Olivia Hussey, the beloved actress who rose to fame as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 film adaptation of William Shakespeare’s "Romeo and Juliet," has passed away at the age of 73. Her family announced her death on social media, stating she died peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones.
Hussey, who achieved international recognition at just 15 years old for her portrayal of the star-crossed lover, won a Golden Globe for Best New Actress for her role. "Olivia was warm, wise, and her kindness touched everyone who knew her," her family noted in the announcement. They described her as "a remarkable person" whose life was filled with passion and dedication to the arts.
Born on April 17, 1951, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Hussey moved to London with her mother at the age of seven. She began her career on stage, where she caught the eye of director Franco Zeffirelli during her performance in "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie," which also starred Vanessa Redgrave. Zeffirelli selected her for Juliet, alongside Leonard Whiting, who played Romeo.
"Romeo and Juliet" was not only critically acclaimed but also won two Academy Awards. The film, which was controversial upon its release for its nude scenes involving minors, has remained a topic of discussion. Decades later, both Hussey and Whiting filed a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures, alleging they were encouraged to perform nude scenes against prior agreements. The lawsuit was dismissed by a Los Angeles County judge, determining it was filed too late, as their scenes did not meet the threshold for child pornography.
The actress had been outspoken about her discomfort with how the sensitive scenes were handled. Reports indicate she and Whiting were initially told they would wear flesh-colored undergarments, but were later informed they would only wear body makeup, resulting in the complex legal battle.
Aside from her breakthrough role, Hussey starred as Mary, mother of Jesus, in the 1977 miniseries "Jesus of Nazareth," and took on roles in several other films, including the face of horror classics like "Black Christmas" (1974) and the Agatha Christie adaptation "Death on the Nile" (1978). Her career spanned decades, and she also appeared as Norman Bates' mother in the prequel "Psycho IV: The Beginning" during the 1990s, cementing her status as the 'scream queen' of horror films.
Her final performance was alongside Whiting in the 2015 film "Social Suicide," which carried elements of Shakespeare’s classic tale and featured her daughter, actress India Eisley, as her on-screen daughter.
Hussey is survived by her husband, David Glen Eisley, with whom she had shared 35 years, her three children Alex, Max, and India, and her grandson Greyson. Acknowledging her passing, Whiting shared heartfelt words, stating, "Rest now my beautiful Juliet. Your beauty inside and out will forever be remembered." He emotionally recalled their shared history from childhood as co-stars.
The actress, known for her compassion and artistic dedication, left behind not only her film legacy but also cherished memories for her family and fans worldwide. They hope to honor her memory by celebrating the impact she made during her lifetime.
Marking the end of her impactful career and life, the world mourns the loss of Olivia Hussey, whose sensational performance and kind spirit have touched countless hearts.
