Olivia Hussey, renowned for her role as Juliet in the 1968 film version of William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," has died at the age of 73. The Argentinian-born actress who made her mark on the world stage as a teenager passed away on Friday, with family members by her side, according to a statement shared on her Instagram account.
Initially rising to fame as a young actress, Hussey earned accolades for her performance in "Romeo and Juliet," winning the Golden Globe for Best New Actress. Despite the glory, her career was shadowed by troubling experiences, including a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures years later, where she alleged sexual abuse relating to the film's controversial nude scene, which she filmed at just 15 years old.
In addition to her iconic role as Juliet, Hussey starred as Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the acclaimed 1977 miniseries "Jesus of Nazareth." The statement lamenting her passing reflects on both her considerable contributions to the film industry and the personal trials she faced: "As we grieve this immense loss, we also celebrate Olivia's enduring impact on our lives and the industry."
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1951, Hussey moved to London at the age of seven. She studied at the Italia Conti Academy drama school, eventually catching the attention of director Franco Zeffirelli after a performance alongside Vanessa Redgrave. Zeffirelli was keen to cast someone young for the role, and he found the perfect candidate in Hussey. She starred opposite 16-year-old Leonard Whiting as Romeo, and together, they created a film that earned critical acclaim, leading to Academy Award nominations for Best Picture and Best Director.
Despite her pivotal role in the film, Hussey was not nominated for an Oscar, which went to Barbra Streisand for "Funny Girl." But her win at the Golden Globes solidified her status as an emerging star. Years later, Hussey and Whiting took legal action against Paramount Pictures, claiming they were misled about the nature of the nude scenes, seeking over $500 million in damages for their distress. However, a judge dismissed their case last year, ruling that the scenes were not "sufficiently sexually suggestive."
Beyond "Romeo and Juliet," Hussey continued to work in film and television, including a collaboration with Zeffirelli in "Jesus of Nazareth" and notable appearances in "Death on the Nile" (1978) and the horror classics "Black Christmas" (1974) and "Psycho IV: The Beginning." Her later career included voice work in video games, demonstrating her versatility as an actress.
In a touching final project, Hussey reunited with Whiting for the 2015 film "Social Suicide," drawing parallels to their earlier roles in a contemporary setting. Olivia Hussey’s legacy as a remarkable actress and a symbol of resilience will always be remembered by her fans and peers alike.
