Skip To...
Romeo and Juliet star Olivia Hussey dies at 73, her family confirmed in a social media statement. The actress, known for her performance in the Franco Zeffirelli cinematic adaptation of the Shakespearean novel in 1968, has been in the spotlights for over five decades, starring in films like Black Christmas, A Summer to Kill, Death on the Nile, Virus, and the 1977 miniseries “Jesus of Nazareth.” She rose to fame for playing the fictional Juliet Capulet alongside the then-16-year-old Leonard Whiting, who played Romeo Montague in the film. The star remained an industry icon until her death in 2024.
Olivia Hussey’s family took to her Instagram account this week to share the news of her death. In the post, the family revealed the actress passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by loved ones. The announcement also disclosed the date of her passing as December 27, 2024. It read,
“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.”
Olivia Hussey Dies Peacefully After Leading a Remarkable Life
The statement also reflected on the Argentina-born actress’ well-lived life which was “full of compassion, love and dedication to the arts.” Her family praised her spirituality and kindness towards animals, wrapping up with a note of thanks to everyone extending their thoughts and prayers. They concluded,
“We thank you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and ask for your privacy as we mourn the loss of a truly special soul.”
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina in April 1951, Olivia Hussey relocated to London at age 7, where she attended the Italia Conti Academy drama school. This foray into dramatic arts set her up for a lifelong career in showbiz. At 15, Romeo and Juliet director Franco Zeffirelli discovered her performing alongside Vanessa Redgrave in the stage play The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. Then in search of a young actress suitable for the Juliet role, he recruited her immediately, and together with Leonard Whiting, the then-teenagers brought the fictional love story to life in 1968, earning Olivia her Golden Globes award for best new star.
Many decades later, the cinematic rendition of the Shakespeare play and the young age of the lead characters became subject to a major controversy. Leonard and Olivia Hussey sued Paramount Pictures in 2022, alleging that the Romeo and Juliet director encouraged them to film nude scenes despite being only minors at the time. They sought up to $500m in damages. However, their lawsuit never saw a favorable resolution, as the court dismissed it in May 2023 on the grounds that the scenes were not “sufficiently sexually suggestive.” Sadly, Olivia succumbed to the hands of death roughly a year later.
Olivia Battled Breast Cancer Before Death
Although no cause of death has been revealed, the Romeo and Juliet star Olivia Hussey has dealt with some health challenges through the years. She received a breast cancer diagnosis in 2008, requiring her to undergo a double mastectomy. Sadly, the cancer returned in 2017 after nearly ten years in remission. The star turned to chemotherapy and radiation treatment to beat the health challenge while committing to some of her ongoing projects.
Again, her failing health prompted Olivia Hussey to pull out of the Black Christmas fan film It’s Me, Billy: Chapter 2, where she was set to reprise the role of Jess Bradford in November 2023. The icon remained under the radar until her death at 73. She leaves behind three children, husband of 35 years, David Glen Eisley, grandson Greyson, and a legacy that would continue to live on long after her passing.
