Olivia Hussey, Star of ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ Dies at 73
Olivia Hussey, the talented actress best known for her iconic portrayal of Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 cinematic masterpiece “Romeo and Juliet,” has passed away. She died peacefully at her home surrounded by loved ones on December 27th, 2023, at the age of 73.
Hussey’s passing was announced on her Instagram page, confirming a life filled with passion for the arts and unwavering kindness.
A Career Defined by memorable Roles
In addition to her unforgettable performance as Juliet, Hussey graced the screen in numerous other celebrated films. She captivated audiences alongside Peter Ustinov in “Death on the Nile” and lent her talent to horror classics like “Psycho IV: The Beginning,” where she embodied the iconic Norma Bates. She also starred in the 1990 television miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s chilling novel, “It.”
Hussey’s collaboration with Franco Zeffirelli extended beyond “Romeo and Juliet.” She later portrayed Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the esteemed 1977 television movie “Jesus of Nazareth.”
Ongoing Controversy Surrounding “Romeo and Juliet”
In 2022, Hussey and her co-star Leonard Whiting filed a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures, alleging that Zeffirelli violated their consent during the filming of “Romeo and Juliet.” They claimed that Zeffirelli filmed them nude without their knowledge when they were 15 and 16 years old respectively. Seeking $100 million in damages, they cited the film’s extraordinary financial success (estimated to be over $500 million since its release).
This lawsuit brought renewed attention to the film’s controversial nude scenes and prompted a reconsideration of consent and ethical practices in the film industry.
In a 2018 interview, Hussey appeared to downplay the significance of the nudity, stating it “wasn’t that big of a deal” at the time. However, her perspective evolved as she and Whiting pursued legal action.
The highly publicized lawsuit was struck down in 2023. A judge cited the First Amendment and deemed the suit contained a “gross mischaracterization” of the scenes in question.
Zeffirelli passed away in 2019 and was therefore unable to respond directly to the accusations. However, his son, Pippo Zeffirelli, refuted the claims, calling them an “embarrassing” attempt to exploit their fame 55 years after filming.
Remembering Olivia Hussey Eisley
Olivia Hussey Eisley is survived by her beloved children, Alex, Max, and India, her husband David Glen Eisley, and her cherished grandson, Greyson. The family released a heartfelt statement expressing their profound sorrow and celebrating her life:
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.