The Billionaire Genius: 7 Shocking Facts About Martha Stewart's Ex-Boyfriend, Charles Simonyi

Few relationships in the celebrity world are as intriguing and under-the-radar as the 15-year romance between lifestyle mogul Martha Stewart and tech billionaire Charles Simonyi. While Stewart’s former marriage to Andrew Stewart is well-documented, it is her long-term connection with Simonyi—a man responsible for creating the software millions use every day—that continues to fascinate the public, especially following recent high-profile mentions of their time together. As of December 2025, Simonyi remains a titan of the tech industry, a dedicated philanthropist, and an adventurer whose life story reads like something out of a science fiction novel, long after his quiet split from the domestic goddess. This deep dive uncovers the man who dated one of the world's most famous women, exploring his extraordinary career, his current life, and the surprising reason their decade-and-a-half-long partnership came to an end.

The Hungarian-American software architect is far more than just "Martha Stewart's ex-boyfriend." Charles Simonyi is a true pioneer whose innovations fundamentally changed personal computing. His staggering net worth, his two-time journey into the cosmos, and his eventual marriage to a woman 32 years his junior all contribute to a life of unparalleled achievement and unexpected twists. Here is everything you need to know about the man who was Martha's most significant partner after her divorce.

The Complete Profile: Charles Simonyi Biography

• Full Name: Charles Simonyi (original Hungarian: Simonyi Károly)
• Born: September 10, 1948
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 77
• Place of Birth: Budapest, Hungary
• Nationality: Hungarian-American (Became a U.S. citizen in 1982)
• Education: B.S. in Engineering Mathematics from University of California, Berkeley; Ph.D. in Computer Science from Stanford University
• Known For: Chief Architect of Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel; Inventor of Hungarian Notation; Founder of Intentional Software.
• Net Worth: Estimated between $7.2 billion and $8.14 billion (2024/2025)
• Spouse: Lisa Persdotter (m. 2008)
• Children: Two daughters with Lisa Persdotter
• Philanthropy: Significant donations to the arts and sciences, including the Charles Simonyi Fund for Arts and Sciences.

The 15-Year Romance: An Unconventional Partnership

Martha Stewart and Charles Simonyi’s relationship was a fascinating blend of two intensely driven, highly successful individuals. Their connection began in the early 1990s, a few years after Stewart's divorce from her first husband, Andrew Stewart. What started as a friendship quickly blossomed into a long-term, committed partnership that spanned nearly a decade and a half.

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The pair was often seen together at high-profile events, yet their relationship was characterized by a quiet intensity rather than typical celebrity fanfare. Simonyi, a software genius, and Stewart, a domestic arts icon, seemed an unlikely but complementary match. They shared a love for perfection, design, and high achievement, with Simonyi even reportedly installing advanced computer systems in Stewart's homes.

Standing By Her Side During the ImClone Scandal

One of the most telling aspects of their relationship was Simonyi's unwavering support during Martha Stewart's most tumultuous period: the insider trading scandal and subsequent prison sentence. When Stewart was convicted and served five months in a federal prison in 2004, Simonyi remained a constant presence in her life.

He continued to visit her and reportedly offered emotional and financial support throughout the ordeal. This dedication cemented the public's perception of their deep bond, suggesting a relationship that transcended the superficial trappings of wealth and fame. The fact that their relationship endured this intense public scrutiny and personal hardship is a testament to the strength of their connection at the time.

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The Surprising Reason for the 2008 Breakup

Despite surviving the prison sentence, the 15-year relationship between the two powerhouses came to an end in 2008. The reason for their split, detailed in the Netflix documentary "Martha," was a classic case of different priorities and the desire for different futures.

Simonyi, who was in his late 50s at the time, expressed a strong desire to start a family. Stewart, who already had a daughter, Alexis, was not interested in having more children. This fundamental difference in life goals ultimately led to the breakup.

The split was swift and definitive. Just six months after the relationship ended, Simonyi married Lisa Persdotter, a Swedish millionaire's daughter who was 32 years his junior. The couple quickly started a family, welcoming two daughters. Simonyi and Persdotter remain married today, residing in Medina, Washington, a wealthy enclave near Seattle.

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The Life of a Billionaire Pioneer and Space Tourist

Charles Simonyi’s professional and personal achievements outside of his relationship with Martha Stewart are nothing short of extraordinary. He is a true visionary who has left an indelible mark on the world of technology and beyond.

The Father of Microsoft Office

Simonyi’s primary legacy lies in his work at Microsoft. After a stint at Xerox PARC, where he worked on the first graphical user interface (GUI), he was recruited by Bill Gates in 1981. At Microsoft, Simonyi served as the Chief Architect, where he led the development of the company's most successful software products: Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.

He is also credited with inventing "Hungarian Notation," a naming convention for variables that was highly influential in the early days of software engineering. His work was instrumental in transforming Microsoft from a programming language company into a software applications giant.

In 2002, Simonyi left Microsoft to co-found Intentional Software, a company dedicated to his concept of "Intentional Programming," which aimed to make software development more efficient and maintainable. Microsoft later acquired Intentional Software, bringing Simonyi back into the fold as a consultant.

The World's Only Two-Time Space Tourist

Perhaps the most sensational fact about Charles Simonyi is his history as a space tourist. He is the first and only private citizen to pay for two separate trips to the International Space Station (ISS).

His first journey took place in 2007, and his second was in 2009. Each trip, which cost tens of millions of dollars, was booked through the company Space Adventures. He flew aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft, spending nearly two weeks in orbit on each occasion. Simonyi’s motivation was purely scientific and philanthropic, using the trips to conduct experiments and share his experience with students globally.

A Life of Philanthropy and Art

With a net worth that places him firmly among the world's billionaires, Simonyi is also a dedicated philanthropist. He established the Charles Simonyi Fund for Arts and Sciences, which has provided substantial grants to various institutions, including the Seattle Symphony, the University of Oxford, and the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton.

His passion for science, education, and the arts reflects a desire to give back and foster intellectual curiosity, a trait he likely shared with his former partner, Martha Stewart. Simonyi’s life today is a vibrant tapestry of family life with Lisa Persdotter and their two daughters, continued involvement in the tech world, and significant charitable contributions, cementing his status as a figure of global importance far beyond his celebrity relationship.