Magda Gabor: Untold Story Of The Eldest Gabor Sister

22 May, 2025

Did you know that behind the shimmering curtain of Hollywood glamour, there was a family whose lives were as captivating as any movie script? The Gabor sisters Magda, Zsa Zsa, and Eva were a force of nature, each with a story as unique and compelling as the other, but it was Magda, the eldest, whose tale often remained shrouded in mystery.

The Gabor sisters, Hungarian by birth, burst onto the American scene with a combination of beauty, wit, and an unwavering pursuit of the spotlight. While Zsa Zsa and Eva became household names, gracing the silver screen and magazine covers, Magda, the often-overlooked matriarch, lived a life filled with its own brand of intrigue. Her story is a testament to resilience, a life lived on her own terms, and a complex web of relationships that defined her. The narrative surrounding Magda Gabor is not simply about a famous sister; it's a journey through the high society of mid-20th-century America, a glimpse into a world of lavish parties, and a woman who navigated it all with a spirit that refused to be dimmed.

Category	Details
Full Name	Magda Gabor
Born	11 June 1915, Budapest, Hungary
Died	June 6, 1997, Palm Springs, California, USA (Kidney Failure)
Siblings	Zsa Zsa Gabor, Eva Gabor
Marriages	Jan de Bichowsky (19371946), George Sanders (19471950, 19541958), Anthony Gallucci (19581997)
Children	None
Known For	Being the eldest of the Gabor sisters, her numerous marriages, and her vibrant personality.
Early Life	Born into a Jewish family in Budapest, Hungary, she and her sisters later converted to Catholicism.
Career	Appeared in some films, but less prominent than her sisters. Also known for her social life and presence in high society.
Death	Died of kidney failure at Eisenhower Medical Center in Palm Springs, California.
Burial	Desert Memorial Park, Cathedral City, California
Notable Relationships	Twice married to actor George Sanders and lived in the same house as Zsa Zsa Gabor for many years.

Magda's early life in Budapest, Hungary, laid the foundation for the audacious spirit that would define her later years. Born into a Jewish family, the Gabors, including Magda, Zsa Zsa, and Eva, experienced a cultural and religious shift when they later embraced Catholicism. This experience was, in many ways, a precursor to the transformative journey they would undertake, leaving behind the familiar embrace of their homeland for the dazzling promise of America. The family's roots, however, remained an integral part of their identity, a heritage that, though sometimes adapted to the societal norms of their new world, continued to shape their values and aspirations.

When the shadow of World War II fell upon Europe, Zsa Zsa and Eva were already outside of Hungary. The sisters had already begun to experience life outside the confines of their homeland. Magda, eager to escape her past, particularly after her marriage to Jan Bychowsky, who died in 1944, sought a fresh start. The move to the United States signaled a significant turning point, a chance to rewrite their narrative on a grander stage. In the bustling social scenes of the United States, Magda quickly found her place. She was known for her numerous marriages, which included a second marriage to actor George Sanders, who was also married to Zsa Zsa, making the family dynamics even more complex. Her charisma and intelligence were often noted, alongside her ability to navigate high society with ease.

Her first marriage was to Jan de Bichowsky, a Royal Air Force pilot from the United Kingdom, who claimed to be of Polish nobility. This relationship, like her others, spoke of her adventurous spirit and her attraction to intriguing personalities. This relationship set the stage for a life marked by a series of significant unions, each adding a new layer to the intricate portrait of Magda. In 1947, she married George Sanders, an actor known for his suave demeanor and often playing sophisticated villains. Their marriage, while short-lived the first time, was indicative of her taste for prominent figures. Their connection was re-established later, with the two marrying again. Magdas marriages, more than just personal milestones, were a way of securing her place in the vibrant social circles of the era. Her quest for happiness was intertwined with her pursuit of companionship, a drive that led her to embrace multiple unions, each an expression of her spirit.

Built for Magda by her husband, builder Arthur Tony Gallucci, her home in Palm Springs became a testament to her enduring spirit. She lived there until her death in 1997 at the age of 81. Zsa Zsa later moved in after her own health declined, solidifying their lifelong bond. This shared residence, a desert oasis, became a symbol of their shared journey through life. For decades, the sisters, who were known to be the smartest of the three, created a refuge where they could enjoy their privacy while remaining at the epicenter of Hollywood's and high society's whirlwind. The house, set against the backdrop of the arid desert landscape, offered a blend of seclusion and elegance, mirroring the multifaceted life of Magda Gabor.

