Eva Gabor
Actor
About Eva Gabor
Eva Gabor was a Hungarian-American actress, socialite, and businesswoman who rose to international fame as one of the glamorous Gabor sisters. Born into a wealthy Hungarian-Jewish family in Budapest, she began her acting career in European films before emigrating to the United States during World War II. Gabor made her mark in Hollywood with roles in films like 'The Last Time I Saw Paris' (1954) and 'Gigi' (1958), but achieved her greatest fame as Lisa Douglas in the hit television series 'Green Acres' (1965-1971). Beyond acting, she became a successful entrepreneur with her wig and fashion lines, capitalizing on her celebrity status and distinctive style. Throughout her career, she maintained her image as a sophisticated European socialite, known for her impeccable fashion sense and Hungarian accent. Gabor continued working in television and voice acting through the 1980s, most notably as Duchess in Disney's animated classic 'The Aristocats' (1970). Her career spanned five decades, making her a beloved figure in American popular culture and a symbol of European elegance and wit.
The Craft
On Screen
Eva Gabor was known for her sophisticated, comedic acting style characterized by her distinctive Hungarian accent and glamorous demeanor. She specialized in playing elegant, slightly ditzy socialites and aristocratic women, using her natural charm and wit to create memorable comedic moments. Her performances often featured perfect comedic timing, physical comedy skills, and the ability to deliver witty lines with impeccable precision. Gabor's style was a blend of old-world European sophistication and American television comedy, making her uniquely suited for roles that required both glamour and humor.
Milestones
- Film debut in European cinema in the 1930s
- Hollywood breakthrough with 'The Last Time I Saw Paris' (1954)
- Starred in Broadway production of 'The Happy Time' (1950)
- Iconic role as Lisa Douglas in 'Green Acres' TV series (1965-1971)
- Voice of Duchess in Disney's 'The Aristocats' (1970)
- Successful wig and fashion business ventures
- Guest appearances on numerous TV shows including 'The Love Boat' and 'Fantasy Island'
- Published autobiography 'Eva Gabor: My Story' in 1955
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (1960)
- Golden Apple Award (1966)
Nominated
- Golden Globe nomination for Best TV Star - Female (1966)
- TV Land Award nomination for 'Green Acres' (2004, posthumous)
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star at 6933 Hollywood Boulevard
- Inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame (1995, posthumous)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Eva Gabor significantly impacted American popular culture by representing European sophistication and glamour in post-war America. Through her role in 'Green Acres,' she helped define the television sitcom format and created an iconic character that embodied the clash between urban sophistication and rural simplicity. Her success as an immigrant actress paved the way for other European performers in Hollywood, while her business ventures demonstrated the potential for celebrities to build successful commercial brands. Gabor's distinctive style and personality influenced fashion trends and popularized the idea of the glamorous, witty socialite in American media.
Lasting Legacy
Eva Gabor's legacy endures through her memorable performances, particularly as Lisa Douglas in 'Green Acres,' which remains a beloved classic in television syndication. Her voice work as Duchess in 'The Aristocats' continues to entertain new generations of Disney fans. As one of the Gabor sisters, she helped create a cultural archetype of the glamorous European socialite that influenced entertainment and fashion for decades. Her business acumen demonstrated that celebrities could successfully leverage their fame into commercial enterprises, setting a precedent for future entertainment entrepreneurs. Gabor remains a symbol of Hollywood's Golden Age glamour and a reminder of television's formative years.
Who They Inspired
Eva Gabor influenced generations of comedic actresses through her sophisticated yet accessible comedic style. Her success as an immigrant performer helped open doors for other foreign-born actors in Hollywood. The character of Lisa Douglas became a template for the 'fish out of water' comedic archetype that would appear in numerous subsequent sitcoms. Her ability to balance glamour with humor influenced how female characters were written in television comedy, showing that women could be both sophisticated and funny. Gabor's business ventures also influenced how celebrities approach brand development and product licensing.
