Romeo and Juliet star, Olivia Hussey dies at 73

Olivia Hussey Eisley, known for her iconic performances in Romeo and Juliet and Black Christmas, sadly passed away on December 27 at the age of 73. The British-Argentine actress lost her battle with cancer, as confirmed by filmmaker Marc Huestis to the San Francisco Chronicle. Since being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, Hussey had been fighting the disease, with a recurrence in 2018.

A statement on her official Instagram read: “Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her. She lived a life full of passion, love, and dedication to the arts.”

Olivia Hussey’s career took off in 1968 with her memorable portrayal of Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet. The film was a huge hit, receiving four Academy Award nominations and earning her a Golden Globe nomination for Most Promising Newcomer.

Beyond her breakthrough role, Hussey made a name for herself in the horror genre with her role in Black Christmas (1974). She also appeared in the 1978 adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile and reunited with Zeffirelli for the miniseries Jesus of Nazareth, where she played the role of Mary.

Olivia Hussey’s career spanned decades, including roles in Psycho IV: The Beginning and video game voice acting in Star Wars: Rogue Squadron.

She is survived by her husband, David Glen Eisley; children Alex, Max, and India; and grandson Greyson.