The Gabor sisters, Magda, Zsa Zsa, and Eva, each contributed uniquely to the family's legacy, forever etched in the history of Hollywood and pop culture. While Zsa Zsa was perhaps the most famous, with a string of marriages and a penchant for witty one-liners, and Eva rose to stardom through her television and film roles, Magda's story is also significant. She may not have achieved the same level of fame, her life was no less exciting, marked by its own set of remarkable experiences. Each sister's presence enriched the tapestry of the Gabor family's saga, making them a collective force that continues to capture the imagination. Their lives, with all their ups and downs, serve as a reminder that the most fascinating stories are often the ones that unfold beyond the glare of the spotlight.

Magda's relationships, her career, and her personal choices made her an intriguing figure, a woman who defied conventional expectations. She was a sister, a wife, and a woman who lived her life on her own terms. Her story teaches us about the importance of embracing individuality, the power of resilience, and the enduring bonds of family. She was part of the glamorous world of Hollywood, with its parties, premieres, and paparazzi. She moved into the US with her sisters, and together, they created a name for themselves in the entertainment world. Magda's story, a captivating mix of glamour, ambition, and personal resilience, gives a fascinating glimpse into the lives of those who dared to live boldly.

The family's conversion from Judaism to Catholicism in 1928 offered a unique perspective on identity and the ever-changing social landscape. This act of conversion, while possibly influenced by external factors, also indicated a desire for assimilation, a quest for belonging in a society that sometimes presented challenges for those of different backgrounds. Even with such transitions, their roots continued to influence their lives, shaping their values, and strengthening their resolve in their pursuit of success. Although the sisters were beautiful, they were also intelligent. They each spoke several languages, and Magda, especially, was known for her sharp wit.

Magdas association with the elite, her marriages, and her residence in Palm Springs highlight a life immersed in luxury and glamour. The contrast between her public persona and her private life reflects the complexity of her character. Her death, due to kidney failure at Eisenhower Medical Center in Palm Springs, marked the end of an era. The Desert Memorial Park in Cathedral City, California, became her final resting place, a quiet place where her unique story could be remembered. Her life, though less publicized than her sisters', was rich and vibrant. She remained true to herself, maintaining her elegance and wit throughout her life.

Magda Gabors story is not just one of fame and fortune; it is a narrative of a woman who carved her path in a society that often undervalued female voices. Through her marriages, her public appearances, and her enduring relationships with her sisters, she created a legacy that continues to resonate. Her life is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of individuality, and the enduring bonds of family. Despite the shadows, her life was a celebration of life and a reminder that beauty, wit, and audacity can create a lasting legacy. The stories of Magda Gabor and her sisters remain a fascinating study in ambition, charm, and the pursuit of happiness.

In the wake of Zsa Zsa Gabors death, stories began to emerge about the Gabor familys connection to Sussex County, revealing the long-lasting influence and their unique contributions to the social fabric. These stories highlighted the familys history and their deep ties. These insights into their early life and their journey to America, the conversion to Catholicism, and the move to the US, offered valuable context. They are also a reminder of the resilience, wit, and ambition that defined the Gabor sisters. Magda Gabors life, as a sister, a wife, and a woman who lived on her own terms, continues to fascinate and inspire.

From her beginnings in Hungary to her final years in Palm Springs, Magda's life was a testament to her resilience and spirit. Her life was a complex tapestry woven with ambition, glamour, and a deep commitment to her family. Her story continues to fascinate, reminding us of the enduring power of family bonds and the importance of living life on your own terms. Magda Gabor, the eldest of the Gabor sisters, lived a life as extraordinary as her famous siblings. She may not have always been in the spotlight, but her story deserves to be remembered. Her legacy, marked by her numerous marriages and the friendships she cultivated, speaks volumes about her ability to navigate high society with grace and determination. Magda Gabor's tale stands as a compelling illustration of the joys and tribulations of a woman who carved her path, living life to the fullest.

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