Gabor began her stage career in Vienna and was crowned Miss Hungary in 1936. She emigrated from Hungary to the United States in 1941. Becoming a sought-after actress with "European flair and style", she was considered to have a personality that "exuded charm and grace". Her first film role was a supporting role in "Lovely to Look At". She later acted in "We're Not Married!" and played one of her few leading roles in the John Huston-directed film, "Moulin Rouge" (1952). Huston would later describe her as a "creditable" actress.