Olivia Hussey, the actress who captured hearts as the titular character in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, has passed away at the age of 73. Born in Argentina, Hussey was just 15 when she landed the role that catapulted her to stardom.
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, Hussey underwent a double mastectomy before the illness returned in 2017. She died “at home, surrounded by loved ones,” according to a statement shared on her official Instagram account.
Hussey’s life was marked by passion and dedication to the arts, as well as spirituality and kindness towards animals. She worked extensively in film and television, including roles in Black Christmas and Psycho IV: The Beginning, before transitioning to voice acting for video games.
In recent years, Hussey published a memoir, “The Girl on the Balcony,” which chronicled her experiences after Romeo and Juliet. Her legacy will be remembered through her work, as well as her enduring friendship with fellow actor Leonard Whiting, whom she briefly dated.
Hussey is survived by her husband of 35 years, David Glen Eisley, and their children, including India Eisley, who played Hussey’s daughter in the 2015 film Social Suicide.
Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/olivia-hussey-death-romeo-and-juliet-film-b2670870.html