The Gabor Sisters: Glamour, Wit, And Unforgettable Legacies
**The names Zsa Zsa Gabor and Eva Gabor evoke images of old Hollywood glamour, sharp wit, and an undeniable flair for the dramatic. More than just actresses, they were cultural phenomena, embodying an era of celebrity where personality was as captivating as performance. Their lives, intertwined with their equally famous sister Magda, painted a vivid picture of ambition, resilience, and a unique approach to navigating the spotlight, leaving an indelible mark on entertainment history.**
Born into a world of privilege in Budapest, Hungary, the Gabor sisters carved out extraordinary paths for themselves in America. From humble beginnings in a Jewish family that converted to Catholicism, they rose to become icons, renowned not only for their beauty and talent but also for their captivating personal lives, particularly their numerous marriages to wealthy and influential men. This article delves into the fascinating story of Zsa Zsa Gabor and Eva Gabor, exploring their individual journeys, shared family history, and the enduring legacy they left behind.
Table of Contents
- The Gabor Dynasty: A Family Forged in Budapest
- Eva Gabor's Journey to Hollywood: From Budapest to Green Acres
- Zsa Zsa Gabor: The Epitome of Socialite Glamour
- Sisterly Bonds and Rivalries: The Gabor Dynamic
- Escaping the Shadow of War: A Timely Departure
- The Gabors and Their Marriages: A Legacy of Love and Luxury
- A Lasting Impact on Pop Culture
The Gabor Dynasty: A Family Forged in Budapest
The story of the Gabor sisters – Magda, Zsa Zsa, and Eva – begins in Budapest, Hungary, a city brimming with cultural richness and old-world charm. Born to Jolie Gabor (née Janszieka Tillemann) and Vilmos Gabor (né Grün), a soldier and owner of a jewelry shop, the girls were raised in an environment that blended European aristocracy with an innate sense of entrepreneurial spirit. Their mother, Jolie, was particularly instrumental in shaping their ambitions and preparing them for a life beyond their homeland. While conflicting dates in various biographies have made it challenging to definitively determine the eldest, most sources cite Magda as the firstborn on June 11, 1915, followed by Zsa Zsa on February 6, 1917, and finally, Eva, the youngest, on February 11, 1919. Despite their uncanny resemblance, Eva and Zsa Zsa Gabor were not twins, as is sometimes mistakenly believed; Eva was two years younger than Zsa Zsa and four years younger than Magda. The family's Jewish heritage, though they converted to Catholicism in 1928, remained a significant part of their identity, particularly when the shadow of World War II loomed. Fortunately, when Hitler invaded Hungary in 1944, Zsa Zsa and Eva were already living outside the country, a testament to their foresight and drive to seek new opportunities.Eva Gabor's Journey to Hollywood: From Budapest to Green Acres
Eva Gabor’s journey to becoming a beloved actress and socialite began long before she graced American televisions and film screens. She was the first of the sisters to immigrate to the United States, shortly after her first marriage in 1937, at the age of 18, to Dr. Eric Drimmer, a Swedish osteopath. This early move set the stage for her remarkable career in Hollywood, California, where she arrived in the 1930s with aspirations of acting. Eva quickly made a name for herself, though perhaps not initially with the same sensationalism as her sister Zsa Zsa. She was best known for her iconic role as Lisa Douglas in the CBS sitcom *Green Acres*, which aired from 1965 to 1971. Her portrayal of the sophisticated, yet comically out-of-place, socialite on a rural farm endeared her to millions. Beyond television, Eva lent her distinctive voice to beloved animated characters, playing Duchess in Walt Disney Animation Studios' 1970 film *The Aristocats* and Miss Bianca in *The Rescuers* (1977) and its 1990 sequel, *The Rescuers Down Under*. These roles solidified her status as a versatile and cherished performer.Eva Gabor's Personal Data
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Eva Gabor |
| Date of Birth | February 11, 1919 |
| Place of Birth | Budapest, Hungary |
| Parents | Jolie Gabor (née Janka Tilleman) and Vilmos Gabor (born Farkas Miklós Grün) |
| Siblings | Magda Gabor, Zsa Zsa Gabor |
| Notable Roles | Lisa Douglas in *Green Acres*, Duchess in *The Aristocats*, Miss Bianca in *The Rescuers* |
| Marriages | Five (Dr. Eric Drimmer, Charles Isaacs, John Williams, Richard Brown, Frank Gardocki) |
Beyond the Screen: Eva, The Entrepreneur
