'Romeo and Juliet' star Olivia Hussey Eisley dead at 73
Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting in a scene from "Romeo and Juliet" in 1968.
LOS ANGELES - Olivia Hussey Eisley, who captured global attention as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 film adaptation of "Romeo and Juliet," died Wednesday at her home surrounded by family members, according to a statement posted on her Instagram. She was 73.
The Argentine-born actress starred in several notable productions after her breakout role, including "Death on the Nile," "Jesus of Nazareth," and Stephen King's "It."
Career defined by landmark role
The 1968 "Romeo and Juliet" earned four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. Hussey won a Golden Globe for her performance as Juliet.
Recent controversy over classic film
In 2022, Hussey and co-star Leonard Whiting sued Paramount Pictures, claiming Zeffirelli filmed nude scenes without their consent when they were teenagers. A judge moved to dismiss the case in May 2023.
Notable roles beyond Shakespeare
Hussey worked with Zeffirelli again in 1977, playing Mary in the television movie "Jesus of Nazareth." Her credits included roles in "Death on the Nile" opposite Peter Ustinov and "Psycho IV: The Beginning" as Norma Bates.
Family remembers 'remarkable person'
"Olivia lived a life full of passion, love, and dedication to the arts, spirituality, and kindness towards animals," her family wrote in a statement.
Survivors include her husband of 35 years, David Glen Eisley, children Alex, Max and India, and grandson Greyson.