The Billionaire Ex: 7 Shocking Secrets About Martha Stewart's Former Boyfriend, Charles Simonyi

Despite their high-profile romance ending over a decade ago, the relationship between lifestyle mogul Martha Stewart and billionaire software architect Charles Simonyi continues to captivate the public, especially following the release of the revealing Netflix documentary, Martha. The query "Martha's boyfriend Charles" instantly brings up Simonyi, a man whose professional life is as extraordinary as his love life was with Stewart. As of today, December 12, 2025, the story of this unlikely power couple is being revisited, shedding new light on their 15-year partnership, the dramatic end, and what Charles Simonyi is doing now.

Their story is a fascinating blend of high society, groundbreaking technology, and personal drama, often overshadowed by Stewart's own tumultuous career. This article dives deep into the life of Charles Simonyi, the Hungarian-born tech titan who was once Martha Stewart's most serious long-term partner after her divorce, exploring his incredible biography and the lasting legacy of their time together.

Charles Simonyi: Complete Biography and Profile

• Full Name: Charles Simonyi (original name: Károly Simonyi)
• Date of Birth: September 10, 1948
• Place of Birth: Budapest, Hungary
• Nationality: Hungarian-American
• Education: B.S. in Engineering Mathematics from the University of California, Berkeley (1972); Ph.D. in Computer Science from Stanford University (1977)
• Profession: Software Architect, Computer Scientist, Philanthropist, Space Tourist
• Key Accomplishments: Chief Architect at Microsoft, creator of Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel, developer of the Hungarian notation programming convention, founder of Intentional Software.
• Relationship with Martha Stewart: Dated from approximately 1993 to 2008.
• Current Family Status: Married to Lisa Persdotter since 2008; they have two children.
• Net Worth: Estimated to be over $5 billion (as of 2025).

The 15-Year Romance That Ended in 'Divorce'

The relationship between Martha Stewart and Charles Simonyi began in 1993, following Stewart's divorce from her first husband, Andy Stewart. Simonyi, a brilliant and eccentric billionaire, was the chief architect behind some of the most widely used software in history—Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. This made them a true power couple: the queen of domesticity and the king of desktop computing.

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Their romance spanned 15 years, a significant period in both of their lives. Stewart even referred to the end of their relationship as a "second divorce," highlighting the depth and seriousness of their commitment, despite never marrying. They were frequently seen together at galas, high-society events, and traveling the world.

However, their relationship was not without its challenges. Stewart's high-profile legal troubles and subsequent five-month prison sentence in 2004 placed a strain on the couple. The Netflix documentary revealed that Simonyi only visited her once during her incarceration, a detail that underscored the distance that began to grow between them.

The Real Reason for Their Split

While the legal issues certainly complicated matters, the ultimate reason for their 2008 breakup was Simonyi's decision to marry. Simonyi married Lisa Persdotter, a Swedish model, in 2008, the same year he and Stewart officially parted ways. The breakup was reportedly difficult for Stewart, who had to come to terms with the fact that Simonyi had moved on to start a family. Simonyi and Persdotter have since had two daughters together.

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Charles Simonyi: The Tech Titan Who Went to Space

Beyond his romance with Martha Stewart, Charles Simonyi has an astonishing career that solidified his status as a legendary figure in the tech world. His contributions to Microsoft are foundational to modern computing, making him one of the most influential software architects of his generation.

• Microsoft's Chief Architect: Simonyi was instrumental in the development of the Microsoft Office suite, specifically Word and Excel, which revolutionized personal computing and productivity globally.
• Hungarian Notation: He is credited with developing Hungarian notation, a naming convention for programming variables that was widely adopted, though its use has declined in modern programming languages.
• Intentional Software: After leaving Microsoft, he founded Intentional Software, focusing on a new paradigm of software development.

Perhaps the most unique aspect of Simonyi's life is his passion for space exploration. Simonyi is one of a handful of private citizens to have traveled to space not once, but twice.

• First Space Flight: In 2007, he paid a reported $25 million for a trip to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft.
• Second Space Flight: In 2009, he returned to the ISS, becoming the first private space tourist to travel to space twice.

These trips, which took place while his relationship with Stewart was either ending or recently over, highlight his adventurous spirit and immense wealth, setting him apart from nearly all other figures in the tech and celebrity spheres.

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Where Are Martha and Charles Now? (2025 Update)

The lives of both Martha Stewart and Charles Simonyi have continued to evolve dramatically since their 2008 separation. Both are thriving in their respective fields as of late 2025, though their paths rarely cross publicly now.

Charles Simonyi's Current Life

Charles Simonyi is focused on his family life with his wife, Lisa Persdotter, and their two daughters. He remains a significant figure in the tech community and a dedicated philanthropist. His focus on Intentional Software and his continued interest in science and space tourism keep him active and influential. He is now in his mid-70s, but his legacy in software design is cemented.

Martha Stewart's Current Status

Martha Stewart, now in her 80s, is experiencing a major career resurgence. She has become an "original influencer," continuing to expand her media empire through television, publishing, and social media. In a September 2025 interview, Stewart confirmed that she does not currently have a boyfriend and that finding a partner is "not the highest priority," though she admits it would be nice. The Netflix documentary has brought renewed attention to her personal life, including her past with Simonyi, cementing their relationship as a key chapter in her biography.

While the romance between Martha and Charles is long over, their story serves as a compelling reminder of the era of dot-com billionaires meeting media moguls. The details resurfacing in the recent documentary ensure that Charles Simonyi will forever be known as "Martha's boyfriend Charles," the brilliant architect who helped build the digital world and then flew to the stars.