Olivia Hussey Eisley, star of ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ dies at 73

Olivia Hussey Eisleyfinest recognized for enjoying Juliette in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Julietdied. She was 73 years previous.

The information was introduced by way of her official Instagram account by way of a submit shared on Friday December 27.

“It’s with deep disappointment that we announce the passing of Olivia Hussey Eisley, who returned residence peacefully surrounded by her family members on December 27,” the message learn. “Olivia was a outstanding individual whose heat, knowledge and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.”

The tribute goes on to recollect Hussey Eisley as having “lived a life stuffed with ardour, love and dedication to the humanities, spirituality and kindness to animals.”

Related: 1968: “Romeo and Juliet” stars file second lawsuit against Paramount

The lead actors of the 1968 movie adaptation of Romeo and Juliet have discovered themselves in a authorized battle with Paramount Footage over the movie’s nude scene. Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey, who performed Romeo and Juliet respectively, accused the studio of sexual abuse and harassment in two separate lawsuits. Within the preliminary […]

“Olivia leaves behind a loving household: her kids, Alex, Max, and India, her husband of 35 years. David Glen Eisleyand her grandson, Greyson, and a legacy of affection that can without end be cherished in our hearts,” the submit continued. “As we mourn this immense loss, we additionally rejoice Olivia’s lasting impression on our lives and on business.

The caption concluded: “We thanks on your ideas and prayers throughout this troublesome time and ask for privateness as we mourn the lack of a very particular soul.”

The Argentinian-born actress was solely 15 when she starred in Romeo and Juliet alongside Leonard Whiting like Romeo.

The critically acclaimed movie was a field workplace success upon its launch in 1968 and earned 4 Academy Award nominations and two wins for Greatest Costume Design and Greatest Cinematography in 1969.

In August 2018, Hussey Eisley spoke with The Guardian about his position within the movie in honor of his fiftieth birthday. “I cherished enjoying Juliette,” she mentioned on the time. “The one half I didn’t like was all of the PR. It was exhausting and I used to be this wild little factor.

The movie was not with out controversy, nevertheless. Hussey Einsley and Whiting have met earlier than in a legal battle with Paramount Footage on the movie’s nude scene.

Related: ‘Romeo + Juliet’ Cast: Where Are They Now?

Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes gained over audiences with Romeo + Juliet, their trendy adaptation of William Shakespeare’s most well-known play. The Titanic star and Homeland alum performed the titular doomed couple within the 1996 movie, which additionally starred John Leguizamo (Tybalt), Harold Perrineau (Mercutio), Sprint Mihok (Benvolio) and Paul Rudd (Dave Paris ). Baz […]

Within the unique criticism, filed in December 2022, the actors claimed that the movie’s late director, Zeffirelli, informed them that the movie wouldn’t function nudity and that they’d put on flesh-colored underwear for a scene in a bed room, based on the Related Press. .

A decide threw out the case in Might 2023. Whiting and Hussey fought again by submitting a second lawsuit towards Paramount in February 2024, claiming the studio digitally redistributed the movie with out their permission.

Different memorable roles within the actress’ profession embrace the position of Mary within the 1977 miniseries. Jesus of Nazareth in addition to Rosalie Otterbourne in Agatha Christie’s dying on the Niledirected by John Guillermin and launched in 1978.