‘Romeo And Juliet’ Star Olivia Hussey Eisley dead at 73 Years
Olivia Hussey as Juliet Capulet and Leonard Whiting as Romeo Montague in the production of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” directed by Franco Zeffirelli in 1968.
Bettmann Archive/Getty Images
Olivia Hussey Eisley, the star of the 1968 film “Romeo and Juliet” and the slasher film “Black Christmas,” died, according to a post on her Instagram page. She was 73.
“It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Olivia Hussey Eisley,” the statement posted on her Instagram said. “She passed peacefully at home surrounded by those who loved her on December 27.” “Olivia was an exceptional human being who inspired warmth, wisdom and unfiltered kindness in all of us lucky enough to have known her.”
“Romeo and Juliet” was the British-Argentine actress’s big break, earning her a Golden Globe for her turn as Juliet.
Franco Zeffirelli’s adaptation of the Shakespeare classic love story had its share of controversy. In late 2022, Hussey Eisley and her co-star, Leonard Whiting, sued Paramount Studios, which produced the film, arguing that it should never have allowed the movie to be released with scenes depicting them nude when they were 16. Zeffirelli told Hussey Eisley and Whiting — who were 15 and 16 at the time, respectively — “they must act in the nude or the picture would fail,” according to the complaint. The case was dismissed in May 2023.
Hussey Eisley also starred in the 1974 horror film “Black Christmas” and appeared in the 1978 Agatha Christie adaptation “Death on the Nile.” She also collaborated with Zeffirelli again in 1977 when she played Mary in the TV mini series “Jesus of Nazareth.”
Hussey Eisley appeared in multiple horror films in the 90s, including “Psycho IV: The Beginning,” and “It,” a miniseries version of Stephen King’s novel. She would later appear in the biographical film “Mother Teresa,” the thriller “El Grito” and the comedy “Tortilla Heaven” in the early aughts.
She was born in Buenos Aires on April 17, 1951, and “Olivia lived a life of passion, with love, light and gratitude,”, the statement said.
“Olivia survives a loving family— children, Alex, Max and India, and her husband of 35 years David Glen Eisley, and grandson, Greyson, and a legacy of love which will always be treasured in our hearts,” the statement said.
“While we mourn this tremendous loss, we also celebrate Olivia’s remarkable contributions and the lasting impact she has had on our lives and the industry. “We appreciate your thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time and would like to request privacy as we grieve the loss of such a very special soul.”
