Olivia Hussey, Golden Globe winner for Romeo And Juliet, peacefully passes away at 73

Olivia Hussey – who rose to fame starring in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 film Romeo And Juliet – has died at the age of 73 on Friday, December 27.

Olivia Hussey Eisley’s loved ones made the heartbreaking announcement of her passing on her official Instagram page. It was revealed that she passed away peacefully at her home, just two days following Christmas.

Alongside a throwback image of the actress, the family labeled her a ‘remarkable person’ who had ‘lived a life full of passion.’

Hussey catapulted to fame when she was cast in the adaptation of William Shakespeare’s beloved play when she was just 15-years-old.

She made appearances in over 50 projects in the span of six decades, such as in Black Christmas (1974) and Death On The Nile (1978).

The touching caption accompanying the post expressed deep sorrow at the loss, stating, ‘It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Olivia Hussey Eisley, who peacefully left us among family on the 27th of December.’

Olivia Hussey – who rose to fame starring in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 film Romeo And Juliet – has died at the age of 73 on Friday, December 27

‘Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.’

Olivia was born on April 17, 1951, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Throughout her life, she embraced passion, love, and a strong commitment to the arts, spirituality, and compassion towards animals.

Her family added that the late actress ‘leaves behind a loving family – her children, Alex, Max, and India, her husband of 35 years David Glen Eisley, and grandson, Greyson, and a legacy of love that will forever be cherished in our hearts.’ 

‘As we grieve this immense loss, we also celebrate Olivia’s enduring impact on our lives and the industry.’

Hussey’s loved ones concluded with, ‘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.’ 

Olivia was born on April 17, 1951 in Buenos Aires, Argentina – and was notably the daughter of Argentine opera singer Andrés Osuna. 

When she was a young girl, Hussey moved to London with her mother – who was from England – and her brother. In the city, she studied drama at Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts for a total of five years. 

At the age of 13, the star continued to pursue her passion and began acting on the stage.  

Her loved ones announced the late star’s passing on her main Instagram page, sharing that she passed away ‘peacefully at home’ just two days after Christmas; seen in 2018 in L.A. 

Alongside a throwback image of the actress, the family labeled her a ‘remarkable person’ who had ‘lived a life full of passion’

In 1966, she appeared in the London production of The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie alongside actress Vanessa Redgrave. 

Her role in the stage play prompted her to be scouted for the Paramount movie, Rome And Juliet (1968) – which was directed by Franco Zeffirelli. 

While she taking on the leading role of Juliet in the film, Leonard Whiting portrayed the character of Romeo in the controversial adaptation. 

However, the movie was a box office success at the time of its release in theaters, and garnered around $38.9 million on a budget of $850K. 

The film also received four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. It ended up winning two for Best Costume Design and Best Cinematography.