‘Romeo and Juliet’ Star Olivia Hussey Dies at 73
Olivia Hussey, the celebrated British actress renowned for her role as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, has passed away at the age of 73.
Hussey’s family announced her death in a statement shared on her official Instagram account, revealing that she died peacefully at her home in California on Friday, surrounded by loved ones.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Olivia Hussey Eisley, who went peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones on December 27th,” the statement read.
The family described Hussey as “a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.”
Born on April 17, 1951, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Hussey was celebrated for her passion for the arts, her spirituality, and her love for animals.
At just 15 years old, she was cast as Juliet in Zeffirelli’s adaptation of William Shakespeare’s tragedy. Her portrayal won her a Golden Globe for Best New Actress, with the film earning two Academy Awards. Actor Leonard Whiting, then 16, starred opposite her as Romeo.
In 2022, Hussey and Whiting filed a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures, alleging sexual abuse related to a nude scene in the film. However, the case was dismissed the following year, with the court ruling that the scene was not “sufficiently sexually suggestive.”
Hussey is survived by her husband of 35 years, David Glen Eisley; her three children, Alex, Max, and India; and her grandson, Greyson.
Her family expressed gratitude for the love and prayers during this difficult time, while celebrating her lasting legacy in the arts and her enduring impact on those who knew her.
