Romeo and Juliet star Olivia Hussey Eisley passes away at 73 due to breast cancer

Renowned actress Olivia Hussey Eisley rose to fame with Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 film, Romeo and Juliet. She passed away at 73 on December 27. The actress last breathed surrounded by her loved ones in her home. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, she passed away due to cancer.

Olivia Hussey Eisley dies at 73

The actress was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and it had the aftereffects in 2018. Her portrayal of Juliet in Romeo and Juliet was highly praised by both reviewers and viewers. The news of her sad demise was posted on her social media page with a long note that read, “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. Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her. Born on April 17th, 1951 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Olivia lived a life full of passion, love, and dedication to the arts, spirituality, and kindness towards animals. “

“Olivia leaves behind a loving family— her children, Alex, Max, and India, her husband of 35 years David Glen Eisley, and grandson, Greyson, and a legacy of love that will forever be cherished in our hearts. 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 note stated.

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She was just 15 when she featured opposite Leonard Whiting in the Oscar-winning adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. Hussey and Whiting, who claimed to have been minors at the time of the contentious nude scene with the performers, sued the studio in 2023, claiming child abuse. But a judge dismissed the case later that year.

Olivia has also starred in the 1974 slasher film, Black Christmas, the television show Jesus of Nazareth, the 1990 miniseries adaptation of Stephan King’s It, the 1990 horror sequel Psycho IV: The Beginning and the 1978 adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile, among others. She had lent her voice to several Star Wars video games and played the notable role of Talia al Ghul in DC animated movies and series.

For the unversed, Oliva Hussey Eisley was married to David Eisley and had three children and grandson.

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