Hussey's legacy as a groundbreaking actress will continue to inspire future generations of talent.
Olivia Hussey, Beloved 'Romeo and Juliet' Star, Passes Away at 73
Olivia Hussey, Beloved 'Romeo and Juliet' Star, Passes Away at 73
Iconic actress remembered for impactful roles and her brave pursuit of justice
Olivia Hussey, renowned for her unforgettable portrayal of Juliet in the 1968 film "Romeo and Juliet," has passed away at the age of 73. The Argentinian-born actress, who spent her formative years in London, died peacefully on Friday, surrounded by family, as revealed in a heartfelt message on her Instagram account. Hussey's performance as Juliet earned her a Golden Globe for Best New Actress, though her life and career were not without their complexities; she famously sued Paramount Pictures decades later over the exploitation she faced during filming, including a controversial nude scene shot when she was only 15.
Hussey also portrayed Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the 1977 miniseries "Jesus of Nazareth," which solidified her place in cinematic history. “As we mourn the loss of such a talented soul, we also honor her lasting contribution to both the film industry and our lives,” the statement emphasized. Born in Buenos Aires in 1951 and relocating to London at the age of seven, Hussey trained at the Italia Conti Academy, where she was discovered by director Franco Zeffirelli during a stage performance.
Zeffirelli envisioned a young Juliet and cast Hussey opposite 16-year-old Leonard Whiting as Romeo; together, they shot a film that would later be nominated for multiple Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. Although Hussey did not receive an Oscar nomination, she won a Golden Globe for her outstanding performance. Years later, she and Whiting filed a lawsuit against Paramount, asserting that Zeffirelli had pressured them into filming the nude scenes against their initial agreement. However, their claims were dismissed by a judge who found the footage lacking in sexual suggestiveness.
Hussey's association with Zeffirelli continued with roles in "Jesus of Nazareth" and "Death on the Nile," while she also gained popularity in the horror genre with her performance in the 1974 classic "Black Christmas." Additionally, she lent her voice to several video game projects in later years. Her last collaboration with Whiting came in 2015 in "Social Suicide," a contemporary nod to their celebrated roles in "Romeo and Juliet." Hussey's legacy remains a testament to resilience and artistry that will continue to resonate through time.
Hussey also portrayed Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the 1977 miniseries "Jesus of Nazareth," which solidified her place in cinematic history. “As we mourn the loss of such a talented soul, we also honor her lasting contribution to both the film industry and our lives,” the statement emphasized. Born in Buenos Aires in 1951 and relocating to London at the age of seven, Hussey trained at the Italia Conti Academy, where she was discovered by director Franco Zeffirelli during a stage performance.
Zeffirelli envisioned a young Juliet and cast Hussey opposite 16-year-old Leonard Whiting as Romeo; together, they shot a film that would later be nominated for multiple Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. Although Hussey did not receive an Oscar nomination, she won a Golden Globe for her outstanding performance. Years later, she and Whiting filed a lawsuit against Paramount, asserting that Zeffirelli had pressured them into filming the nude scenes against their initial agreement. However, their claims were dismissed by a judge who found the footage lacking in sexual suggestiveness.
Hussey's association with Zeffirelli continued with roles in "Jesus of Nazareth" and "Death on the Nile," while she also gained popularity in the horror genre with her performance in the 1974 classic "Black Christmas." Additionally, she lent her voice to several video game projects in later years. Her last collaboration with Whiting came in 2015 in "Social Suicide," a contemporary nod to their celebrated roles in "Romeo and Juliet." Hussey's legacy remains a testament to resilience and artistry that will continue to resonate through time.
