“Romeo and Juliet” star was 73

Olivia Hussey Eisley, known for her leading roles in the 1968s Romeo and Juliet and 1974s Black Christmasdied at the age of 73.

Hussey’s family announced her death on social media on Friday and a representative for the actress confirmed the news Weekly entertainment. A cause of death was not given.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Olivia Hussey Eisley, who went home peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on December 27th,” the actress’ family wrote on Instagram. “Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom and pure kindness touched the lives of everyone who knew her.”

The family’s statement continued: “Olivia lived a life full of passion, love and devotion to the arts, spirituality and kindness to animals. Olivia leaves behind a loving family – her children Alex, Max and India; her husband of 35 years.” years, David Glen Eisley; and her grandson Greyson – and a legacy of love that will remain in our hearts forever. As we mourn this immense loss, we also celebrate Olivia’s lasting 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.”

Leonard Whiting, who played Romeo opposite Hussey’s Juliet in the film based on the classic play by William Shakespeare, issued a statement to EW on Saturday. “We have shared so much since we were two sweet, innocent children clinging to each other for dear life, as every photo of us attests. You were never afraid to fight to make everything right in this world. Rest now, my beautiful Juliet.” . No injustice can harm you now and the world will forever remember your inner and outer beauty.

Born Olivia Osuna in Buenos Aires in 1951, Hussey was the first child of tango singer Andrés Osuna (aka Osvaldo Ribó) and legal secretary Joy Hussey. The actress grew up in London, where she attended the Italia Conti Academy to study acting. Hussey began acting professionally as a teenager, appearing on stage and on television in an episode of dramaand in English films The Battle of Villa Fiorita And Mug fever Mid 1960s.

When she starred alongside Vanessa Redgrave The heyday of Miss Jean Brodie In the West End she caught the attention of filmmaker Franco Zeffirelli, who chose her to play Juliet opposite Whiting’s Romeo in his 1968 adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedy. Hussey’s acclaimed role in the film earned her a Golden Globe for New Star of the Year – Actress.

In 2022, Hussey and Whiting filed a lawsuit against Paramount. Romeo and Juliet‘s distribution partner accuses the studio of exploitation, sexual harassment, fraud, sexual abuse, negligence and the distribution of nude images of children. The two actors, who were 15 and 16 when they appeared nude in the film, said Zeffirelli pressured them to strip for a love scene after they were told their performances would not require nudity. After a judge dismissed the lawsuit, Hussey and Whiting filed a second lawsuit in 2024, this time naming the Criterion Collection as a defendant over the film’s redistribution. That lawsuit was also dismissed in October.

In the early 1970s, Hussey spearheaded film drama All the right sounds and the crime thriller The summer killerand also appeared in the musical Lost horizonwhich reunited her with her Romeo and Juliet Co-star Michael York.

Hussey’s best-known appearance as an adult came in 1974’s Bob Clark’s classic Christmas horror film Black Christmas. The spooky serial killer thriller helped establish the tropes of the previous slasher subgenre Halloween by four years. The film was remade in 2006 and 2019, starring Katie Cassidy and Imogen Poots, respectively.

The actress worked with Zeffirelli again for his 1977 four-part series. Jesus of Nazarethplays Mary, the mother of Robert Powell’s Christ. In 1978 she appeared in the film adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile, with a huge ensemble cast that included Peter Ustinov, Bette Davis, Mia Farrow, Angela Lansbury, Maggie Smith and David Niven.

In the 1980s, Hussey appeared in dystopian science fiction films virus And Turkey shooting and starred alongside Burt Lancaster in The jewelry store. She also appeared in comedy The man with Bogart’s face and the TV remake of Ivanhoe.

Hussey starred in numerous high-profile film projects in the 1990s and portrayed Norma Bates, the mother of Anthony Perkins’ legendary murderer Norman Bates, in the made-for-TV sequel Psycho IV: The Beginning. She also played supporting roles in the 1990s It miniseries and Lonesome Dove: The Seriesand starred in episodes of Boy meets world, Pinky and the BrainAnd Batman Beyond.

The actress detailed her career in her 2018 memoir. The Girl on the Balcony: Olivia Hussey finds life after Romeo and Juliet. She is survived by her husband, musician David Glen Eisley, as well as her three children and grandson.