Olivia Hussey, who rose to fame as a teenager in Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, has passed away at the age of 73, according to a statement shared on her official Instagram account. Hussey died on Friday, December 27.
“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. Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.
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.
Olivia leaves behind a loving family— her children, Alex, Max, and India, her husband of 35 years David Glen Eisley, and grandson, Greyson, and a legacy of love that will forever be cherished in our hearts. As we grieve this immense loss, we also celebrate Olivia’s enduring impact on our lives and the industry.
We thank you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and ask for privacy as we mourn the loss of a truly special soul.”
Olivia Hussey was a celebrated British-Argentinian actress best known for her iconic portrayal of Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 adaptation of Born Olivia Osuna on April 17, 1951, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, she was the daughter of an opera singer father and a British mother. After her parents divorced, Hussey moved to London with her mother, where she pursued acting at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts.
Hussey’s big break came at the age of 16 when she was cast as Juliet in Zeffirelli’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy. Her performance, paired with Leonard Whiting as Romeo, earned her international acclaim and a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer. The film remains a beloved cinematic interpretation of Shakespeare’s work.
Following her Romeo & Juliet success, Hussey appeared in a variety of film and television roles. She starred in the cult-classic horror film Black Christmas (1974) and portrayed Mother Mary in the miniseries Jesus of Nazareth (1977), another Zeffirelli production. Throughout her career, Hussey demonstrated a talent for bringing depth and emotion to her roles, whether in historical dramas, thrillers, or literary adaptations.
Off-screen, Hussey faced personal challenges, including health issues and navigating a high-profile career at a young age. She was married three times and had three children. Despite stepping back from acting in later years, she occasionally revisited her craft, appearing in projects such as Social Suicide (2015).
In 2008, Olivia Hussey was diagnosed with breast cancer. Following a mastectomy, the disease went into remission. However, in a 2018 interview with Express, Hussey revealed that doctors had discovered a new tumor.
Rest in Peace.
