Olivia Hussey, Star of Romeo and Juliet, Passes Away at 73

Olivia Hussey's legacy in cinema and stage remains profound, as she is remembered for her heartbreaking roles and the impact she made throughout her career.

Olivia Hussey, the acclaimed actress who gained international fame for her role as Juliet in the 1968 film "Romeo and Juliet," has passed away at the age of 73. The actress, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and raised in London, died on Friday surrounded by her family, according to a heartfelt statement shared on her Instagram account.

Hussey rose to prominence as a teenager in the film directed by Franco Zeffirelli, winning a Golden Globe award for Best New Star for her portrayal of Juliet. However, her career was also marked by controversy, as she later filed a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures for alleged sexual abuse. At the age of just 15, she filmed a nude scene in the movie, leading to her and co-star Leonard Whiting seeking $500 million in damages decades later, claiming they were misled about the scene's nature. A judge dismissed their case last year, stating that the scene lacked sufficient sexual suggestion.

In addition to her memorable role in "Romeo and Juliet," Hussey is well-known for her performance as the Virgin Mary in the 1977 miniseries "Jesus of Nazareth." Her career also included appearances in horror classics like "Black Christmas" and the TV film "Psycho IV: The Beginning," where she portrayed Norman Bates's mother, solidifying her status in the horror genre.

Born in 1951, Hussey moved to London at the age of seven and trained at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts. She was discovered by Zeffirelli while acting in the play "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie," which eventually led to her iconic role. Despite losing an Oscar nomination in a competitive year, "Romeo and Juliet" garnered significant acclaim, including nominations for Best Picture and Best Director.

In her later years, Hussey's work included voice acting in video games, and she also reunited with Whiting in the 2015 film "Social Suicide," a modern take on their classic roles. As her passing is mourned, fans and colleagues remember Olivia Hussey not only for her performances but also for her impact on the film industry and its evolving conversations around representation and consent.