Olivia Hussey/ Romeo and Juliet actress/ actress obituary/ Shakespeare adaptation/ Hollywood lawsuits/ LONDON/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morninig Edition/ Olivia Hussey, beloved for her role as Juliet in the 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, has passed away at the age of 73. She died peacefully at home on Friday, surrounded by her family. Hussey’s career included notable roles in Jesus of Nazareth and Death on the Nile.
Olivia Hussey’s Legacy: Quick Looks
- Passing: Hussey died peacefully at home on December 27, 2024, at age 73.
- Breakthrough Role: Cast as Juliet at 15 in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 Romeo and Juliet.
- Awards: Won a Golden Globe for Best New Actress.
- Legal Battle: Sued Paramount in later years over nude scenes; case dismissed in 2023.
- Other Roles: Starred in Jesus of Nazareth and Death on the Nile.
- Personal Life: Born in Buenos Aires, moved to London as a child, survived by her husband, children, and grandson.
‘Romeo And Juliet’ Star Olivia Hussey Eisley Dies at 73
Deep Look
Olivia Hussey, the internationally celebrated actress who rose to fame as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, has passed away at the age of 73. Her family announced on social media that she died peacefully at home on December 27, 2024, surrounded by loved ones.
Hussey was only 15 when she was cast in the iconic role of Juliet. Zeffirelli, impressed by her performance in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, selected her to portray the Shakespearean heroine opposite Leonard Whiting as Romeo. The film became a global sensation, earning two Academy Awards and establishing Hussey as a star. Her portrayal of Juliet garnered critical acclaim, earning her a Golden Globe for Best New Actress.
Beyond Romeo and Juliet, Hussey had a rich acting career. She played Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the 1977 miniseries Jesus of Nazareth, directed by Zeffirelli, and appeared in the 1978 adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile. These roles solidified her reputation as a versatile and talented actress.
Later in life, Hussey and Whiting filed a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures, alleging sexual abuse and fraud regarding nude scenes in Romeo and Juliet. The pair claimed they were coerced into appearing nude, contrary to prior assurances. However, in 2023, a Los Angeles County judge dismissed the case, citing timing issues and finding the scenes did not qualify as child pornography.
Born on April 17, 1951, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Hussey moved to London during her childhood. She married musician David Glen Eisley and is survived by him, their three children, and a grandson. Her legacy as one of Shakespeare’s most beloved Juliets remains undiminished, celebrated by fans worldwide.
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