The busy builder Richard Lugner lives for the spotlight at the Vienna Opera Ball. The 91-year-old has been inviting guests to his box for over 30 years, even though the stars and starlets not only cost him a lot of money, but also a lot of nerves. The highlight of the Viennese ball season is rarely without mishaps and arguments.
The Vienna Opera Ball was canceled in 2021 and 2022 due to Corona, but dancing has been allowed again since last year. In 2024, Lugner will once again have a prominent companion at his side. He chose Priscilla Presley. The ex-wife of rock’n’roll legend Elvis was very “easy to care for” and the “most beautiful woman” he had ever brought to the opera ball, Lugner said at a joint press conference. “She does everything she’s told,” said the entrepreneur happily. Presley raved about Vienna’s culture and history and said, “I wish I could stay longer.” However, she left it open whether she would dance across the dance floor with Lugner in three-four time. “Let’s see what happens,” said the 78-year-old.
Kim Kardashian was a failure for Richard Lugner
Lugner’s guests have already included Sarah Ferguson, Pamela Anderson and Kim Kardashian. The latter, however, turned out to be a flop for the Austrian. Kardashian literally ignored Lugner in 2014 and only spent ten minutes with him during the entire opera ball. His favorite guest so far was Sophia Loren. The film diva accompanied “Mörtel” in 1995.
The ball is the top social event in Austria. Around 5,000 guests are expected at the Vienna State Opera. This year’s prominent visitors also include singer Heino, comedian Oliver Pocher and his ex-wife Alessandra Meyer-Wölden.
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
