December 28th 2024.
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Olivia Hussey's passing at the age of 73. The talented actress, who captured the hearts of audiences as a teenager in the 1968 film adaptation of Romeo & Juliet, peacefully passed away on Friday at her home, surrounded by her loved ones.
Hussey's portrayal of Juliet in the classic Shakespearean tragedy, directed by Franco Zeffirelli, catapulted her to fame. She starred opposite Leonard Whiting, who played Romeo, and their chemistry on screen was undeniable. In a statement, her family described her as a remarkable person, full of warmth, wisdom, and kindness that touched the lives of all who knew her.
Her family also remembered her as someone who was passionate about the arts, spirituality, and animals. As they grieve this immense loss, they also celebrate Olivia's enduring impact on their lives and the industry. They kindly ask for privacy during this difficult time and thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers.
Hussey is survived by her three children - Alex, Max, and India - as well as her grandson, Greyson. She also leaves behind her husband, American musician David Glen Eisley, whom she married in 1991.
In 2008, Hussey was diagnosed with breast cancer, and unfortunately, it recurred in 2018. But despite her health struggles, she continued to act and leave a lasting impression on audiences.
At the age of 16, Hussey's breakout role in Romeo & Juliet was a remarkable feat, and she made history by being cast opposite Whiting, who was 17 at the time. The film was a box office hit and received four Academy Award nominations, including best picture. Hussey also won a David di Donatello prize and a Golden Globe for her performance.
Last year, Hussey and Whiting made headlines when they filed a lawsuit against Paramount, accusing director Zeffirelli of pressuring them into filming nude scenes during the making of Romeo & Juliet. However, the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed, and in October 2024, a second lawsuit was also dismissed.
Aside from her iconic role in Romeo & Juliet, Hussey also played Mary in the 1977 miniseries Jesus of Nazareth and starred as Mother Teresa in 2003's Mother Teresa of Calcutta. She also appeared in other films, such as Black Christmas and Death on the Nile. Additionally, she lent her voice to various video games, including Star Wars, Batman, and Superman.
In 2015, Hussey and Whiting reunited on screen for the film Social Suicide, this time playing the Capulet parents. This was her last on-screen credit.
Hussey was born in Buenos Aires and moved to London at the age of seven, where she attended drama school. She landed her first theatre role at the age of 13 and went on to have a successful career in film, television, and theater.
Her legacy in the entertainment industry will never be forgotten, and she will be deeply missed by her loved ones and fans alike. If you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures, please reach out to our The Agency entertainment team. We would love to hear from you.
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