In brief
Olivia Hussey, the acclaimed actress who became an international sensation with her portrayal of Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 adaptation of 'Romeo and Juliet,' has died at the age of 73. The Argentinian-born star tragically passed away on Friday, surrounded by family. In addition to her unforgettable role as Juliet, which earned her a Golden Globe award for best new actress, Hussey faced challenges in her career, including a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures for sexual exploitation related to her filming of the movie's nude scenes at a young age.
Born in Buenos Aires in 1951, Hussey moved to London at the age of seven and attended the Italia Conti Academy for drama. She garnered attention after being cast by director Franco Zeffirelli while performing on stage in 'The Prime of Miss Joan Brodie' alongside Vanessa Redgrave. Her compelling portrayal alongside 16-year-old Leonard Whiting as Romeo made the 1968 film a classic, earning nominations for both the Best Picture and Best Director Oscars. Despite winning a Golden Globe, Hussey was not nominated for an Oscar that year.In a poignant twist, decades later, both Hussey and Whiting filed a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures, asserting they were misled regarding the nature of the nude scenes they filmed. Although the case sought damages of over $500 million, a judge ultimately dismissed it, ruling the scene was not "sufficiently sexually suggestive."Hussey's career continued to flourish, including a notable role as the Virgin Mary in the 1977 miniseries 'Jesus of Nazareth,' and appearances in various films like 'Death on the Nile' and 'Black Christmas'. Furthermore, she embraced opportunities in voice acting for video games and even reunited with Whiting in the 2015 film 'Social Suicide,' offering a contemporary spin on their classic tale.As news of her passing spreads, the industry and fans alike celebrate Hussey's lasting impact on cinema and remember her for the powerful performances she brought to life on screen.
