and even ordered his own tombstone. He will be laid to rest at the Grinzinger Friedhof, as per his wishes.
Key points
- Richard Lugner, prominent Austrian entrepreneur and socialite, died at 91 on August 12, 2024.
- Lugner was known for his Lugner City shopping center and annual appearances at the Vienna Opera Ball with celebrity guests.
- He ran for Austrian presidency twice and was married six times, with his last marriage occurring months before his death.
- Lugner had prepared for his passing, arranging his funeral and ordering his own tombstone.
