Olivia Hussey Eisley, best known for her role as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 film “Romeo and Juliet,” has passed away at the age of 73. She died at home on December 27, surrounded by family, a fact shared on her Instagram account.
Hussey’s filmography includes notable works such as “Death on the Nile,” where she starred alongside Peter Ustinov, and “Psycho IV: The Beginning,” in which she portrayed Norma Bates. Additionally, she reunited with Zeffirelli to play Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the 1977 TV movie “Jesus of Nazareth.”
In 2022, Hussey and her co-star Leonard Whiting filed a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures, claiming that Zeffirelli filmed nude scenes without their consent while they were minors. Their legal actions came as a response to the long-lasting impact of their experiences during the controversial film’s production. This year, a judge dismissed the lawsuit, citing First Amendment protections and material discrepancies in their claims.
Hussey’s legacy is marked not only by her performances but also by her warmth and kindness, as noted in a family statement. Born on April 17, 1951, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, she is survived by her three children, her husband David Glenn Eisley, and her grandson. Her family expressed deep sadness at her passing while celebrating the positive impact she had on those around her and her contributions to the arts.