Olivia Hussey, renowned for her role as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, has died at the age of 73. The actress passed away peacefully at her home on December 27, 2024, surrounded by family, as reported on her official Instagram account.
The post described Hussey as ‘a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.’ Her family shared sentiments about her passion for the arts and her dedication to kindness.
Born on April 17, 1951, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Hussey moved to London as a child where her acting career began at the young age of 13. She gained major recognition when she was cast in Romeo and Juliet, starring alongside Leonard Whiting. The film was celebrated and received several Academy Award nominations, earning Hussey a Golden Globe and a David di Donatello award for her performance.
Following her breakout role, Hussey worked with Zeffirelli again in the miniseries Jesus of Nazareth (1977), and acted in cult classic films such as Black Christmas (1974) and Death on the Nile (1978).
Despite her fame, Hussey faced challenges in her career choices. An opportunity to star alongside John Wayne in True Grit was withdrawn after she mentioned discomfort with the idea. She later reflected on her career, stating, ‘I regret that I didn’t stretch myself more as an actress, take on meatier roles.’ Nevertheless, her legacy remains significant in the film industry.
As the years passed, Hussey ventured into voice acting, contributing to various Star Wars video games. She reprised her role in a modern adaptation of Romeo and Juliet in Social Suicide (2015) alongside Whiting, marking their reunion after decades.
In 2023, Hussey and Whiting made headlines by suing Paramount Pictures over alleged exploitation during the filming of Romeo and Juliet. The lawsuit was dismissed by a judge, who deemed the claims a ‘gross mischaracterization’ of the film’s content.
Hussey is survived by her husband, David Glen Eisley, her three children, and a grandson. Her family continues to honor her legacy, reflecting on her kindness and the impact she made through her art.
Olivia Hussey’s contribution to cinema will be remembered, as her captivating performances touched the hearts of audiences around the world.
