Olivia Hussey, best known for her iconic role as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 film Romeo and Juliet, passed away on Friday at the age of 73. Surrounded by loved ones at her home, the actress’s cause of death has not been disclosed.
“Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and kindness touched everyone who knew her,” said a message on her social media page. Hussey, who was born in Argentina, rose to prominence at the age of 15, playing Juliet alongside Leonard Whiting’s Romeo in the Academy Award-winning production. Her performance won her the Golden Globe for Most Promising Female Newcomer.
Despite the film’s success, Hussey and Whiting later criticized the production for pressuring them into filming a controversial nude scene as teenagers. The two actors filed a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures and Criterion Collections in 2023 for redistributing the scene, but the case was dismissed in October.
Throughout the film, Whiting paid tribute to Hussey, describing her as “a beautiful Juliet” and reminiscing on their friendship. “Rest now, my sweet Juliet. He wrote, “No injustices can hurt you now.”
“Olivia’s legacy of passion, love, and dedication to the arts will live on,” she’d say. “We thank you for your thoughts and prayers as we mourn this truly special soul.”
