Entertainment
‘Romeo And Juliet’ Star Passes Away At 73
Olivia Hussey, the luminous star who captivated audiences as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” has died at the age of 73, her family announced on social media Saturday.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on April 17, 1951, Hussey (born Olivia Osuna) moved to London as a child with her mother following her parents’ divorce. It was there, in her teenage years, that her star began to rise. Trained at London’s Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, Hussey was only 15 when Zeffirelli cast her in the iconic role of Juliet, a decision that would forever link her to Shakespearean lore.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Olivia Hussey Eisley, who went peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones on December 27th,” the statement read. “Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.”
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“Olivia leaves behind a loving family— her children, Alex, Max, and India, her husband of 35 years, David Glen Eisley, and grandson, Greyson, and a legacy of love that will forever be cherished in our hearts. As we grieve this immense loss, we also celebrate Olivia’s enduring impact on our lives and the industry. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and ask for privacy as we mourn the loss of a truly special soul.”
LOS ANGELES – APR 26: Olivia Hussey at the 2018 TCM Classic Film Festival – Opening Night Gala – 50th Anniversary of “The Producers” at TCL Chinese Theater IMAX on April 26, 2018 in Los Angeles, CA
The film, noted for its lush cinematography and age-appropriate casting of its leads, was a critical and commercial success. Hussey’s performance, alongside Leonard Whiting’s Romeo, earned her a Golden Globe Award for Most Promising Newcomer in 1969. Critics praised her ability to convey the character’s youthful passion and tragic gravitas. The movie remains a beloved adaptation and a mainstay in classrooms worldwide.
“Rest now my beautiful Juliet no injustices can hurt you now. And the world will remember your beauty inside and out forever,” Whiting said in a statement.
Rome, Italy – March 24, 2022, detail of the cover and DVD of Romeo and Juliet, a 1968 film directed by Franco Zeffirelli, transposition of the play of the same name by William Shakespeare.
Hussey’s post-“Romeo and Juliet” career took her through diverse roles, including appearances in the 1974 horror classic “Black Christmas,” the 1977 miniseries “Jesus of Nazareth,” where she portrayed the Virgin Mary, and numerous television productions. Despite never quite recapturing the same level of stardom, she remained a cherished figure in the entertainment industry.
In her personal life, Hussey married three times, including to famed musician and actor Dean Paul Martin, with whom she had her son Alexander. Her third marriage to American singer and actor David Glen Eisley lasted over three decades and was a cornerstone of her later years.
Hussey also authored a memoir, “The Girl on the Balcony: Olivia Hussey Finds Life After Romeo and Juliet,” in 2018. In it, she recounted her tumultuous journey through fame, personal struggles, and eventual peace.
She leaves behind her husband, David Glen Eisley, along with her three children and a grandson.
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