Austrian billionaire Richard Lugner, known for his extravagant lifestyle and penchant for hosting international celebrities at the Vienna Opera Ball, has passed away at the age of 91. Lugner, who had faced several health challenges in recent months and underwent heart surgery, died peacefully at his mansion in Vienna. He leaves behind four children.
Lugner’s reputation as a socialite and construction magnate was cemented through his association with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. Over the years, his guest list at the prestigious Vienna Opera Ball included stars like Kim Kardashian, Sophia Loren, Jane Fonda, Pamela Anderson, and Goldie Hawn. These high-profile appearances made Lugner a well-known figure not just in Austria but internationally.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer expressed his condolences on social media, lauding Lugner as a “successful construction mogul” and an “Austrian original” who always remained true to himself. Lugner’s vibrant personality and unique contributions to Austrian society were celebrated in the wake of his passing.
In a twist to his storied life, Lugner had married for the sixth time just two months before his death. On June 1, he wed Simone Reilander, a 42-year-old who, according to Lugner, was to be his final spouse. “It will be the last marriage,” he declared at the time, reflecting his readiness to settle down after a lifetime of public attention.
Lugner’s lavish spending on celebrity guests became legendary. In 2014, he famously paid $500,000 to have Kim Kardashian as his date for the Vienna Opera Ball, although he later expressed frustration when she did not adhere to his planned itinerary. Previously, in 2010, he paid Lindsay Lohan $150,000 to accompany him to the same event, cementing his reputation as a man who could make headlines through his extravagant choices.
On a separate note, Kim Kardashian, a former guest of Lugner’s, has continued to dominate headlines with her personal life. After divorcing Kanye West in November 2022, she briefly dated comedian Pete Davidson before their relationship ended amicably. Kardashian has remained focused on her work and family, though sources indicate she is still open to dating, seeking someone who is “trustworthy, loyal, successful, and family-oriented.”
Kardashian’s love life continues to be a topic of public interest, with her friends reportedly encouraging her to find love again when the time is right. Despite rumors linking her to other high-profile men, including Tom Brady and Odell Beckham Jr., none of these relationships have been confirmed. As a mother of four—North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm—Kardashian’s primary focus remains her children and her thriving career.
Kim Kardashian’s journey, much like Richard Lugner’s, is marked by public scrutiny, personal trials, and a relentless pursuit of success in the face of adversity. Both have left an indelible mark on the entertainment world, each in their unique way.
