Olivia Hussey, celebrated for her portrayal of Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, has died at the age of 73. Her family announced her passing on Friday, describing her as a person whose warmth, wisdom, and kindness left an indelible mark on those who knew her.
Hussey’s performance in the Oscar-winning film earned her a Golden Globe and remains one of the most iconic interpretations of the Shakespearean character. She was just 15 years old when she starred opposite Leonard Whiting in the groundbreaking adaptation.
Born in Buenos Aires to an Argentine opera singer and a British legal secretary, Hussey relocated to London at the age of seven. She trained at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts and began acting professionally as a teenager, culminating in her career-defining role in Zeffirelli’s film.
In recent years, Hussey and Whiting made headlines in 2023 when they filed a lawsuit against the studio behind Romeo and Juliet. The suit cited allegations of child abuse related to a controversial nude scene filmed when they were minors. However, the case was later dismissed. Reflecting on the scene in a 2018 interview, Hussey defended the director’s approach, saying it was handled with care and professionalism.
Whiting, in a 2023 interview, shared how the pair supported each other during challenging moments on set. “Olivia was very nervous and frightened too, but we were fond of each other and leaned on one another throughout,” he said.
Beyond Romeo and Juliet, Hussey’s career included acclaimed roles in the 1974 horror classic Black Christmas and the 1978 adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile.
Hussey is survived by her husband, musician David Eisley, their three children, and a grandchild. Her family’s tribute described her as a remarkable woman whose legacy will endure through her work and the lives she touched.
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