Eva Gabor was not just an actress; she was a shrewd businesswoman. Her entrepreneurial spirit, perhaps inherited from her mother Jolie, manifested most notably in her highly successful wig business, "Eva Gabor International." She once claimed to Merv Griffin on his talk show that selling her lightweight wigs for around $25 a piece brought her at least half a million dollars yearly, as per Darwin Porter's biography. This wasn't just family ego talking either; by the late '80s, industry sources believed Eva Gabor International was making around $30,000,000 a year. This venture showcased a different facet of Eva's talent – her ability to identify a market need and capitalize on it, proving that the Gabor sisters' influence extended far beyond the silver screen and social pages.Zsa Zsa Gabor: The Epitome of Socialite Glamour
Born Sari Gabor, Zsa Zsa Gabor was arguably the most famous of the three sisters, becoming a celebrity and socialite for decades mostly for being herself. Her public persona was a meticulously crafted blend of European charm, extravagant lifestyle, and a famously quick wit, often laced with self-deprecating humor and a delightful disregard for convention. Zsa Zsa embodied the quintessential Hollywood socialite, her life a continuous performance played out in the tabloids and on talk shows. Her acting career, while not as critically acclaimed for specific roles as Eva's, was extensive, featuring appearances in films like *Moulin Rouge* (1952) and *The Girl in the Kremlin* (1957). However, it was her personal life, particularly her numerous marriages to wealthy men, that truly captivated the public. She first married when she was twenty years old to a Turkish intellectual, a marriage that ended in divorce four years later. This set a pattern for a life defined by a series of high-profile unions, each adding to her mystique and cementing her status as a serial bride of the rich and famous.Zsa Zsa Gabor's Personal Data
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sári Gábor (Zsa Zsa Gabor) |
| Date of Birth | February 6, 1917 |
| Place of Birth | Budapest, Hungary |
| Parents | Jolie Gabor (née Janka Tilleman) and Vilmos Gabor (born Farkas Miklós Grün) |
| Siblings | Magda Gabor, Eva Gabor |
| Notable Traits | Socialite, Actress, Public Personality, Famous for her wit and marriages |
| Marriages | Nine (including Burhan Asaf Belge, Conrad Hilton, George Sanders, Herbert Hutner, Joshua S. Cosden Jr., Jack Ryan, Michael O'Hara, Felipe de Alba, Frédéric Prinz von Anhalt) |
| Children | One daughter, Constance Francesca Hilton |
The Art of Being Zsa Zsa
Zsa Zsa Gabor perfected the art of being famous for being famous long before it became a common phenomenon. Her self-awareness and ability to play into her public image were legendary. She understood the power of a memorable quote, a scandalous headline, and a well-timed appearance. Her signature "dahling" became a catchphrase, and her anecdotes about her many husbands, often delivered with a twinkle in her eye, were highly anticipated on talk shows. She was a master of self-promotion, transforming her life into a captivating narrative that kept the public endlessly entertained. Her enduring appeal lay in her unapologetic embrace of luxury and her defiant, often humorous, approach to societal expectations.Sisterly Bonds and Rivalries: The Gabor Dynamic
The dynamic between the Gabor sisters was complex, marked by both deep familial bonds and a healthy dose of sibling rivalry, a common thread in many high-profile families. In a 1990 *Los Angeles Times* article, Eva openly discussed the perceived roles within the family: "Zsa Zsa was considered the beauty in the family and Magda was the smart sister. As for herself, she sighed, 'And while I was the ugly...'" This quote, delivered with Eva's characteristic humor, highlights the distinct identities each sister cultivated, or perhaps, had thrust upon them. Despite these perceived differences and occasional public spats, the sisters remained connected. Both of her sisters, Magda and Zsa Zsa Gabor, appeared on Eva's show, showcasing their familial solidarity. The Gabor family, including their formidable mother Jolie, often appeared together in public, presenting a united front of glamour and wit. Their shared experiences, from their upbringing in Budapest to their unique paths in Hollywood, forged an unbreakable bond, even as they navigated individual careers and personal lives under the intense glare of public scrutiny. The story of the Gabor family is indeed a fascinating tale of intense drive, ambition, and an enduring connection that transcended their individual celebrity.Escaping the Shadow of War: A Timely Departure
