Austrian billionaire Richard Lugner was known for living a life as grand as the empire he built. From his rise as a construction tycoon to becoming a staple of Vienna’s high society, his name was never far from the headlines. But while his lavish lifestyle and celebrity-filled events captivated the public, it was his personal life—especially his whirlwind marriage to Simone Reilaender, 49 years his junior—that left many intrigued. Just weeks after saying “I do,” Lugner passed away at 91, leaving Simone to share a deeply emotional tribute to the man she called “the dream of her life.” Who was this enigmatic figure behind the glitz and glamour, and what made his final love story so captivating?
Richard Lugner’s Life and Legacy
Richard Lugner, a man who built both an empire and a reputation as one of Austria’s most eccentric figures, left behind a legacy that is hard to overlook. Born in Vienna in 1932, Lugner made his fortune in construction, initially focusing on smaller projects during the post-war building boom of the 1960s. His big breakthrough came in 1975 when he was commissioned to build Austria’s largest mosque, the Vienna Islamic Centre. This project cemented his place as a key player in the construction industry and laid the foundation for his success.
Lugner’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there. In 1990, he opened the Lugner City shopping center in Vienna, which quickly became one of the country’s largest and most popular retail complexes. His name soon became synonymous with both luxury and extravagance, as his business ventures flourished and he transitioned into a prominent socialite.
However, it wasn’t just Lugner’s business acumen that captivated the public. His flair for entertainment and passion for high society led him to host some of the world’s most famous celebrities at the prestigious Vienna Opera Ball, beginning in 1992. Over the years, he was seen arm-in-arm with A-listers like Kim Kardashian, Jane Fonda, and Goldie Hawn, offering them lucrative payments to attend the glamorous event. His connections with these stars became a hallmark of his public persona, earning him both admiration and controversy.
Despite his larger-than-life image, Lugner was also known for his willingness to speak his mind, often making headlines for his blunt remarks and bold opinions. Whether it was his outspoken political views or his controversial comments, Lugner’s public appearances kept him in the spotlight until his final days. His legacy, marked by both business successes and a taste for the extraordinary, is a testament to his unique place in Austrian history.
A Complex Personal Life
Richard Lugner’s personal life was as colorful and eventful as his public persona. Over the decades, his romantic relationships became a topic of constant public interest, often landing him in the headlines. Lugner was married six times, and each marriage carried its own unique story and challenges. His first marriage to Christine Gmeiner, which lasted from 1961 to 1978, produced two sons, Alexander and Andreas. Subsequent marriages included Cornelia Laufersweiler, Susanne Dietrich, and Christina Lugner, with the latter spanning from 1990 to 2007 and producing his daughter, Jacqueline.
The most high-profile of his relationships was with Cathy Schmitz, a former Playboy model nearly 60 years his junior, whom he married in 2014. The marriage, though brief, received significant media attention due to their age difference. Despite the publicity, it ended in divorce just two years later.
Lugner’s final marriage was to 42-year-old Simone Reiländer in June 2024. Just weeks after their nuptials, Lugner passed away, leaving Reiländer to mourn publicly. In an emotional tribute shared on Instagram, she described him as “the dream of her life,” reflecting on the deep connection they shared despite their nearly 50-year age gap. “And when I saw you shine from the sight of me, I knew I was yours too,” she wrote, capturing the affection that defined their brief time together.
Simone herself had previously spoken about what drew her to Lugner, expressing admiration for his success and the stability he represented. “Men like that are very rare at a younger age these days,” she noted in a prior interview, highlighting the qualities that made her fall for him.
Lugner’s relationships were often marked by public scrutiny and speculation, but they also underscored his lifelong search for companionship. Even in his later years, he remained unapologetically committed to living life on his own terms, whether that meant pursuing another marriage or maintaining his public presence at events like the Vienna Opera Ball. His complex love life, filled with both triumphs and heartbreaks, was a defining feature of his legacy.
