Olivia Hussey, Star of 1968 Classic ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ Dead at 73
Olivia Hussey, the actress who gained acclaim after starring in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, has died at the age of 73.
Her family announced her death on the actress’ Instagram on Friday. “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,” read the statement, which was shared alongside a photo of Hussey. “Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.”
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The statement continued, “Born on April 17th, 1951 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Olivia lived a life full of passion, love, and dedication to the arts, spirituality, and kindness towards animals.”
Hussey would also go on to feature in slasher film Black Christmas and 1978’s Death on the Nile. She would reunite again with Zeffirelli and play Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the 1977 television film Jesus of Nazareth. Her credits also included Psycho IV: The Beginning, which saw her take on the role of Norma Bates, and the miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s It in 1990.
In 2022, Hussey and her co-star Leonard Whiting sued Paramount Pictures, for sexual exploitation and child abuse over the use of nude footage Romeo and Juliet, which was captured when they were 15 and 16, respectively. The actors alleged Zeffirelli, who died in 2019, violated their consent by filming them nude without their knowledge. The suit was dismissed, and a second lawsuit filed by the stars claiming a 2023 Blu-Ray release manipulated a nude scene, was also dismissed by a judge.
The Paramount film won Academy Awards for Best Cinematography and Best Costume Design, and was nominated for Best Director and Best Picture. Hussey, who was praised for her performance in the film, received a David di Donatello award and a Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year for her work.
Hussey also featured as a voice actress in Star Wars video games, including 1998’s Star Wars: Rogue Squadron, 2000’s Star Wars: Force Commander, and Star Wars: The Old Republic in 2011.
In remembrance of the star, her family wrote in their statement, “As we grieve this immense loss, we also celebrate Olivia’s enduring impact on our lives and the industry.”
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