'Romeo and Juliet' star Olivia Hussey dies at 73
Actress Olivia Hussey, renowned for her portrayal of Juliet in the 1968 adaptation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, has passed away at the age of 73.
According to a statement posted on her Instagram, Hussey died “peacefully at her home surrounded by her loved ones” on Friday, Dec. 27.
“Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her,” her family continued.
She was described as being “full of passion, love, and dedication to the arts, spirituality, and kindness towards animals.”
“As we grieve this immense loss, we also celebrate Olivia’s enduring impact on our lives and the industry,” the family’s statement concluded. “We thank you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and ask for privacy as we mourn the loss of a truly special soul.”
Hussey is survived by her husband, musician David Glen Eisley; her three children, Alex, Max, and India; and her grandson, Greyson.
Hussey, born in Buenos Aires, moved to London as a child and embarked on her acting career at the tender age of 13. At 16, she landed the role of Juliet, catapulting her to stardom, alongside Leonard Whiting as Romeo.
Hussey and Whiting sued Paramount in December 2022, alleging that Zeffirelli tricked them into appearing in the nude in Romeo and Juliet. The scene includes a lingering shot of Whiting's bare buttocks and a glimpse of Hussey's naked breasts.
They argued that it was equal to “child pornography.”
It was junked in May 2023 partly because of the statute of limitations, or the maximum time that parties may initiate legal proceedings from the alleged offense's date.
In October 2024, a judge dismissed the 1968 Romeo and Juliet stars' second lawsuit over its bedroom scene, as they apparently consented to it.
Aside from her role as Juliet, Hussey portrayed Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the TV miniseries Jesus of Nazareth. Her diverse filmography includes notable roles in the 1974 horror film Black Christmas, the 1990 miniseries adaptation of Stephen King's It, and as Norman Bates' mother in Psycho IV: The Beginning.
She made her final appearance in 2015’s Social Suicide.
Hussey was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. Following a mastectomy, she achieved remission. However, in 2018, she revealed to Express that doctors had discovered a new tumor.
"I regret that I didn't stretch myself more as an actress, take on meatier roles,” she said. “But I took time off to live my life and raise three children. At the time that was more important than working on my career. Overall I've done a couple of roles I'm proud of and I'm very happy in my life."
