Olivia Hussey, the renowned actress who gained international fame as Juliet in the 1968 film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, has passed away at the age of 73. Hussey reportedly died peacefully at her home on December 27, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones, just two days after Christmas, according to her family statement shared via her Instagram account.
Born on April 17, 1951, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Hussey's early life was marked by her family's move to London, where her mother enrolled her and her brother at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts. It was here, at just 15 years old, where she would catch the eye of acclaimed director Franco Zeffirelli. He was scouting for young actors to portray Shakespeare's famous star-crossed lovers, and Hussey’s radiant performance as Juliet secured her place in cinematic history.
The 1968 film, noted for its authenticity and cinematography, was not just successful at the box office—grossing approximately $38.9 million on a modest $850,000 budget—but also garnered several Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. Hussey’s performance earned her multiple accolades, including the David di Donatello prize and the Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer.
Her family paid tribute to her, stating, "Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her. She lived a life full of passion, love, and dedication to the arts, spirituality, and kindness toward animals." They expressed their heartfelt sentiments during this time of grief, stating, "We also celebrate Olivia's enduring impact on our lives and the industry." Hussey is survived by her three children, Alex, Max, India, and her grandson, Greyson, as well as her husband, David Glen Eisley, whom she married in 1991.
Throughout her career, Hussey continued to act across various genres and mediums. She starred as Mary, the mother of Jesus, in Zeffirelli’s TV miniseries Jesus of Nazareth (1977) and featured prominently in other films such as Black Christmas (1974) and the Agatha Christie adaptation Death on the Nile (1978). She also showcased her voice acting skills in popular video games, including the Star Wars series.
Hussey recently made headlines when she and Whiting, her on-screen Romeo, filed lawsuits against Paramount Pictures, alleging they were misled by Zeffirelli during filming about the nature of the nude scenes they performed. Although the judges dismissed their claims, the controversy brought renewed attention to their landmark roles and the societal standards of the time.
Reflecting on her iconic role, Hussey once recalled, "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.” Her age during filming was significant, as she, along with Whiting, were cast close to the ages of the characters they portrayed, helping the film resonate with younger audiences.
Despite her remarkable achievements, Hussey's career was marked by ups and downs, as she struggled to achieve the stardom many believed was her due after her success as Juliet. Critics often celebrated her beauty and talent, yet the Hollywood spotlight did not consistently shine on her afterward.
She made guest appearances on television, participated in horror films such as Psycho IV: The Beginning, and engaged with fans through social media, reflecting on her past roles and interactions with the industry. Her last credited acting role was in Social Suicide (2015), where she reunited creatively with Whiting.
Olivia Hussey leaves behind not just memories of her performances, but also a legacy as one of cinema’s most beloved figures. Her family, friends, and fans from around the world will undoubtedly honor her impact on film and the joy she brought to her roles.
Even as the industry grapples with the loss of such talent, the essence of her performances and the stories she brought to life will linger on, inspiring generations to come.
