Olivia Hussey, Star of the 1968 Romeo and Juliet Film, Passes Away at 73

Olivia Hussey: A Life of Art and Passion

Actress Olivia Hussey, who won a Golden Globe for her performance as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 Romeo and Juliet, died quietly at the age of 73. In honour of her “life full of passion, love, and dedication to the arts,” her family announced her passing on Friday.

Remembering Olivia Hussey

Hussey was born in Buenos Aires, but her breakthrough performance as Juliet at the age of 15 made her a household name. The movie, which was based on a tragedy by William Shakespeare, was a box office success and was nominated for four Oscars, taking home two of them for Best Costume Design and Best Cinematography. Hussey won a Golden Globe for “New Star of the Year” for her performance.

Her family’s statement described her as a remarkable individual whose “warmth, wisdom, and kindness” left a lasting impression on those who knew her.

Career Highlights Beyond Romeo and Juliet

After her iconic role, Hussey appeared in several notable films, including:

• The 1974 slasher film Black Christmas.

The 1978 adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile.
Her career spanned decades, marked by diverse roles that showcased her versatility as an actress.

Controversy and Legal Battle

Citing claims of child abuse connected to a contentious nude scene, Hussey and her Romeo and Juliet co-star Leonard Whiting sued the studio in 2023. The performers, who were then 15 and 16, said they had been duped. However, a judge dismissed the lawsuit, ruling that the film’s material did not satisfy the legal threshold for being considered “sexually suggestive.”

Legacy and Family

Hussey’s husband, musician David Eisley, their three kids, and a granddaughter survive her. Her family highlighted her lifelong influence on the arts, as well as her love of animals and her commitment to spirituality.