The Gorgeous Transformation Of '60s Icon Eva Gabor, In Photos

Eva Gabor is a Hungarian-American actor best known for playing Lisa Douglas on the absurdist sitcom "Green Acres." Despite garnering much attention for her part in the series, which ran between 1965 and 1971, Gabor had already established herself as a successful actor in film and on Broadway. As the sister of Hollywood legend and socialite Zsa Zsa Gabor — widely remembered for embodying the idea of being "famous for being famous" — it's no surprise that the actor followed in her sister's fabulous footsteps. Eva's signature glamour extended far beyond Hollywood and into the entrepreneurial world. In 1969, the actor founded Eva Gabor International, a revolutionary wig company now known simply as "Gabor." 

Gabor has always exuded classic Old Hollywood elegance and a vintage allure. Like many of that era's stars, the actor's style evolved over the years, and she adopted several decade-specific trends. For a time, she embraced a Marilyn Monroe-inspired aesthetic and then later leaned into the voluminous glamour of the 1980s. Gabor continually experimented with fashion until she was positively dripping in pearls. Throughout her life, Gabor developed a distinct style identity — her transformation was unapologetically extravagant and the actor's bold, glamorous appearance was characterized by bright colors, unique silhouettes, and lots of jewelry. Even up until her death in 1995, Gabor never stopped pushing boundaries with fashion.

In one of her 1940s portraits, Eva Gabor carried an old-Hollywood allure with softly-sculpted features and luminous skin. By styling her hair into a vintage poodle-top updo, one of the defining hairstyles of the decade, she was the epitome of '40s glamour. Her elaborate hairstyle featured bouncy curls that were swept above her forehead. Gabor's almond-shaped eyes and subtle makeup showcased her youth and highlighted her innocence. Posing for the photo, Gabor wore a collared blouse embellished with intricate beading and sequins, accessorized with tiny stud earrings. The adornments only added to her sophisticated appearance.

Several years later in 1953, Eva Gabor posed for a portrait wearing a daring pin-up playsuit. The actor showed off confidence and attitude in her strapless bodysuit that featured a fitted, black corset top with a sweetheart neckline and lace detailing. The silhouette of the garment created an hourglass figure that fit the Marilyn Monroe bombshell aesthetic that dominated the 1950s. Gabor definitely succeeded at incorporating Marilyn Monroe's iconic style into her wardrobe, and the actor finished her leggy look with sheer pantyhose and black heels.

In the mid-1950s, Eva Gabor's appearance shifted away from bombshell styles and towards a softer aesthetic. At a photoshoot in 1954, the actor opted for a pink ballgown that boasted an airy silhouette. The strapless number drew attention to her prominent collarbones and featured a ruffled neckline of gathered tulle fabric. Gabor also started to experiment with different makeup and hairstyles in the mid-1950s. Despite wearing bolder makeup, her cherry-red lips actually added to the soft femininity of the outfit. Gabor's short, blond blowout nodded to the prevalent Monroe-inspired trends of the era, and it seems she was still working on establishing her own distinct style.

Eva Gabor attended "The Sound of Music" premiere in 1965 wearing a white boatneck shift dress with an encrusted broach. Whether it was her successful role in "Green Acres" that prompted her accessories or Hollywood itself had made her feel fabulous, the actor also arrived at the event draped in pearls. She paired a layered pearl necklace with chunky pearl earrings that blended seamlessly. The star's platinum-blond updo added to her luxe and expensive-looking ensemble.

In a portrait from 1970, Eva Gabor channeled the disco style that defined the era. The actor posed wearing a flowing pink, blue, and purple caftan dress that featured a bold geometric pattern. Her nonchalant pose pointed to her socialite roots and a swooping pearl necklace only added to her elegant demeanor. Gabor topped off the look with a subtle pair of pearl drop earrings that fit perfectly with her platinum-blond blowout. Her hair was styled into a large bouffant that emphasized her regal allure and high-society glamour.

Eva Gabor's wardrobe saw some extraordinary silhouettes in the 1980s as she welcomed voluminous dresses and puffed sleeves — both popular dress trends in the '80s that can also look good in a modern wardrobe. On one occasion that decade, the actor was snapped wearing a lavender trumpet gown that hugged her figure and dramatically flared at the bottom. On the top of the dress, the shimmering bodice extended into big ruffled sleeves. Gabor finished the look with teardrop pearl earrings, and her teased updo showed how fully she embraced the decade's distinct styles — from head to toe.

Eva Gabor donned balloon sleeves on another occasion in 1988. However, this time, the dramatic shoulders of her dress were balanced out by a more streamlined skirt. Although the actor toned down the '80s-style volume in her gowns, Gabor maintained the big-hair look. While her platinum blond bouffant and vibrant red lipstick took center stage against her shimmering emerald-green dress, Gabor's crystal accessories added a luxurious element to her look. The actor accessorized with a sparkly bracelet, an embellished broach, and statement earrings. She topped off her outfit with a small handbag adorned with golden crystals.

As fashion trends in the 1990s shifted towards minimalism, Eva Gabor chose not to follow the decade's style pivot. For a portrait in 1990, the actor wore a sheer white blouse with a plunging neckline and a prominent ruffled collar that extended into balloon sleeves. Gabor ignored the grunge-inspired hairstyles of the era and maintained her teased updo instead. Her blond hair towered high on her head and drew attention to her glossy, glamorous makeup. In true Gabor fashion, she finished her look with lots and lots of pearls.

In the '90s, Eva Gabor wasn't letting her look be dictated by fleeting trends. The Hollywood icon flaunted a vibrant style that took inspiration from different fashion eras, but was entirely her own. When the actor attended the Carousel of Hope Ball in 1994, the year before her untimely death, Gabor was pictured wearing her signature poodle-top hairstyle and a structured lace corset with a lime-green balloon skirt that nodded to her lasting love for volume and bold colors. Her statement pearl choker, one of the modern ways to pull trendy pearls into your wardrobe, symbolized her lasting glamour and socialite heritage.