Legendary actress Olivia Hussey, renowned for her role as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 Oscar-winning adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, has died at the age of 73. The news was confirmed by her family in a heartfelt Instagram post, describing her as a “remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.”
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1951, Hussey moved to London at the age of seven and trained at the prestigious Italia Conti drama school. At just 15 years old, she captivated audiences worldwide with her portrayal of Juliet, opposite Leonard Whiting’s Romeo. The performance earned her a Golden Globe for “New Star of the Year” and secured her place in cinematic history.
Hussey’s career extended far beyond her iconic role in Romeo and Juliet. She appeared in a range of notable films, including the 1974 slasher classic Black Christmas and the 1978 adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile.
In 2023, Hussey and Whiting made headlines after filing a lawsuit against the studio behind Romeo and Juliet, alleging child abuse over a controversial nude scene in the film. While the lawsuit was dismissed, Hussey defended the scene in a 2018 interview, emphasizing the professionalism she and Whiting brought to the project despite their young age.
Reflecting on their work together, Whiting recalled in 2023: “Olivia was very, very nervous and frightened as well, but we really were very fond of each other and helped each other get through the whole thing.”
Hussey is survived by her husband, musician David Eisley, their three children, and a grandchild. Her legacy as one of the most iconic Juliets in cinematic history and her contributions to film and television will continue to inspire generations.