'Romeo and Juliet' Actress Olivia Hussey Eisley Passes Away at 73
Olivia Hussey Eisley, renowned for her roles in the 1968 classic “Romeo and Juliet” and the horror staple “Black Christmas,” has passed away. Her demise was announced via her Instagram page. She was 73 years old.
The post read, “With heavy hearts, we share the news of Olivia Hussey Eisley’s peaceful passing at home, embraced by her family on December 27th.” Olivia was celebrated for her exceptional warmth, sagacity, and genuine benevolence, which left an indelible mark on all who encountered her.
The British-Argentine actress found fame as Juliet in “Romeo and Juliet,” a role that earned her a Golden Globe. Franco Zeffirelli’s rendition of Shakespeare’s timeless tale, though acclaimed, courted controversy. In late 2022, Hussey Eisley, alongside co-star Leonard Whiting, initiated legal proceedings against Paramount Studios. The suit contended that the film's release included scenes of them nude, filmed when they were minors. Zeffirelli allegedly insisted that the nudity was crucial for the film’s success. Both actors were mere teenagers at the time. The lawsuit was ultimately dismissed in May 2023.
Hussey Eisley later graced the screen in the 1974 thriller “Black Christmas” and featured in the 1978 Agatha Christie adaptation “Death on the Nile.” Her collaboration with Zeffirelli continued in 1977 when she portrayed Mary in the television mini-series “Jesus of Nazareth.”
During the 1990s, she embraced roles in numerous horror films, including “Psycho IV: The Beginning” and the miniseries “It,” based on Stephen King’s work. The early 2000s saw her in the biographical drama “Mother Teresa,” the thriller “El Grito,” and the comedic “Tortilla Heaven.”
Born on April 17, 1951, in Buenos Aires, Olivia's life was one of fervor, affection, and devotion to the arts and spirituality, as well as compassion for animals.
The statement added, “Olivia leaves behind a devoted family—her children Alex, Max, and India, her husband of 35 years, David Glen Eisley, and her grandson, Greyson. Her legacy of love will be eternally treasured in our hearts.”
As we mourn this profound loss, we also honor Olivia’s lasting influence on our lives and the industry. We extend our gratitude for your thoughts and prayers during this challenging time and request privacy as we remember a truly singular soul.
This narrative is ongoing and subject to updates.
