Olivia Hussey Eisley, renowned for her roles in the 1968 classic Romeo and Juliet and the 1974 horror film Black Christmas, has passed away at the age of 73. The news of her death was announced through a statement posted on her Instagram page, revealing that she died peacefully at home on December 27, surrounded by her loved ones.
“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.”
Born on April 17, 1951, in Buenos Aires, Olivia Hussey Eisley rose to international fame at just 15 years old when she starred as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. Her performance earned her a Golden Globe and cemented her place in cinematic history.
Despite its acclaim, the film was later embroiled in controversy. In late 2022, Hussey Eisley and her co-star Leonard Whiting filed a lawsuit against Paramount Studios, alleging exploitation for including nude scenes of the actors, who were minors at the time. The lawsuit was dismissed in May 2023.
Beyond her iconic role in Romeo and Juliet, Hussey Eisley appeared in numerous notable projects, including Black Christmas (1974), Death on the Nile (1978), and Franco Zeffirelli’s Jesus of Nazareth (1977), where she portrayed Mary. Her later career included roles in Psycho IV: The Beginning, the TV miniseries It, and the biographical film Mother Teresa.
The Instagram statement highlighted her personal passions, describing Olivia 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. “Olivia leaves behind a loving family and a legacy of love that will forever be cherished in our hearts,” the family shared.
“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,” the statement concluded.
Hussey Eisley’s remarkable contributions to cinema and her legacy of kindness and warmth will be fondly remembered by fans and loved ones alike.