Net Worth Ranker
What Is Zsa Zsa Gabor’s Net Worth?
At the time of her passing in December 2016 at the age of 99, Zsa Zsa Gabor’s net worth was estimated to be $40 million. This net worth was accumulated through a multifaceted career that encompassed stage performances, film and television roles, and shrewd social maneuvering, as well as from her marriages to wealthy men.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on February 6, 1917, in Budapest, Austria-Hungary, as the middle of three daughters to Jewish parents Jolie and Vilmos Gabor, Zsa Zsa’s early life laid the foundation for her future success. Her sisters, Magda and Eva, also achieved notoriety, Magda as a socialite and Eva as an actress and businesswoman. In 1934, Zsa Zsa’s talent was recognized by operatic tenor Richard Tauber in Vienna, leading to an invitation to sing in his operetta “Der Singende Traum” at the Theater an der Wien. Two years later, in 1936, she was crowned Miss Hungary, marking a significant milestone in her early career. Facing the looming threat of Nazi occupation, Zsa Zsa immigrated to the United States in 1941, setting the stage for her Hollywood career.
Film and Television Career
Zsa Zsa Gabor’s film career commenced in 1952 with roles in “Lovely to Look At,” a romantic comedy musical directed by Mervyn LeRoy; “We’re Not Married!,” an anthology comedy directed by Edmund Goulding; and “Moulin Rouge,” a drama directed by John Huston. In “Lovely to Look At,” the production budget was estimated at $1.89 million, and while not a box office blockbuster, it provided Gabor with early exposure. “Moulin Rouge,” on the other hand, grossed $7.4 million against a budget of $2.8 million and received critical acclaim. In 1958, she appeared in Orson Welles’ film noir “Touch of Evil,” a film with a budget of approximately $1 million that, despite initial mixed reception, is now considered a classic. Other notable film credits include “Death of a Scoundrel” (1956) and “Queen of Outer Space” (1958), showcasing her versatility across different genres.
Her television career was equally diverse, with appearances on shows like “Playhouse 90,” “Matinee Theater,” “Gilligan’s Island,” “The Love Boat,” “The Facts of Life,” “Life of Riley,” and “Batman,” where she played the special guest villain Minerva. She appeared 42 times on “The Merv Griffin Show,” 31 times on “The Mike Douglas Show,” and 64 times on “Hollywood Squares.” In 1981, Gabor had a recurring role on the soap opera “As the World Turns,” playing the character Lydia Marlowe. Later in her career, she made guest appearances on sitcoms like “City” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” The exact compensation for these television appearances is not publicly available, but these roles undoubtedly contributed to her overall income and fame.
Marriages and Relationships
Zsa Zsa Gabor was famously married nine times. Her second marriage, to hotel magnate Conrad Hilton from 1942 to 1947, was particularly significant. While the financial details of their divorce settlement are not publicly available, such a union would have undoubtedly provided Gabor with significant financial benefits. They had one daughter, Constance Francesca Gabor Hilton, born in 1947. Claims made later by Zsa Zsa alleging rape by Conrad, while generating controversy, did not alter the established familial relationships. The couple divorced in 1947.
Her marriage to Frédéric Prinz von Anhalt, which lasted from 1986 until her death in 2016, was her longest. Prinz von Anhalt’s personal wealth was estimated to be significant, and his management of Gabor’s affairs in her later years further intertwined their financial lives. Specifically, in 2007, Prinz von Anhalt initiated legal proceedings to sell off various assets belonging to Gabor, including art pieces and jewelry, to cover mounting medical expenses and maintain their lavish lifestyle. While exact figures for the sale of these items were not disclosed, it highlights the ongoing financial management required to sustain their lifestyle. The couple also adopted adult men, who paid to become legal descendants of Princess Marie-Auguste of Anhalt, introducing complex financial dimensions.
Legal Issues and Controversies
In 1989, Gabor made headlines for slapping a police officer after being pulled over while driving, leading to legal consequences and fines. She was convicted of assault and driving with an expired license. The incident resulted in a 72-hour jail sentence and a fine of $12,937, contributing to legal expenses and public attention.
In 2002, Gabor was involved in a car crash that left her partially paralyzed, leading to extensive medical treatments and impacting her mobility. The accident resulted in multiple hospitalizations and surgeries, including a hip replacement and, later, a leg amputation in 2011 due to a life-threatening infection. These medical treatments incurred significant costs. The exact amount spent on medical care is not publicly documented, but it is known that the medical bills significantly impacted her financial resources in her later years, necessitating the sale of assets to cover expenses. The combination of legal fines and medical expenses contributed to a drain on her financial resources in later life.
Real Estate and Assets
In 1973, Zsa Zsa Gabor purchased a mansion on 1.1 acres in Bel Air for $245,000, equivalent to approximately $1.435 million in today’s dollars after adjusting for inflation. This property served as her primary residence for many years and became a symbol of her opulent lifestyle. In 2012, the home was used as a stand-in for Liberace’s Vegas mansion in the HBO movie “Behind the Candelabra.”
The Bel Air mansion was listed for sale multiple times following Gabor’s death. In 2011, it was initially listed for $15 million. It eventually sold in 2013 for $11 million, but it is believed that Zsa Zsa was allowed to remain in the mansion after the sale. The property was sold again in 2017 for $10 million. In 2018, it was listed for $23.5 million and later sold for $21 million. In 2020, it was sold to mining billionaire Robert Friedland for $16 million. These real estate transactions indicate the fluctuating market value of the property and highlight its significance as a major asset in Gabor’s estate. The various sales of the property contributed to the overall estate valuation and reflect the high-value assets that contributed to Gabor’s net worth.
Lifestyle and Spending Habits
Zsa Zsa Gabor was known for her extravagant lifestyle, including lavish parties, expensive jewelry, and designer clothing. She maintained a high-profile social life and frequently appeared at social events and parties. Her spending habits included acquiring and maintaining a collection of valuable jewelry, designer clothing, and accessories. Although specific monetary values for these items are not publicly available, it is known that she invested heavily in her wardrobe and personal appearance. Her homes were decorated with expensive art and furnishings, reflecting her taste for luxury. The precise costs associated with maintaining this lifestyle are not fully documented, but they undoubtedly contributed to a substantial outflow of funds. The lavish spending habits were funded by her earnings from film and television, income from her marriages, and, later, through the sale of her assets.
Net Worth Fluctuations
Zsa Zsa Gabor’s net worth experienced fluctuations throughout her life, influenced by her income from acting, her marital settlements, real estate transactions, and various business ventures. The consistent expenses of maintaining a luxurious lifestyle and covering legal and medical costs also played a role. Specific years when her net worth experienced notable changes include the period following her divorce from Conrad Hilton in 1947, the sale of her Bel Air mansion in 2013, and the final years of her life when medical expenses increased. However, the exact annual fluctuations in her net worth are not precisely documented in available sources.
Legacy and Final Years
In her final years, Zsa Zsa Gabor faced numerous health challenges, including a car accident in 2002 that left her partially paralyzed, strokes in 2005 and 2007, and a leg amputation in 2011. These health issues led to significant medical expenses and a decline in her overall quality of life. She was hospitalized multiple times and required constant care, which further strained her financial resources. Gabor passed away from cardiac arrest on December 18, 2016, at the age of 99. In 2021, her husband, Frédéric Prinz von Anhalt, had her remains interred in Budapest, fulfilling her wish to return to Hungary. This final act was symbolic of her life’s journey, from her early days in Hungary to her rise to fame in Hollywood.
