Who was Olivia Hussey? Veteran British actress known for 'Romeo and Juliet' passes away at 73

Olivia Hussey, the popular British actress who rose to fame after being cast in the 1968 film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, has tragically passed away after a long battle with cancer. Her family confirmed the news, adding that the 73-year-old was surrounded by family when she breathed her last on December 27, 2024.

The statement released by the family on Instagram stated:

"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. Olivia lived a life full of passion, love, and dedication to the arts, spirituality, and kindness towards animals.”

The statement continued:

"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."

The family concluded the statement by requesting privacy, as they stated that the entire family had been devastated due to Olivia Hussey’s demise. While details about her cancer are not known, she had revealed to People Magazine in a 2012 interview about her struggles with agoraphobia, a mental disorder that triggers anxiety in social situations.

Olivia Hussey is best known for her roles in movies like Romeo and Juliet, Black Christmas, Psycho IV: The Beginning, and It.

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Olivia Hussey’s first movie was The Battle of the Villa Fiorita

While Olivia’s most famous work remains Romeo and Juliet, it is worth noting that the actress started her journey as an actress in 1965 with the movie, The Battle of the Villa Fiorita.

She then appeared in several movies like All the Right Noises, Lost Horizon, Death on the Nile, Virus, Undeclared War, Ice Cream Man, Headspace, and even Social Suicide.

Furthermore, Hussey is also known for being cast in many TV series, including Jesus of Nazareth, The Pirate, Ivanhoe, Murder, She Wrote, The Corsican Brothers, It, and even Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

Apart from films and TV, Hussley also garnered immense popularity for her memoir, The Girl on the Balcony: Olivia Hussey Finds Life After Romeo Juliet, which the actress released in July 2018.

The actress was married to Dean Paul Martin, and the duo welcomed a son. However, the couple parted ways six years into their marriage. Later, Olivia tied the knot with Japanese singer Akira Fuse in 1980 and the two share a son.

However, the marriage did not last, and Olivia tied the knot for the third time in 1991, with musician David Glen Eisley. The couple gave birth to India Eisley, an actress, in 1993.

As the family revealed details about Olivia’s life and final moments, fans and followers are devastated and are constantly pouring in tributes for the actress. At the moment, details about her funeral and memorial services are unknown.