Magda Gabor, 1955 Stock Photo Alamy

Magda Gabor: The Untold Story Of The Forgotten Sister

Magda Gabor, 1955 Stock Photo Alamy

By  Jeffery Abshire III

Was Magda Gabor, often overshadowed by her more famous sisters, truly the most intriguing of the Gabor trio? Despite being perhaps the least recognized of the Hungarian beauties, Magda Gabors life was a whirlwind of intrigue, marked by wartime heroism and a string of high-profile romances, making her story unexpectedly captivating.

While the names Zsa Zsa and Eva Gabor frequently dominate the narrative of the glamorous Gabor sisters, the life of Magda Gabor presents a compelling counterpoint. Born Magdolna Gabor, and later known professionally as Magda Gabor, she navigated a world of Hollywood, European high society, and the tumultuous events of World War II. Her choices, particularly during the war, set her apart, revealing a woman of courage and complexity, far removed from the public perception of the "smartest of the three" described.

Magda's story is one of resilience, adaptability, and perhaps, a degree of mystery. Born in Budapest, Hungary, on June 11, 1918 (though some sources suggest 1914 or 1915), she was the middle child of Jolie (née Janszieka Tillemann) and Vilmos Gabor (née Grn), a jeweler and a royal Hungarian army officer. While her sisters chased stardom in Hollywood, Magda's path took her through a variety of experiences, from the silver screen to the complex realities of wartime Europe.

Full Name: Magdolna "Magda" Gabor
Date of Birth: June 11, 1918 (Sources vary, also citing 1914 or 1915)
Place of Birth: Budapest, Hungary
Date of Death: June 6, 1997
Place of Death: Palm Springs, California, USA
Cause of Death: Kidney Failure
Nationality: American (of Hungarian descent)
Known For: Actress, Socialite
Filmography: Mai Lnyok (1937), Tokaji rapszdia (1937), The Colgate Comedy Hour (1950)
Marriages: Tibor Heltai, George Sanders, Tony Gallucci, Sidney R. Warren, William Rankin, Jan de Bichowsky
Burial Place: Desert Memorial Park, Cathedral City, CA
Parents: Jolie Gabor, Vilmos Gabor
Sisters: Zsa Zsa Gabor, Eva Gabor
Race or Ethnicity: Roman Catholic
Reference: IMDB Profile

Magda's early life was marked by the elegance and privilege of pre-war Hungary. Her family, of Jewish heritage but converted to Catholicism in 1928, were well-known in Budapest society. Her father owned a jewelry shop, providing the family with a comfortable lifestyle. This backdrop of affluence shaped the sisters' future trajectories, providing them with a certain social grace and the resources to pursue their ambitions.

Her acting career began in Europe, with roles in films such as "Mai Lnyok" (1937) and "Tokaji rapszdia" (1937). The move into acting was a logical step for Magda, reflecting the family's penchant for the spotlight and their appreciation for the arts. While her film credits may not be as extensive as those of her sisters, her work nevertheless showcased her talent and ability to captivate an audience. Her career continued, later including an appearance on "The Colgate Comedy Hour" in 1950, a testament to her ability to maintain a presence in the entertainment world, even as her sisters achieved greater mainstream success.

Magdas life was a tapestry woven with numerous marriages, each offering a glimpse into her search for connection and her ability to form relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Her husbands included Tibor Heltai, George Sanders, Tony Gallucci, Sidney R. Warren, William Rankin, and Jan de Bichowsky. This list underscores her complexity, highlighting a woman who was not afraid of commitment and the possibilities of a shared life. Her first marriage was to Jan Bychowski, and in 1946 she used the name Magda de Bychowski on a passenger manifest while traveling from Lisbon, Portugal, to New York City.

During World War II, Magdas actions took center stage, distinguishing her from her sisters, who were primarily known for their Hollywood careers. While details are sometimes scarce and often subject to debate, there are strong indications that Magda played a role in assisting individuals trying to escape Nazi-occupied Europe. These actions, though not widely publicized, demonstrate a courageous spirit and a commitment to humanitarian principles. This involvement paints a picture of a woman who was not just concerned with personal success but also with the plight of others.

After the war, Magda moved to America, where she continued her acting career and embraced the social scene. Like her sisters, she enjoyed a life of luxury, attending high-profile events and becoming a fixture in the glamorous world of Palm Springs, California. She lived in the same desert oasis as Zsa Zsa for decades, as noted by real estate agent Brandon Holland. Her home was built by her husband, builder Arthur "Tony" Gallucci.

Although she didn't achieve the same level of fame as Zsa Zsa, Magda carved her own unique place in the world. She was often described as the smartest of the three, and she was known for her sharp wit and intelligence. While her sisters reveled in the Hollywood spotlight, Magda chose a more discreet path, one that prioritized privacy and personal relationships. She lived in the shadow of her sisters, yet she was never fully eclipsed.

Magda's story offers a compelling counter-narrative to the more widely known narratives of her sisters. It is a story of resilience, courage, and intelligence. It's also a story of a woman who, despite living a life of privilege, felt a strong pull towards aiding others during a time of immense suffering. Her life reveals a complex person who, while enjoying the finer things, never lost sight of the struggles of those around her.

Magda Gabor's narrative also highlights the changing face of celebrity, and the value of preserving history. The media landscape in which the sisters became famous was vastly different. While Zsa Zsa and Eva captivated audiences with their charisma, the story of Magda, with its shades of political intrigue, often became overshadowed. The media attention focused less on her. Yet, the story has survived. The story of Magda Gabor, and the untold tales of her life, offer a window into the human spirit and the indomitable nature of resilience. The story invites us to examine her legacy, her character, and her life choices.

Magda Gabor's legacy, much like the glitz and glamour that surrounded her, continues to evolve. In her own right, she created a life story that offers lessons in resilience and the ability to maintain composure amidst change. Her final reflection on the Gabor mystique shows us the enduring appeal of candid vulnerability, which can reveal the indomitable human spirit beneath the layers of the public persona.

The enduring allure of the Gabor sisters, and Magda in particular, stems from their ability to live life on their terms, even as they navigate a world that often dictates the rules. Magda, in particular, stands as a testament to the power of inner strength, intelligence, and the capacity for compassion. Her life reminds us that even in the shadow of fame, we can find value in lives well-lived, choices well-made, and legacies well-earned. Her is a story that deserves to be told and remembered.

In Rancho Mirage, California, on June 6, 1997, Magda Gabor passed away due to kidney failure. She was buried in the Desert Memorial Park in Cathedral City, California. Even in death, the details of Magda's life are intriguing. Her life was marked by courage, strength, and her compassion for others during a turbulent period in history. Despite the differences in their public personas, the sisters were bound by ties of love and devotion. Each sister made an indelible mark on the world. Magda, in her own way, continues to resonate with a unique kind of timelessness.

Magda Gabor, 1955 Stock Photo Alamy
Magda Gabor, 1955 Stock Photo Alamy

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Magda Gabor Circa 1980's Credit Ralph Dominguez/MediaPunch Stock Photo
Magda Gabor Circa 1980's Credit Ralph Dominguez/MediaPunch Stock Photo

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Actress Magda Gabor is shown at a reception held at the Voisin... News
Actress Magda Gabor is shown at a reception held at the Voisin... News

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