Net Worth Ranker
What Was Eva Gabor’s Net Worth?
At the time of her death in July 1995, Eva Gabor’s net worth was estimated to be $30 million. This fortune was accumulated through her extensive career as an actress, singer, and socialite.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Eva Gabor was born on February 11, 1919, in Budapest, Hungary. Her father, Vilmos Gabor, was a colonel in the Hungarian Army. Eva was the youngest of three daughters; her elder sisters were Zsa Zsa and Magda Gabor. The Gabor family’s early life was marked by a relatively privileged background, which provided Eva with opportunities that shaped her future career.
In 1937, Eva married Dr. Eric Valdemar Drimmer, a Swedish osteopath and psychologist, and subsequently immigrated to the United States. This move marked a turning point in her life, paving the way for her entry into the American entertainment industry. Her initial years in America were dedicated to establishing herself, and in 1941, she secured her first film role in “Forced Landing,” a Paramount Pictures action film, where she played the character of Johanna Van Deuren.
Film Career
Eva Gabor’s film career spanned several decades, during which she appeared in nearly two dozen films. Her role as Marie Duval in the 1941 Paramount mystery film “Pacific Blackout” further solidified her presence in Hollywood. In 1954, she starred alongside Vincent Price in “The Mad Magician.” In 1963, Gabor appeared in “A New Kind of Love” with Paul Newman.
One of her later film appearances was in “The Princess Academy” in 1987. Her film roles showcased her versatility as an actress, allowing her to transition between various genres, including action, mystery, and comedy.
Television and “Green Acres”
Eva Gabor’s career in television was marked by numerous appearances and roles, including “The Eva Gabor Show,” which aired for one season in 1953. She also made appearances on shows such as “Justice” and “What’s My Line?” In 1966, she was a guest on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” From 1983 to 1984, Eva was part of the television panel game show “Match Game-Hollywood Squares Hour.”
Her most iconic role came in 1965 when she began playing Lisa Douglas in the CBS sitcom “Green Acres.” The show, which aired until 1971, became a defining moment in her career. Lisa Douglas, a glamorous socialite adjusting to life on a farm in the Midwest, showcased Gabor’s comedic talents and cemented her status as a television icon. “Green Acres” was a ratings success, consistently ranking among the top 20 most popular shows for four seasons. Despite its popularity, CBS decided to cancel the show in 1971 along with other rural-themed programs.
The character of Lisa Douglas has since been recognized as one of the “most stylish TV housewives of all time” by CNN, highlighting the lasting impact of her role and style.
Theatre Career
Eva Gabor also had a notable career in theatre, appearing in various productions in New York City. From 1950 to 1951, she played Mignonette in the musical “The Happy Time.” In 1956, she portrayed Gabrielle in “Little Glass Clock” at the John Golden Theatre. In 1958, she played Joanna Lyppiatt in Noel Coward’s comic play “Present Laughter.” In 1963, she portrayed Tatiana in the musical “Tovarich” at the Winter Garden Theatre.
In 1983, Gabor appeared as the Grand Duchess Olga Katrina in the Broadway production of “You Can’t Take It with You.” Her theatre roles demonstrated her ability to perform in diverse genres, from musicals to comedies, and showcased her stage presence and acting skills.
Voice Work
Eva Gabor’s voice work added another dimension to her career, particularly in animated films. In 1970, she voiced the Duchess in the Disney animated film “The Aristocats.” She also voiced Miss Bianca in “The Rescuers” in 1977 and reprised the role in “The Rescuers Down Under” in 1990. In 1979, she voiced the Queen of Time in the Japanese-American stop-motion film “Nutcracker Fantasy.” Her voice roles endeared her to a younger audience and further broadened her appeal.
Fashion and Business Ventures
In 1972, Eva Gabor launched her fashion collection in collaboration with Cuban-American designer Luis Estevez. This venture allowed her to leverage her personal style and celebrity status to create a line of clothing. In addition to fashion, Gabor also marketed wigs through her company, Eva Gabor International. Her wig collections included the Gabor Luxury Collection, Gabor Designer Series Collection, and Gabor Next Collection. Eva Gabor International became the largest producer of wigs in the world, marketing wig products such as shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, and brushes.
Personal Life
Eva Gabor’s personal life included five marriages. Her first marriage was to Eric Drimmer on June 3, 1937, which ended in divorce on February 25, 1942. She then married Charles Isaacs on September 27, 1943, and they divorced on April 2, 1949. Her third marriage was to Dr. John Elbert Williams on April 8, 1956, which ended on March 20, 1957. On October 4, 1959, she married Richard Brown, and they divorced in June 1973. Her final marriage was to Frank Gard Jameson Sr. on September 21, 1973, and they divorced in 1983. Eva Gabor never had any biological children.
Following her last divorce, Eva maintained a close relationship with Merv Griffin, an American television show host and media executive, which she described as platonic.
Real Estate
From 1975 until her death in 1995, Eva Gabor resided in a mansion located at 100 Delfern Drive in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles. This stately home was situated in an exclusive enclave known for its luxury properties and celebrity residents. Following her death, her estate sold the Holmby Hills mansion in 1996 for $2.1 million. The property changed hands again in September 2019, selling for $11 million.
Shortly after the 2019 sale, the new owner initiated a partial gut renovation and demolition without obtaining the necessary permits. This unauthorized work led to intervention by local commissioners, who halted the project and considered bestowing historic landmark status on the property. However, the preservation vote ultimately failed by a 3 to 2 margin, primarily because the unpermitted renovation had already caused significant damage, compromising the historical integrity of the property.
Death and Legacy
Eva Gabor died on July 4, 1995, in Los Angeles, California, due to pneumonia and respiratory failure following a fall in a bathtub while on vacation in Mexico. Her funeral was held at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Beverly Hills, California. She was buried in Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles, California, with an epitaph that reads, “Our darling Eva – We love you – You are in our hearts forever.”
Eva Gabor’s career spanned several decades and included film, television, theatre, and voice work. Her role as Lisa Douglas in “Green Acres” remains her most iconic contribution to popular culture. Her fashion and business ventures further diversified her career, and she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on October 23, 1984. Eva Gabor’s net worth of $30 million at the time of her death reflects her successful and multifaceted career in the entertainment industry.