Off Screen
Eva Gabor was known for her glamorous lifestyle and numerous high-profile marriages. She was the middle of the three famous Gabor sisters, with Zsa Zsa and Magda also achieving celebrity status. Gabor was a prominent socialite in Hollywood and New York society, known for her lavish parties and impeccable fashion sense. Despite her image as a wealthy socialite, she was a savvy businesswoman who built successful ventures in fashion and beauty products. She maintained her Hungarian heritage throughout her life, often speaking about her love for her native country while embracing her American citizenship.
Education
Educated in Budapest, Hungary; studied acting and voice in Vienna before beginning her career
Family
- Eric Drimmer (1937-1942)
- Charles Isaacs (1943-1949)
- John Elbert Williams (1956-1957)
- Richard Brown (1959-1972)
- Frank Gard Jameson Sr. (1973-1983)
Did You Know?
- She was the middle sister of the famous Gabor sisters, with Zsa Zsa being the youngest and Magda the oldest
- Spoke five languages fluently: Hungarian, English, French, German, and Italian
- Her character Lisa Douglas was originally written as American, but producers kept her Hungarian accent after seeing her audition
- Launched a successful wig company in the 1970s that generated millions in revenue
- Was a licensed pilot and owned several small aircraft
- Appeared on over 100 television shows throughout her career
- Her mother Jolie Gabor was also a socialite and managed her daughters' careers
- Was a close friend of Ronald and Nancy Reagan
- Her distinctive accent became so famous that she was often asked to use it in commercials and voice work
- Died from respiratory failure at age 76 in Los Angeles
In Their Own Words
"I don't mind being a tourist, as long as I'm treated like a celebrity."
"Marriage is too interesting an experiment to be tried only once."
"A girl must marry for love, and keep on marrying until she finds it."
"I am a marvelous housekeeper. Every time I leave a man, I keep his house."
"Happiness is a good martini, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman... or a bad woman, it depends on how much happiness you can handle."
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Eva Gabor?
Eva Gabor was a Hungarian-American actress, socialite, and businesswoman best known for her role as Lisa Douglas in the television series 'Green Acres' and as the voice of Duchess in Disney's 'The Aristocats'. She was one of the famous Gabor sisters and became a symbol of European glamour in Hollywood during the mid-20th century.
What films is Eva Gabor best known for?
Eva Gabor is best known for 'The Last Time I Saw Paris' (1954), 'Gigi' (1958), 'My Man Godfrey' (1957), and 'The Aristocats' (1970) where she voiced Duchess. However, her most famous work was in television, particularly the sitcom 'Green Acres' (1965-1971).
When was Eva Gabor born and when did she die?
Eva Gabor was born on February 11, 1919, in Budapest, Austria-Hungary (now Hungary), and died on July 4, 1995, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 76 from respiratory failure.
What awards did Eva Gabor win?
Eva Gabor received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 1960 and won a Golden Apple Award in 1966. She was also nominated for a Golden Globe for Best TV Star - Female in 1966 for her work on 'Green Acres'.
What was Eva Gabor's acting style?
Eva Gabor was known for her sophisticated comedic acting style, characterized by her distinctive Hungarian accent and glamorous demeanor. She specialized in playing elegant, witty socialites with perfect comedic timing and physical comedy skills, blending European sophistication with American television humor.
How many times was Eva Gabor married?
Eva Gabor was married five times: to Eric Drimmer (1937-1942), Charles Isaacs (1943-1949), John Elbert Williams (1956-1957), Richard Brown (1959-1972), and Frank Gard Jameson Sr. (1973-1983). She had no children.
What business ventures did Eva Gabor have?
Beyond acting, Eva Gabor was a successful entrepreneur who launched a profitable wig company and fashion lines in the 1970s. She also published her autobiography 'Eva Gabor: My Story' in 1955 and made numerous commercial appearances leveraging her celebrity status.
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Films
1 film
