Olivia Hussey, the beloved actress who brought Juliet to life in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 adaptation of “Romeo and Juliet” has passed away at the age of 73. The actress died peacefully at her home on December 27, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones.
Born on April 17, 1951, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Olivia Hussey moved to London as a child, where she began her acting career at the tender age of 13. Her breakthrough came when she was cast as Juliet in Zeffirelli’s film, a role that would define her career and earn her a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer.
Her portrayal of Juliet was both innocent and passionate, capturing the essence of Shakespeare’s tragic heroine. This performance not only revived interest in Shakespeare for a new generation but also catapulted her to international stardom.
Beyond “Romeo and Juliet,” Hussey’s career was marked by a series of memorable roles. She starred as Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the 1977 television series “Jesus of Nazareth,” and appeared in the 1978 adaptation of Agatha Christie’s “Death on the Nile.” Her role as Jess Bradford in the 1974 horror classic “Black Christmas” left an indelible mark on the genre.
Hussey battled breast cancer, initially diagnosed in 2008, and underwent a double mastectomy. The cancer returned in 2018.
In 2022, Olivia and her “Romeo and Juliet” co-star Leonard Whiting filed a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures, alleging that they were filmed nude without their consent when they were minors. The case was ultimately dismissed, but it sparked important conversations about consent and the rights of actors.
Olivia Hussey was married four times. She is survived by her husband, David Glen Eisley, her three children, and a grandson. Her memoir, “The Girl on the Balcony: Olivia Hussey Finds Life After Romeo and Juliet,” published in 2018, offered an intimate look into her life, her struggles with fame, and her journey towards peace with her past.
