Romeo And Juliet Actress, Olivia Hussey Dies At 73

Hollywood actress Olivia Hussey, best known for her breakout role as Juliet in the 1968 film adaptation of “Romeo and Juliet”, has passed away at the age of 73.

A statement posted on her Instagram said Olivia Hussey died on Friday, December 27, surrounded by her 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 said.

“Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.”

It added, “Olivia lived a life full of passion, love, and dedication to the arts, spirituality, and kindness towards animals.

“Olivia leaves behind a loving family— her children, Alex, Max, and India, her husband of 35 years David Glen Eisley, and grandson, Greyson, and a legacy of love that will forever be cherished in our hearts.

“As we grieve this immense loss, we also celebrate Olivia’s enduring impact on our lives and the industry. 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.”

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Olivia Hussey grew up in London and trained at the Italia Conti Academy drama school.

Her rise to fame began at age 15 when director Franco Zeffirelli cast her as Juliet after seeing her perform on stage.

Hussey starred alongside 16-year-old Leonard Whiting as Romeo in what Zeffirelli envisioned as the definitive film version of Shakespeare’s classic.

The film earned Oscar nominations for Best Picture and Best Director, while Hussey won the Golden Globe for Best New Star.

However, she missed out on an Academy Award nomination in a competitive year when Barbra Streisand won for “Funny Girl”.

Despite its success, the film became a source of controversy decades later. Hussey and Whiting sued Paramount Pictures, alleging Zeffirelli coerced them into filming nude scenes despite earlier promises they wouldn’t have to.

They sought over $500 million in damages, citing emotional distress and the film’s ongoing profits.

However, the case was dismissed in 2022, with the judge ruling that the scenes were not “sufficiently sexually suggestive.”

Hussey’s career extended beyond “Romeo and Juliet”. She reunited with Zeffirelli in 1977 to play the Virgin Mary in the TV miniseries “Jesus of Nazareth”.

Her other notable roles included appearances in “Black Christmas” (1974), “Death on the Nile” (1978), and “Psycho IV: The Beginning”, where she played Norman Bates’s mother. These performances earned her recognition as a scream queen in the horror genre.

In later years, Hussey lent her talents to voice acting, including roles in video games. Her last on-screen reunion with Whiting came in the 2015 film “Social Suicide”, a modern retelling of “Romeo and Juliet” set in the age of social media.

Olivia Hussey passed away on Friday, surrounded by her loved ones, according to a statement shared on her Instagram.

Her contributions to film, particularly her iconic portrayal of Juliet, remain a lasting testament to her talent and dedication.

KanyiDaily also reported that Mexican wrestling legend, Rey Misterio Snr, whose real name was Miguel Ángel López Días, died at the age of 66, shortly after a recent family tragedy.