Golden Globe Winner and ‘Romeo and Juliet’ Icon Olivia Hussey Eisley Dies at 73

Olivia Hussey Eisley, renowned star of the 1968 film Romeo and Juliet and the slasher classic Black Christmas, has passed away at the age of 73, according to a post on her official Instagram page.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Olivia Hussey Eisley, who went peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones on December 27th, the statement reads. Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.

The British-Argentine actress gained international acclaim with her Golden Globe-winning performance as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic love story. However, the film was not without controversy; in late 2022, Hussey Eisley and her co-star Leonard Whiting filed a lawsuit against Paramount Studios for including scenes depicting them nude as minors. According to the complaint, Zeffirelli allegedly told the then-teenagers—Hussey Eisley, 15, and Whiting, 16—that the scenes were essential for the film’s success. The lawsuit was ultimately dismissed in May 2023.

Hussey Eisley further showcased her talent in the 1974 horror film Black Christmas and the 1978 Agatha Christie adaptation Death on the Nile. She reunited with Zeffirelli in 1977, portraying Mary in the acclaimed TV miniseries Jesus of Nazareth.

Throughout the 1990s, Hussey Eisley continued her journey in the horror genre with roles in Psycho IV: The Beginning and the Stephen King-inspired miniseries It. In the 2000s, she appeared in projects including the biographical film Mother Teresa, the thriller El Grito, and the comedy Tortilla Heaven.

Born on April 17, 1951, in Buenos Aires, Hussey Eisley lived a life full of passion, love, and dedication to the arts, spirituality, and kindness towards animals, the Instagram statement said.

She is survived by her husband of 35 years, David Glen Eisley; her children, Alex, Max, and India; her grandson, Greyson; and countless fans who cherish her legacy.

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, the family concluded in the statement.