Olivia Hussey, the world-renowned British actress, has died.
The veteran movie star, who mesmerized movie audiences with her stunning role as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, passed away on Friday, December 27, at the age of 73.
Her family announced the heartbreaking news in a heartfelt Instagram statement, describing her as a “remarkable soul whose warmth, wisdom, and genuine kindness deeply touched everyone who knew her.”
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Hussey, who was an early achiever, was only 15 years old when she starred alongside Leonard Whiting in the Oscar-winning adaptation of William Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy. Her portrayal earned her a Golden Globe for “New Star of the Year” and secured her legacy in cinematic history.
It is noteworthy that beyond her iconic role in Romeo and Juliet, Olivia Hussey also enjoyed a varied career in film and television. She famously starred in the 1974 cult classic slasher Black Christmas and also appeared in the 1978 adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile, among other acclaimed projects.
Recall that in 2023, Olivia Hussey and Whiting filed a lawsuit against the studio behind Romeo and Juliet, alleging child abuse over a controversial nude scene involving the underage actors. Although a judge dismissed the case later that year, Hussey addressed the controversy in a 2018 interview with Variety, stating, “Everyone assumes we were too young to understand, but we were fully aware. We both came from drama schools and approached our work with great seriousness.”
In 2023, Whiting herself reflected on the experience, recalling how he and Hussey supported each other during filming: “Olivia was very nervous and frightened, but we cared deeply for each other and helped one another navigate the entire process.”
Born in 1951 to an Argentine opera singer and a British legal secretary, Hussey relocated to London at the age of seven. She honed her craft at the renowned Italia Conti drama school and began acting as a teenager, eventually securing her iconic role in Zeffirelli’s adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.
She is survived by her husband, musician David Eisley, their three children, and a grandchild, who will carry on her legacy.
