Olivia Hussey, renowned for her iconic role as Juliet Capulet in Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, has passed away at the age of 73. Her family confirmed the heartbreaking news on December 27, announcing her death through her Instagram account.
"It is with profounds sadness we announce the passing of Olivia Hussey Eisley, who went peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones," the statement read. Along with sharing their grief, her family celebrated her life, stating, "Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her." They added, "Olivia lived a life full of passion, love, and dedication to the arts, spirituality, and kindness toward animals." The family also expressed their intention to honor her enduring impact on both their lives and the film industry during this difficult time.
Born on April 17, 1951, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Hussey moved to London at the age of seven. She attended the prestigious Italia Conti Academy and began her career on stage. At just 15, Hussey was cast as Juliet, which earned her international acclaim and a Golden Globe for “New Star of the Year.”
The film Romeo and Juliet brought her and co-star Leonard Whiting fame, but not without controversy. The release included nude scenes, and Hussey faced significant backlash. Recently, she and Whiting had filed a lawsuit against Paramount Studios, alleging child abuse due to the nature of those scenes. The lawsuit, which claimed they were coerced by the director to appear nude, was dismissed earlier this year, with the judge stating there had been no convincing legal argument to deem the scenes as "sufficiently sexually suggestive."
Despite these controversies, Hussey's performance as Juliet helped to create countless memories for audiences around the world. The film itself was a box office hit, receiving several Oscar nominations and winning for Best Cinematography and Best Costume Design. Some critics noted the challenges and pressures of young actresses during this era, yet Hussey managed to leave her mark.
Beyond Romeo and Juliet, she left her mark as well on the horror genre with her role in the cult classic Black Christmas (1974) and later adaptations like Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile. Hussey also performed as Mary, the mother of Jesus, in Zeffirelli’s 1977 TV mini-series Jesus of Nazareth.
Throughout the 1990s, Hussey embraced the horror genre fully, featuring in productions such as Psycho IV: The Beginning. She gained recognition and admiration from horror fans for performances in Stephen King’s It and voiced characters across various animated series, including Batman Beyond and Superman: The Animated Series.
Hussey led a deeply enriching personal life as well. She married musician and actor David Glen Eisley; the couple enjoyed 35 years together. She is survived by her loving husband, three children, Alex, Max, and India, as well as her grandson, Greyson.
An outpouring of tributes from fans and friends around the globe continues to honor Hussey’s legacy. Her life was filled with meaningful contributions to both the art of acting and her personal devotion to spirituality and kindness. Her family poignantly remarked, "We also celebrate Olivia’s enduring impact on our lives and the industry."
Olivia Hussey’s contributions to film, television, and the horror genre will forever leave footprints on the hearts of those who admired her work. While she has left this world, her legacy continues to inspire new generations of actors and fans eager to experience the timeless tales she has brought to life.
