Olivia Hussey, Star of 'Romeo and Juliet', Passes Away at 73

Olivia Hussey, renowned for her role in the 1968 film adaptation of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', has passed away at the age of 73. Her family announced her death via a statement on her Instagram account, revealing that she died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on December 27.

The statement described Hussey as an extraordinary person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of everyone who knew her. Her life was characterized by a passion for art, spirituality, kindness towards animals, love, and dedication.

Hussey is survived by her children Alex, Max, and India, her husband, musician David Glen Eisley, and her grandson Grayson. The family expressed their gratitude for the thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and requested privacy as they mourn the loss of such a special soul.

In 2008, Hussey was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy, after which she was declared cancer-free. However, in a 2018 interview with Express, she revealed that a new tumor had been discovered.

Born on April 17, 1951, in Buenos Aires, Hussey moved to London as a child. She began her acting career at the age of 13, taking on minor roles before being cast in Franco Zeffirelli's 'Romeo and Juliet'. The film, released in 1968, was a commercial success and notable for featuring actors of similar ages to the characters they portrayed; Hussey was 16, and her co-star Leonard Whiting was 17.

Reflecting on her sudden rise to fame, Hussey told People in July 2018 while promoting her memoir 'The Girl on the Balcony', "So much happened so quickly. I became a superstar overnight, and I wasn't prepared for it."

Following 'Romeo and Juliet', Hussey continued to star in various stage and screen productions. In 1977, she played Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the all-star TV miniseries 'Jesus of Nazareth'. She also starred in the 1974 horror film 'Black Christmas' and the 1990 miniseries adaptation of Stephen King's 'It'. Additionally, she appeared in an episode of 'Boy Meets World' and played Norman Bates' mother in 'Psycho IV: The Beginning'.

Her last film appearance was in 'Social Suicide' in 2015, after which she retired from acting in 2016. Hussey was married to Dean Paul Martin from 1971 to 1979, then to Japanese singer Akira Fuse in the 1980s, and finally to Eisley in 1991.

In an interview with Express, she expressed some regrets about not taking on more daring roles as an actress, stating, "But I took time to live my life and raise my three children. At that time, it was more important than working for my career. Overall, I’ve done a few roles I’m proud of, and I’m very happy in my life."