‘Romeo And Juliet’ star Olivia Hussey Eisley dies at 73

A message on Olivia Hussey Eisley’s Instagram profile announced her passing. Eisley starred in the 1968 movie “Romeo and Juliet” and the slasher classic “Black Christmas.” Her age was 73. The message on Olivia Hussey Eisley’s Instagram says, “We are deeply saddened to announce her passing. She passed away peacefully at home on December 27th, surrounded by her loved ones.” “Everyone who knew Olivia was impacted by her warmth, wisdom, and unadulterated kindness; she was truly a remarkable person.” The British-Argentine actress, who won a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Juliet in “Romeo and Juliet,” had her big break.

The version of Shakespeare’s beloved love story by Franco Zeffirelli was not without controversy. The film’s production company, Paramount Studios, was sued in late 2022 by Hussey Eisley and co-star Leonard Whiting for releasing the film containing scenes of them in the nude while still minors. Hussey Eisley and Whiting, who were 15 and 16 years old at the time, respectively, were informed by Zeffirelli that “they must act in the nude or the picture would fail,” according to the complaint. May 2023 saw the dismissal of the lawsuit. Hussey Eisley went on to star in the horror movie “Black Christmas” in 1974 and Agatha Christie’s adaption of “Death on the Nile” in 1978. When she played Mary in the TV miniseries “Jesus of Nazareth” in 1977, she collaborated with Zeffirelli once more.

Hussey Eisley featured in a number of horror films in the 1990s, such as “Psycho IV: The Beginning” and the Stephen King miniseries adaption of the same name. She later starred in the comedy “Tortilla Heaven,” the horror “El Grito,” and the biographical picture “Mother Teresa” in the early 2000s. “Olivia lived a life full of passion, love, and dedication to the arts, spirituality, and kindness towards animals,” according to the statement, who was born in Buenos Aires on April 17, 1951. According to the statement, Olivia leaves behind a loving family that will always be treasured in our hearts, including her husband of 35 years, David Glen Eisley, grandchildren, Alex, Max, and India, as well as a legacy of love that will last a lifetime. “As we grieve this immense loss, we also celebrate Olivia’s enduring impact on our lives and the industry. 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.”