Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting in the film (Image: /)
The world is in mourning of Olivia Hussey Eisley, best known for her iconic portrayal of Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 Romeo and Juliet, who has passed away at 73.
A touching statement released on her page conveyed the family’s profound sorrow: “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 27.
“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, . Olivia lived a life full of passion, love, and dedication to the arts, spirituality, and kindness towards animals.”
The tribute continued with heartfelt words about her personal legacy: “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.”
Renowned not just for her cinematic roles, Olivia Hussey, born in Argentina but raised in Britain, captured global audiences with her performance as Juliet when she was just fifteen.
Whiting and Hussey were teenagers when they made the film (Image: Getty Images)
After studying at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London, she transitioned seamlessly from theatre to film, leaving an everlasting imprint on the entertainment industry.
Actress Olivia Hussey’s youthful presence in the film Romeo and Juliet raised eyebrows due to its explicit content. In her 2018 memoir she looked back on the filming process with a certain fondness. She recalled how the scene was handled “tastefully,” explaining: “We shot it at the end of the film. So by that time … we’ve become one big family. It wasn’t that big of a deal. And Leonard wasn’t shy at all! In the middle of shooting I just completely forgot I didn’t have clothes on.”
Hussey was just 15 when she filmed tender scenes in the movie (Image: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock)
Olivia Hussey was honoured by her family (Image: /)
But this all changed a few years down the line, when her perspective took an understandable turn when she and co-star Leonard Whiting took legal action against Paramount Pictures.
They shocked by filing a $500 million lawsuit alleging sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, and fraud, and stated they had suffered emotional and psychological harm.
Partly due to statute of limitations, the suit was dismissed. They sued again earlier in 2024 but this was also dismissed in October as a judge decided they had consented to the scenes.
Hussey also starred in horror staple Black Christmas and later in the 1978 movie Death on the Nile.