Olivia Hussey, the celebrated actress who rose to fame as a teenager in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, has died aged 73.
Her family confirmed her passing on Friday via a statement on Instagram, sharing that she was surrounded by loved ones.
“As we grieve this immense loss, we also celebrate Olivia’s enduring impact on our lives and the industry,” the statement read.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1951, Hussey moved to London at the age of seven and trained at the Italia Conti Academy drama school. At just 15, she was cast by Zeffirelli as Juliet after being discovered onstage in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. The role brought her international acclaim and a Golden Globe for best new actress.
The film, featuring 16-year-old Leonard Whiting as Romeo, became a defining adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedy, earning Oscar nominations for Best Picture and Best Director. Hussey, however, did not receive a nomination, with Barbra Streisand ultimately winning Best Actress that year for Funny Girl.
Decades later, controversy surrounding the film resurfaced when Hussey and Whiting sued Paramount Pictures. They alleged Zeffirelli had assured them there would be no nudity, only to pressure them into filming nude scenes.
Seeking damages of over $500m (£417m), the pair cited emotional distress and the film’s enduring profits. However, a judge dismissed the case in 2022, ruling the scenes were not “sufficiently sexually suggestive.”
Hussey’s career extended beyond Romeo and Juliet. In 1977, she reunited with Zeffirelli to portray Mary, mother of Jesus, in Jesus of Nazareth, a role that cemented her versatility. She also starred in Death on the Nile (1978) and early slasher films like Black Christmas (1974) and Psycho IV: The Beginning. The latter saw her play Norman Bates’s mother in a prequel storyline, earning her recognition as a “scream queen.”
In later years, Hussey transitioned to voice acting, contributing to numerous video games. She also reunited with her Romeo and Juliet co-star Whiting for the 2015 British film Social Suicide, a modern reimagining of the Shakespearean tale set in the social media era.
Hussey’s impact on cinema remains undeniable, from her iconic Juliet to her enduring contributions across genres. Her passing marks the end of an era for the many fans who admired her talent and grace.
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