Olivia Hussey Eisley, renowned for her roles in the 1968 film Romeo and Juliet and the classic slasher Black Christmas, has passed away at the age of 73. The news of her death was confirmed through a heartfelt statement posted on her Instagram page.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Olivia Hussey Eisley, who went peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones on December 27th,” the statement read. “Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.”
Hussey Eisley rose to fame with her breakout role as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s timeless love story, earning her a Golden Globe for her performance. The 1968 film, however, faced significant controversy decades later.
In late 2022, Hussey Eisley and her co-star Leonard Whiting filed a lawsuit against Paramount Studios, claiming the studio released the film with nude scenes involving them as minors.
According to the lawsuit, Zeffirelli allegedly told the then-15-year-old Hussey Eisley and 16-year-old Whiting that they had to appear nude for the movie’s success. The suit was ultimately dismissed in May 2023.
Beyond Romeo and Juliet, Hussey Eisley starred in the 1974 horror film Black Christmas and the 1978 Agatha Christie adaptation Death on the Nile. She collaborated with Zeffirelli once more in 1977, portraying Mary in the TV miniseries Jesus of Nazareth.
In the 1990s, Hussey Eisley appeared in various horror films, including Psycho IV: The Beginning and the miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s It. Her later career included roles in the early 2000s, such as the biographical film Mother Teresa, the thriller El Grito, and the comedy Tortilla Heaven.
Born on April 17, 1951, in Buenos Aires, Hussey Eisley led a life marked by passion for the arts, spirituality, and compassion for animals. The Instagram statement described her as someone who “lived a life full of passion, love, and dedication to the arts, spirituality, and kindness towards animals.”
She is survived by her husband of 35 years, David Glen Eisley, her children Alex, Max, and India, and her grandson, Greyson. The family expressed their deep sorrow while also celebrating her enduring impact.
“Olivia leaves behind a loving family and a legacy of love that will forever be cherished in our hearts,” the statement continued. “As we grieve this immense loss, we also celebrate Olivia’s enduring impact on our lives and the industry. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and ask for privacy as we mourn the loss of a truly special soul.”
