Olivia Hussey, the revered actress best known for her role as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli's Oscar-winning 1968 adaptation of "Romeo and Juliet," has passed away at the age of 73. Her family announced her death on Instagram, stating she died "at home, surrounded by her loved ones." Throughout her life, she was celebrated not only for her iconic portrayal of Juliet but also for her warmth and kindness, as noted by her family: "Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her."
Born in Buenos Aires to an Argentine opera singer and a British legal secretary, Hussey moved to London when she was just seven years old. She began her acting career early and was only 15 when she was cast as Juliet, starring opposite Leonard Whiting, who played Romeo. Their performances created lasting impressions on audiences and earned both considerable acclaim, with Hussey receiving a Golden Globe for "New Star of the Year".
Hussey's relationship with Zeffirelli, who passed away in 2019, became complex after the pair filed a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures due to the traumatic experiences they faced during the filming of the controversial nude scene. The lawsuit alleged child abuse and sought damages exceeding $500 million, but was dismissed by the court, which stated the scene was not "sufficiently sexually suggestive." Reflecting on this incident, Hussey once remarked, "Everyone assumes we were too young to understand what we were doing. But we were very aware." While the challenges of the filming were evident, Whiting later told media outlets, "Olivia was very, very nervous and frightened, but we were very fond of each other and supported each other throughout."
After her unforgettable portrayal of Juliet, Hussey starred in various films and television projects. She garnered attention as the lead actress in the horror classic "Black Christmas" (1974) and appeared as the Virgin Mary in another Zeffirelli production, "Jesus of Nazareth" (1977). Her career continued through voice work for popular franchises like "Star Wars" and "Batman", showcasing her versatile talents.
Hussey's life story extends beyond her film career as she navigated personal challenges, including battles with breast cancer. Diagnosed in 2008, she underwent a double mastectomy and fought against the illness, which returned years later. Nonetheless, her spirit remained resilient, exemplified by her family's statement about her "life full of passion, love, and dedication to the arts, spirituality, and kindness."
Adding to her rich legacy, Hussey's final on-screen role gave her the chance to reunite with Whiting for the film "Social Suicide" (2015), where they reprised their iconic relationship as Juliet and Romeo. Her daughter, India Eisley, also starred alongside her, connecting past and present.
Hussey's memoir, "The Girl on the Balcony: Olivia Hussey Finds Life After Romeo and Juliet," published in 2018, provided her reflections on fame and the legacy of her breakout role. "I couldn’t really spend my teenage years like other teenagers," she revealed during interviews surrounding the book's release. Nevertheless, she regarded her experience as formative: "it was the experience of a lifetime, really."
Hussey is remembered not only for her significant contributions to cinema but also for the personal connections she nurtured. She is survived by her husband of 35 years, David Glen Eisley, her three children Alex, Max, and India, as well as her grandson Greyson. Their enduring bond highlights the impact she had on those closest to her, and the shared memories will carry her legacy forward.
