Who is Richard Lugner?
Richard Lugner, the man who turned attending the Vienna Opera Ball into an art form, was born in Vienna, Austria, in October 1932. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a construction mogul decides to play matchmaker with Hollywood, Lugner is your answer. Lugner got his start as a building contractor and took his company from renovations to the glamorous world of malls and mosques. His firm not only renovated Vienna but also erected the first mosque in the city—talk about a versatile portfolio!
In 1990, he opened Lugner City, a shopping mall that became the seventh-largest in Austria. And what’s a shopping mall without a few Hollywood stars? Lugner became famous for inviting celebrities to perform and sign autographs at his mall to draw in the crowds. Imagine inviting Harry Belafonte to sing just so you could brag about it at your next dinner party—that’s Lugner for you.
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Richard Lugner’s Acting Career
Acting was not exactly Lugner’s forte, but he managed to pull off quite a performance in the public eye. Lugner’s “acting career” consisted mostly of starring as himself—an eccentric millionaire with a penchant for courting celebrities. He might not have graced the silver screen, but he certainly made headlines with his unique brand of fame.
One of Lugner’s most notable “acting” gigs was his ongoing role at the Vienna Opera Ball, where he was known for showing up with a parade of famous women. It wasn’t so much about romance as it was about spectacle. If you ever wondered what it’s like to pay $500,000 for a dance that doesn’t happen, look no further than Lugner’s ill-fated evening with Kim Kardashian. The Kardashian fiasco became the stuff of legend—proof that sometimes, even the richest men have trouble buying love.
Richard Lugner’s Net Worth
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Richard Lugner was never a billionaire, despite the headlines. At his peak, he was worth about $200 million. While his financial disclosures never reached the mythical billion-dollar mark, Lugner’s net worth was no small change. In 2014, his net worth was estimated at $160 million, and he claimed it increased by about $10 million annually. So, while he wasn’t rolling in the billions, he was still comfortably lounging in the millionaire’s club.
Richard Lugner’s Age
Richard Lugner was born in October 1932, which means he celebrated his 91st birthday before his passing on August 12, 2024. At 91, Lugner’s life was a tapestry of extravagance, politics, and celebrity encounters. His longevity could be attributed to his unyielding zest for life—or perhaps the sheer number of celebrities who made cameo appearances in his life.
Richard Lugner’s Family: Wife and Children
Ah, the Lugner family—where each marriage was more colorful than the last. Richard Lugner was married a whopping six times. His marriages included Christine Gmeiner (1961-1978), Cornelia Laufersweiler (1979-1983), Susanne Dietrich (1984-1989), Christina Lugner (1990-2007), and Cathy Schmitz (2014-2016). His final marriage was to Simone Reiländer, a 42-year-old beauty who joined the Lugner family in June 2024. Lugner himself described this marriage as his “last,” which, given his track record, might be a bit like saying, “This is my last luxury yacht.”
Lugner had four children: Jacqueline, Nadine, Alexander, and Andreas. His progeny presumably inherited his flair for the dramatic, though it remains to be seen if they’ll continue his tradition of celebrity-studded events.
Richard Lugner’s Height and Weight
Standing at an impressive 6 feet 3 inches (190 cm), Richard Lugner was not only a towering figure in the world of business but also in the realm of Austrian society. His height allowed him to look over the heads of his peers—perhaps a useful trait when negotiating with celebrities or discussing his latest business ventures. As for weight, it fluctuated throughout his life, but let’s just say Lugner was always larger than life, both in stature and personality.
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