Olivia Hussey, the British actress popularly known for her role in the 1968 film ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ has died at 73.
According to a statement shared on her official Instagram account, the movie star died peacefully at her home in California on Friday, surrounded by her loved ones.
In the statement, Hussey’s family described her as “a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness” touched many lives.
“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,” it reads.
“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.”
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Hussey was 15 when ‘Romeo and Juliet’ director Franco Zeffirelli cast her in his adaptation of the William Shakespeare tragedy after spotting her onstage in the play ‘The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie’.
Actor Leonard Whiting, who was 16 at the time, played Romeo. The movie won two Oscars, and Hussey won a Golden Globe for Best New Actress for her role as Juliet.
The pair went on to sue Paramount Pictures in 2022 for sexual abuse due to the Oscar-nominated movie’s nude scene.
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But last year, a judge dismissed the case, finding the scene was not “sufficiently sexually suggestive”.
Hussey is survived by three children—Alex, Max, and India—her husband of 35 years, David Glen Eisley, and grandson Greyson.
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