Olivia Hussey, the talented actress who captured audiences’ hearts as Juliet in the 1968 film “Romeo and Juliet,” has passed away at the age of 73. Her family announced the news on social media, revealing that she died at home surrounded by loved ones after battling cancer.
Hussey’s breakthrough role came at the age of 15 when she was cast by director Franco Zeffirelli in his adaptation of the William Shakespeare tragedy. She won a Golden Globe for best new actress for her portrayal of Juliet opposite Leonard Whiting. The film went on to win two Oscars.
Decades later, Hussey and Whiting brought a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures, alleging sexual abuse, harassment, and fraud over nude scenes in the film. Despite the dismissal of their case in 2023, Hussey’s legacy as a groundbreaking actress remains intact.
In addition to her iconic role in “Romeo and Juliet,” Hussey starred in various other projects, including the 1977 television series “Jesus of Nazareth” and Agatha Christie’s “Death on the Nile.” She is survived by her husband, children, and grandson.
Leonard Whiting, who portrayed Romeo opposite Hussey, paid tribute to his co-star, remembering her beauty inside and out. Hussey’s contributions to film and television will be celebrated and remembered for generations to come.
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