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Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting.
(Photo by Getty)Olivia Hussey Eisleybest known for playing Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliethas died She was 73 years old.
The news was announced through her official Instagram account by mail shared on Friday, December 27.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Olivia Hussey Eisley, who passed peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones on December 27,” the post read. “Olivia was a wonderful person whose warmth, wisdom and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.”
The tribute went on to remember that Hussey Eisley “lived a life full of passion, love, and dedication to the arts, spirituality, and kindness to animals.”
The lead actors of the 1968 film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet have found themselves in a legal battle with Paramount Pictures over the film’s nudity scene. Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey, who starred as Romeo and Juliet, respectively, have accused the studio of sexual abuse and harassment in two separate lawsuits. In the initial (…)
“Olivia leaves behind a loving family – her children, Alex, Max, and India, her husband of 35 years David Glen Eisleyand a grandson, Greyson, and a legacy of love that will be cherished in our hearts forever,” the post continued. “As we mourn this tremendous loss, we also celebrate Olivia’s continued impact on our lives and the industry.
The caption concluded, “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.”
The Argentinian-born actress was only 15 years old when she starred Romeo and Juliet side by side Leonard Whiting like Romeo.
The critically acclaimed film was a box office success when it was released in 1968 and went on to score four Oscar nominations and two wins for Best Costume and Best Cinematography in 1969.
In August 2018, Hussey Eisley spoke to The Guardian for her role in the film to honor her 50th birthday. “I loved playing Juliet,” she said at the time. “The only part I didn’t like was all the public relations. It was tiring, and I was this wild little thing.”
The film was not without controversy, however. Hussey Einsley and Whiting got themselves previously in a legal battle with Paramount Pictures over the film’s nudity scene.
Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes won over audiences with Romeo + Juliet, their modern adaptation of William Shakespeare’s most famous play. The Titanic star and Homeland alumnus played the titular doomed couple in the 1996 film, which also starred John Leguizamo (Tybalt), Harold Perrineau (Mercutio), Dash Mihok (Benvolio) and Paul Rudd (Dave Paris). Baz (…)
In the initial complaint, filed in December 2022, the costars claimed they were told by the film’s late director, Zeffirelli, that the film would not contain nudity and that they would wear flesh-colored underwear for a bedroom scene, in according to the Associated Press. .
A judge dismissed the case in May 2023. Whiting and Hussey fought back by filing a second lawsuit against Paramount in February 2024, alleging that the studio had digitally redistributed the film without their permission.
Other memorable roles in the actress’ career included playing Mary in the 1977 miniseries Jesus of Nazareth as well as Rosalie Otterbourne in Agatha Christie’s Death on the Niledirected by John Guillermin and released in 1978.
