‘Romeo and Juliet’ star Olivia Hussey dies at 73

Olivia Hussey, who played Juliet in the 1968 film adaptation of “Romeo and Juliet,” has died. She was 73.

On Dec. 27, her family announced her death in a statement they shared to Hussey’s official Instagram account.

Hussey died “peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones on December 27th,” the statement read. A cause of death was not shared.

“Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her,” it said, adding that Hussey “lived a life full of passion, love, and dedication to the arts, spirituality, and kindness towards animals.” 

Hussey is survived by her longtime husband, musician David Glen Eisley, their three children, Alex, Max and India, and a grandson.

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

The statement ended by thanking fans for their “thoughts and prayers during this difficult time” and asked for privacy.

Hussey was cast in “Romeo and Juliet” at age 15 opposite Leonard Whiting, who was 16 at the time, as Romeo. The role won her a Golden Globe for new star of the year — actress in 1969, and the film became a staple watch in high school English classes. In 2018, she released a memoir titled, “The Girl on the Balcony: Olivia Hussey Finds Life After Romeo and Juliet.”

In 2023, Hussey and Whiting sued Paramount Pictures alleging sexual abuse, sexual harassment and fraud for a scene they filmed while nude, the Associated Press reported. The case was dismissed a few months later by a Los Angeles County judge who ruled that the scene couldn’t be considered “sufficiently sexually suggestive.”

After “Romeo and Juliet,” Hussey starred in more movies, including 1974’s “Black Christmas,” 1978’s “Death on the Nile” and 2015’s “Social Suicide.”

Actor Frances Fisher commented on the family’s Instagram announcement, “our Juliet made an indelible memory forever.”

Cary Elwes called Hussey “a beautiful soul,” adding, “May her memory always be a blessing.”

Hussey’s daughter, “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” actor India Eisley, reshared the family’s statement to her Instagram story.

On X, people reminisced about Hussey’s remarkable film career.

“She gave us the most iconic Juliet of all time. Thank you for the beauty you brought into this world, Olivia,” one person said.