The historical context of the Gabor sisters' emigration is crucial to understanding their drive and resilience. Born into a Jewish family, their conversion to Catholicism in 1928, though a personal decision, also placed them in a different social and political landscape as the rise of Nazism began to cast a long shadow over Europe. When Hitler invaded Hungary in 1944, Zsa Zsa and Eva were fortunate to be living outside the country, a decision that undoubtedly saved them from the horrors that befell many Jewish families in their homeland. While eldest sister Magda and their parents faced more direct threats, their eventual escape and reunion in the United States underscore the family's resourcefulness and determination to survive and thrive. This shared experience of escaping wartime Europe undoubtedly strengthened their bond and fueled their ambition to succeed in their new home.The Gabors and Their Marriages: A Legacy of Love and Luxury
Although renowned for their beauty, glamour, and quick wit, the Gabors were also notorious for their many marriages to wealthy men. This aspect of their lives became almost as famous as their acting careers, shaping their public image and providing endless fodder for gossip columns. Zsa Zsa Gabor, in particular, became synonymous with serial matrimony, marrying nine times. Her husbands included hotel magnate Conrad Hilton (father of her only child, Constance Francesca Hilton) and actor George Sanders, whom her sister Magda also later married, adding another layer to the family's complex romantic entanglements. Eva Gabor, while not reaching Zsa Zsa's record, also married five times. Her first marriage at 18 to Dr. Eric Drimmer marked her early entry into marital life. These unions, often with prominent figures from various industries, provided the sisters with financial security, social standing, and access to the upper echelons of society. Their approach to marriage, often seen as unconventional, was a reflection of their independent spirits and their pursuit of a life filled with luxury and adventure. It also highlighted a certain pragmatism; as Jolie Gabor, the matriarch, famously quipped, "A girl must marry for love, and keep on marrying until she finds it." This philosophy, whether genuine or a clever quip, became a hallmark of the Gabor legacy.A Lasting Impact on Pop Culture
The Gabor sisters, particularly Zsa Zsa Gabor and Eva Gabor, left an indelible mark on popular culture that extends far beyond their individual acting roles or business ventures. They embodied a unique brand of celebrity that combined European sophistication with American showmanship. Their lives were a public spectacle, but one they largely controlled, using their wit and charm to navigate fame on their own terms. They became archetypes of the glamorous, outspoken socialite, influencing generations of public figures. Eva's enduring role as Lisa Douglas in *Green Acres* continues to be beloved, showcasing her comedic timing and elegant persona. Zsa Zsa's quotable lines and her unapologetic embrace of her extravagant lifestyle cemented her status as a cultural icon. Together, the Gabor sisters, alongside Magda, represented a fascinating chapter in Hollywood history – a family of strong, ambitious women who defied expectations, built empires (both on screen and off), and lived lives that were as entertaining as any movie. Their story is a testament to the power of personality, the allure of glamour, and the enduring fascination with lives lived boldly and without apology.Conclusion
The lives of Zsa Zsa Gabor and Eva Gabor, intertwined with their sister Magda, offer a captivating glimpse into the golden age of Hollywood and the evolving nature of celebrity. From their early days in Budapest to their individual triumphs in America, they carved out unique paths defined by glamour, wit, and an undeniable entrepreneurial spirit. Eva's success with *Green Acres* and her thriving wig business, alongside Zsa Zsa's unparalleled reign as a socialite and master of self-promotion, showcased their diverse talents and shared drive. Their story is more than just a tale of fame; it's a narrative of resilience, family dynamics, and the pursuit of dreams against a backdrop of historical change. The Gabor sisters taught us that personality can be a powerful currency, and that living life on your own terms, with a dash of humor and a lot of sparkle, can create an unforgettable legacy. What are your favorite memories or quotes from Zsa Zsa Gabor or Eva Gabor? Share your thoughts in the comments below! If you enjoyed this deep dive into the lives of these iconic sisters, be sure to explore more of our articles on Hollywood legends and their enduring impact.- Evermore Orlando Resort
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Zsa Zsa Gabor, Magda Gabor & Eva Gabor | Gabor sisters, Zsa zsa gabor
Zsa Zsa Gabor, Eva Gabor and husband, Hal Hayes Stock Photo: 22116816
From left, Eva Gabor, Magda Gabor, Jolie Gabor, Zsa Zsa Gabor, at the
