Olivia Hussey Eisley, best known for her iconic portrayal of Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli's adaptation of the classic play Romeo and Juliet (1968), has passed away at the age of 73. Her family shared the heartbreaking news on her official Instagram account, marking the end of an era for this beloved actress.
"It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Olivia Hussey Eisley, who went peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones on December 27th," the poignant tribute read. "Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her." The message emphasized the love and legacy she leaves behind, highlighting her lifelong dedication to the arts and the indelible mark she made on the hearts of both fans and peers.
Born on April 17, 1951, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Hussey began her acting career at the age of 13 and quickly gained acclaim for her talent. By the time she was cast as Juliet at just 15, she was already on her way to becoming one of the most recognized faces of her generation. Her performance opposite Leonard Whiting as Romeo won her numerous accolades, including the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year.
Hussey’s portrayal of Juliet has been immortalized over the years, and the film not only won the hearts of many but also earned four Academy Award nominations and two wins for Best Costume and Best Cinematography. Despite its success, the film was no stranger to controversy, particularly concerning the explicit nature of its scenes and the ages of the actors involved.
Outside of her role as Juliet, Hussey's career is marked by diverse and impressive performances. She starred alongside Peter Ustinov in Death on the Nile (1978) and participated ingenious miniseries such as Jesus of Nazareth (1977) and Stephen King's IT (1990). Notably, she became known as something of a scream queen due to her involvement in several horror films, including the classic Black Christmas (1974) and Psycho IV: The Beginning.
Hussey's life, both personal and professional, was not without challenges. Recently, she and Whiting filed lawsuits against Paramount Pictures, arguing they were misled about the nature of the film’s nude scenes, which had been shot without their consent. The lawsuit claimed significant damages, citing their anguish over the decades due to the explicit portrayal of their teenage selves. Although the initial lawsuit faced dismissal, the legal battle highlighted broader issues related to consent and the treatment of young actors within the entertainment industry.
Reflecting on her role and the experience of filmmaking, Olivia Hussey Eisley once remarked, "I loved playing Juliet. The only part I didn’t like was all the PR. It was exhausting, and I was this wild little thing." These words serve as both a glimpse of her passion for acting and the challenges she faced as a young star thrust quickly to fame.
Hussey is remembered as not just a talented actress but as someone whose empathy and kindness radiated to those around her. She is survived by her three children—Alex, Max, and India—and her husband of 35 years, David Glen Eisley, along with her grandson, Greyson. Her family’s Instagram post encapsulated their pain yet drew attention to her enduring spirit: "We thank you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and ask for privacy as we mourn the loss of a truly special soul."
Today, the legacy of Olivia Hussey Eisley continues to inspire new generations of performers and admirers alike. Her contributions to film and the arts remain woven within the rich cultural fabric of cinema, and she will be cherished for her remarkable roles and the kindness she spread throughout her life.
