By Veteran actress Olivia Hussey, best known for her role as Juliet in the 1968 film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet and as Jess Bradford in the iconic slasher film Black Christmas, has passed away at the age of 73. Her family confirmed her death on December 27, sharing that she passed peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones.
A Life Full of Passion and Kindness
In a statement posted on Hussey’s Instagram, her family described her as a “remarkable person” whose warmth, wisdom, and kindness left a lasting impact on everyone she met. Her dedication to the arts, spirituality, and her love for animals defined her life, making her beloved by fans and peers alike.
Battle with Cancer
Hussey had been battling cancer for years, having been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. She underwent a double mastectomy and had been in remission for nearly a decade. However, in 2017, her cancer returned, eventually leading to her death.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on April 17, 1951, Hussey moved to London with her family when she was seven. At just 13 years old, she began acting on stage and was later accepted into the prestigious Italia Conti Academy drama school. Her first on-screen appearance came in the TV series Drama in 1964.
Breakthrough Role: Romeo and Juliet
Hussey’s big break came when director Franco Zeffirelli cast her as Juliet in his 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. The role earned her a Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year in 1969. At just 16 years old, Hussey filmed a controversial nude scene for the film, a decision she later reflected on as something she did due to pressure. In 2022, Hussey and her co-star Leonard Whiting filed a lawsuit against Paramount for sexual exploitation related to the scene, though the case was dismissed twice in 2023 and 2024.
Iconic Roles in Horror
After Romeo and Juliet, Hussey starred in several films, including All the Right Noises and The Summertime Killer. However, it was her role as Jess Bradford in the 1974 slasher film Black Christmas that cemented her status in horror film history. Black Christmas has since become a cult classic and is considered one of the first slasher films.
Hussey continued to work in horror, appearing in The Cat and the Canary (1978), and playing Norma Bates in Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990). She also starred in It, the TV miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s novel.
A Legacy in TV and Voice Acting
In addition to her film roles, Hussey had a strong presence on television, with credits in shows like Murder, She Wrote, Lonesome Dove: The Series, and Boy Meets World. She also lent her voice to popular animated series, including Pinky and the Brain, Superman: The Animated Series, and Batman Beyond. In 2003, she portrayed Mother Teresa in the TV film Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
Final Role and Memoir
Hussey’s last film appearance came in the 2015 movie Social Suicide, where she reunited with Leonard Whiting. The film also featured her daughter, actress Indie Eisley, who played the fictional daughter of Hussey and Whiting’s characters.
In 2018, Hussey published her memoir, The Girl on the Balcony: Olivia Hussey Finds Life After Romeo and Juliet, reflecting on her remarkable life and career.
Olivia Hussey’s legacy in film, especially in romantic drama and horror, will continue to inspire generations to come.
