Olivia Hussey, the actress from Romeo and Juliet, has died at the age of 73.

Olivia Hussey, the acclaimed actress known for her portrayal of Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 film *Romeo and Juliet*, has passed away at the age of 73. Her death was announced on December 27, 2024, via her Instagram account, where it was noted that she died peacefully at home. Hussey's performance as the iconic character garnered significant recognition; she won a Golden Globe for her role and contributed to the film's nomination for Best Picture. At just 15 years old during filming, Hussey captivated audiences with her poignant interpretation of Shakespeare's tragic heroine.

Franco Zeffirelli’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic love story was not without its controversies. In late 2022, Hussey Eisley and co-star Leonard Whiting filed a lawsuit against Paramount Studios, which produced the film, for allowing the movie to be released with scenes showing them nude when they were minors. According to the complaint, Zeffirelli told Hussey Eisley and Whiting – who were 15 and 16 at the time, respectively – that “they must act in the nude or the picture would fail.” The suit was dismissed in May 2023.

Hussey Eisley later starred in the 1974 horror film “Black Christmas” and appeared in the 1978 Agatha Christie adaptation “Death on the Nile.” She also worked with Zeffirelli again in 1977, playing Mary in the TV mini series “Jesus of Nazareth.”

Hussey was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1951, before moving to London aged seven and studying at the Italia Conti Academy drama school.

She was 15 when Romeo and Juliet director Franco Zeffirelli discovered her onstage, playing opposite Vanessa Redgrave in the play The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.

Zeffirelli was looking for someone who was young enough to be a convincing Juliet in what he intended to be the definitive cinematic version of the Shakespeare play.

Throughout her career, Hussey appeared in various films and television series beyond *Romeo and Juliet*. Notable works include *Black Christmas*, *Death on the Nile*, and the miniseries *Jesus of Nazareth* . Her versatility as an actress allowed her to tackle diverse roles across genres. Despite facing challenges later in life—including a lawsuit concerning child abuse allegations related to a nude scene filmed when she was a minor—Hussey remained a respected figure in Hollywood until her passing.

The legacy left by Olivia Hussey is multifaceted; she not only defined an era of cinema with her portrayal of Juliet but also inspired generations through her subsequent work. As we reflect on her contributions to film and television, it is evident that Hussey will be remembered not only for exceptional talent but also for navigating the complexities of fame from such a young age. Her influence endures as new audiences discover both *Romeo and Juliet* and her broader body of work.

 Read more

Sarah H

Also on site :

• Sindh govt says Karachi deaths not solely linked to COVID-19
• Boris Johnson’s wife Carrie announces birth of fourth baby: ‘We are totally smitten’
• Creators behind new British comedy react to ‘mad’ Richard Curtis praise