Olivia Hussey, the acclaimed actress best known for her portrayal of Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, has passed away at the age of 73. Hussey’s family announced her death on December 27, 2023, noting she died peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones. A heartfelt statement posted on her official Instagram account reflected on her remarkable life: "Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her."
Born on April 17, 1951, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Hussey moved to London at the age of seven. It was there she embarked on her acting career, studying at the Italia Conti Academy drama school and performing on stage. At just 15, she was cast by director Franco Zeffirelli to star alongside British actor Leonard Whiting, who was 16, as the titular couple. The film, co-written by Zeffirelli, not only garnered two Academy Awards but also received acclaim for Hussey's poignant performance, earning her the Golden Globe for Best New Actress.
Hussey's breakout role catapulted her to international fame. The controversial nature of the film, particularly a nude scene shot when the actors were minors, led to decades of scrutiny. Hussey and Whiting later filed lawsuits against Paramount Pictures, alleging they were misled about the filming of nude scenes. The lawsuit sought damages over $500 million, highlighting the psychological impacts and the film’s enduring profitability. Those claims, unfortunately, were dismissed by the courts, with judges citing procedural issues and dismissing allegations of child abuse as too late to be actionable.
Following her iconic role as Juliet, Hussey collaborated with Zeffirelli once more, portraying Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the 1977 miniseries Jesus of Nazareth. She also gained notoriety as the terrorized sorority girl, Jess Bradford, in Bob Clark's classic slasher film Black Christmas (1974). Her portrayal of Rosalie Otterbourne, the daughter of Angela Lansbury's character, in the Agatha Christie adaptation Death on the Nile (1978) showcased her range as an actress.
Hussey's career continued to flourish throughout the late 20th century, with roles spanning various genres. She appeared as Norman Bates's mother in Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990), and lent her voice to characters in video games based on the Star Wars, Batman, and Superman franchises. Her final screen appearance alongside Whiting came with the 2015 film Social Suicide, which offered a modern take on Romeo and Juliet.
Despite her acting success, Hussey faced hardships later in life, including her battle with breast cancer, first diagnosed in 2008. Family and relationships also shaped her life; she was married to David Glen Eisley for 35 years and had three children: Alexander, Max, and actress India Eisley. Olivia had previously been married to Dean Paul Martin from 1971 until their divorce and to Akira Fuse from 1980 until their divorce nine years later.
Hussey's memoir, The Girl on the Balcony: Olivia Hussey Finds Life After Romeo and Juliet, published in 2018, detailed both her triumphs and struggles throughout her career. The work offers insights not only about her rise to fame but also the challenges she faced as a young actress during production of the controversial film.
Following her passing, Leonard Whiting paid tribute to Hussey via Instagram, stating, "Rest now my beautiful Juliet no injustices can hurt you now. And the world will forever know your beauty inside and out." Hussey is survived by her husband, her children, and her grandson, Greyson.
Her legacy endures not only through her performances but also through the conversations she sparked about the treatment of child actors and the responsibilities of filmmakers. Olivia Hussey will always be remembered for her iconic role and the impact she had on the film industry.