The Final Years and Health Struggles
In his final years, Richard Lugner faced numerous health challenges, which ultimately contributed to his passing at age 91. Despite his age, the Austrian entrepreneur remained active and continued to attend public events. However, behind the scenes, Lugner was dealing with serious medical issues. In July 2024, he underwent surgery for a ruptured heart valve at Vienna’s General Hospital. This procedure was just the latest in a series of health complications he faced over the years, including previous battles with prostate and skin cancer.
Lugner’s health had been steadily declining since 2016 when he first revealed his diagnosis of prostate cancer, which he managed to overcome after months of radiotherapy. He was later diagnosed with skin cancer in 2020, and the condition resurfaced in 2021, leading to more surgeries. By mid-2024, it became clear that his health was deteriorating rapidly, as he was frequently admitted to the hospital.
Lugner, known for planning every detail meticulously, had already arranged his own funeral long before his passing. He even selected the location of his tombstone, ensuring that his heirs would know exactly how he wished to be laid to rest. On August 12, 2024, Lugner passed away peacefully in his sleep at his villa in Vienna, marking the end of a life filled with both triumphs and controversies. His widow, Simone Reiländer, paid tribute to him with a heartfelt message, capturing the deep connection they shared in their brief marriage.
These final years were a testament to Lugner’s resilience and determination to remain active and relevant, even as his health declined. His legacy continues to live on through his contributions to Vienna’s cultural scene and his indomitable spirit.
Key Lessons from Richard Lugner’s Life
Richard Lugner’s life was marked by a series of bold decisions, calculated risks, and an unyielding desire to leave a lasting impact. Here are some key lessons that can be drawn from his journey:
1. Embrace Risk: Lugner’s career in construction and business was built on his willingness to take calculated risks. Whether it was constructing Austria’s first mosque in Vienna or launching the Lugner City shopping center, Lugner’s readiness to venture into uncharted territory was a cornerstone of his success. His approach underscores the importance of embracing opportunities, even when they come with inherent risks.
2. The Power of Self-Promotion: Lugner was not just a businessman; he was a master of self-promotion. His annual practice of inviting celebrities to the Vienna Opera Ball was a strategic move that garnered widespread media attention and solidified his public image. By positioning himself alongside international stars, he successfully created a brand synonymous with luxury and high society.
3. Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Throughout his life, Lugner faced significant health challenges, including battles with cancer. Despite these setbacks, he remained active in both his business and social circles. His resilience serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance, even when faced with personal hardships.
4. Building a Legacy Beyond Wealth: Lugner’s influence extended beyond his financial success. He left a lasting mark on Austrian culture, particularly through his contributions to the Vienna Opera Ball and his various philanthropic efforts. His life teaches us that true legacy is built not just on wealth, but on the lasting impact one has on society and culture.
5. Leveraging Media for Success: Lugner understood the power of media and used it to his advantage. By consistently keeping himself in the public eye, he maintained relevance and ensured that his ventures continued to thrive. This highlights the importance of media savvy in building and sustaining a successful personal brand.
Richard Lugner’s life offers a wealth of lessons for entrepreneurs and business leaders. His ability to combine business acumen with a flair for publicity, while also navigating personal and professional challenges, makes his story a compelling example of modern entrepreneurship.
A Life of Vision, Controversy, and Lasting Impact
Richard Lugner’s life was a unique blend of ambition, spectacle, and unwavering determination. From his early days as a construction mogul to his status as a high-society icon, Lugner consistently pushed boundaries and lived on his own terms. Whether through his business ventures or his headline-grabbing appearances at the Vienna Opera Ball, he crafted a legacy that is both complex and unforgettable.
Despite the controversies and criticisms that often accompanied his public life, Lugner demonstrated remarkable resilience and an unshakable commitment to his personal vision. His story offers valuable insights into the power of embracing risk, leveraging media, and staying true to one’s goals—even when the odds seem stacked against you. As the world reflects on his contributions, it becomes clear that Richard Lugner was more than just a businessman; he was a trailblazer who left an indelible mark on Austrian culture and beyond.
His journey serves as a reminder that success is not merely measured in financial terms but also in the lasting influence one leaves behind. Lugner’s story is one of vision, persistence, and a bold approach to both life and business that continues to inspire.