January 8, 2025

Olivia Hussey Dies from Breast Cancer at Age 73

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Olivia Hussey
Image Credit: bbcnews

Olivia Hussey, the talented actress from ‘Juliet in the complete film Romeo and Juliet in 1968’ died at the age of 73 from breast cancer on December 27 in the year 2024.

She was diagnosed with the disease in 2008 though she had a number of health complications before she died.

Their family published the statement, which highlighted her affectionate character and gift in the art sphere.

Olivia Hussey is survived by her husband with three children and a grandchild in addition to her great performances in Black Christmas and Death on the Nile.

Early Life and Background

Olivia Hussey was born on April 17, 1951, in Buenos Aires, Argentina to Osvaldo Ribó, an Argentine tango singer, and Joy Hussey, an English legal secretary.

Early passion was developed under the influence of her mother who took her to London at the age of seven and continued her schooling for five years in Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts.

She achieved a professional acting debut during her teenage time and acted for the role of Juliet in the film by Franco Zeffirelli in 1968.

Rise to Fame

Auditioning for Zeffirelli’s 1968 Romeo and Juliet was even more fortunate because Olivia Hussey was one of 800 girls who auditioned for the part of Juliet.

She was very young, having been only 15 years old and had very little experience in theater and people had not really heard much about her.

Yielding as much to conviction as to commercial sense, Zeffirelli sought realism and sought performers who were young rather than celebrity actors.

Chemistry with the actor who played Romeo specifically with Leonard Whiting, moved Zeffirelli and showed the shades of emotion in Hussey, which netted her the part that was popularized by her.

Iconic Role as Juliet

The TV adaptation of Romeo and Juliet by Franco Zeffirelli with Olivia Hussey as Juliet is incredible for many moviegoers, Hussey’s portrayal of Juliet is moving, sincere, and highly believable as an innocent youngster caught up in a tragic romance.

The movie was a worldwide success with almost $39 million drawn from the movie ticket sales.

Hussey got a Golden Globe Award for Best New Actress for a performance, and this role contributed much to the subsequent influence of young actresses and LOAC methodologies as to Shakespearean characters in cinema.

Challenges Faced During Filming

Romeo and Juliet (1968) is in fact about the film that caused controversy to Olivia Hussey who accused the director Franco Zeffirelli of deceiving them into shooting nude scenes.

They were told they would wear skin colored underwire bras and panties for the shoot, but were taped without it.

In January 2023, they went to court against Paramount Pictures for sexual abuse and harassment. In May 2023, the case was thrown out.

Other Notable Works

After Romeo and Juliet Olivia Hussey’s variety was shown in the horror movie Black Christmas (1974) and as the Virgin Mary in Jesus of Nazareth (1977).

She also acted in Rosalie Otterbourne in Death on the Nile (1978) alongside Mother Teresa in Mother Teresa of Calcutta (2003). However, after achieving her success, she was able to later on record some regrets that she had in her career.

Personal Life

Olivia Hussey was married three times, first with Dean Paul Martin she had a son, Alexander and with her second husband Akira Fuse she had another son, Maximillian.

Her third husband was musician David Glen Eisley and they were married until her death, their daughter’s name is India.

Hussey experienced a number of difficulties which included agoraphobia and she developed them because she achieved fame at a young age because of the performance in Romeo and Juliet.

One could say that she was very friendly with her co-star Leonard Whiting and they often recall good memories from the shooting.

Health Battles

Olivia Hussey breast cancer was discovered in 2008 that forced her to undergo a double mastectomy in order to contain the disease.

However, in 2017 it was unfortunately discovered that cancer had regressed and the woman needed chemotherapy and radiation for a tumor situated in-between the heart and lungs.

These health issues impacted her health and choices for life and career by getting her thinking about the psychological consequences of her diseases and the frail position they put her in.

Hussey continued practicing her profession, undertaking other endeavors apart from the critical interactions with her medical issues.

Legacy in Film and Television

Many of the subsequent Shakespeare’s plays adaptations stem from the 1968 film Romeo and Juliet, in which Olivia Hussey plays the role of Juliet.

Her acting was believable and sincere and, based on that, the film became a cultural phenomenon referenced even today in other remakes.

It made the young actor’s a possibility of shaking off the age-old prejudice of casting young talents in classic roles and also revived interest in Shakespeare.

Furthermore, her contributions to the horror genre, especially in films such as Black Christmas and Psycho IV: The Beginning continued to establish her as a multiple genre actress capable of a wide variety of roles that improved her standing in cinematic history.

Public Reaction to Her Passing

In the wake of Olivia Hussey’s passing, social media overflowed with tributes from fans and industry professionals, emphasizing her profound impact on cinema.

Many fans hailed her as the iconic Juliet, while co-stars such as Leonard Whiting shared sincere condolences, reflecting on their close relationship.

Her death resonated with audiences of all ages, as older viewers reminisced about her legendary role, and younger enthusiasts uncovered her legacy through classic films.

This widespread admiration highlights Hussey’s lasting influence in both Shakespearean adaptations and the horror genre.

Olivia Hussey’s legacy as a gifted actress and cultural icon spans generations, making a lasting impact on both classic and contemporary cinema. Her remarkable capacity to convey intricate emotions and portray diverse characters continues to inspire actors and filmmakers.