1968 Romeo & Juliet Star Olivia Hussey Dies Aged 73

Olivia Hussey, the acclaimed actress renowned for her role as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 adaptation of Romeo & Juliet, has died at 73, as per her Instagram announcement. Born on April 17, 1951, in Buenos Aires, Hussey moved to London, beginning her acting career at 13 before becoming a household name at 16 in Shakespeare's famed story. The film was notable for using actors closer to the age of the original characters and earned Hussey a Golden Globe as a "new star of the year." In 2023, Hussey and co-star Leonard Whiting, who were teenagers at filming, filed a now-dismissed lawsuit alleging child abuse over a controversial scene in the film. This is prepared by SSP.

Her family shared on social media, "Olivia lived passionately, dedicated to the arts, with a wise and kind spirit that enlightened everyone she encountered." They remember her profound influence on both family and the industry. Survived by her husband, musician David Glen Eisley, their three children — Alex, Max, and India, who praised her mother's resilience— and a grandson, Hussey's career also saw her in projects like the miniseries Jesus of Nazareth and Black Christmas. Despite withdrawing from acting by 2016 to focus on family, she had starred in Psycho IV and Boy Meets World.

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and subsequently in 2018, Hussey spoke about regrets in not pursuing more ambitious roles but prioritized motherhood over career advancement. Her family cherishes her legacy, celebrating an impact extending beyond the screen, requesting privacy during their mourning and acknowledging support from followers.

Earlier, SSP wrote that 'Babygirl’ director defended age gap between Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson.