In addition to Zeffirelli’s classic, the Argentine actress left her mark on cinema with “The Night of Terror” and “Death on the Nile”
Career marked by Zeffirelli
Olivia Hussey, famous for her portrayal of Juliet in the adaptation of *”Romeo and Juliet”* (1968) by Franco Zeffirelli, died this Friday (27/12), at the age of 73. Born in Buenos Aires, the actress died at home, surrounded by her family, according to an official statement on Instagram: “Olivia was an extraordinary person whose warm kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.”
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina on April 17, 1951, Olivia moved to London at the age of 7 with her mother and younger brother. At 13 he began his training at the renowned Italia Conti Academy theater school and soon attracted attention with his performances in the theater.
At the age of 15 she was chosen by Zeffirelli to play Juliet in the epic based on Shakespeare’s work. The film, which put a modern take on the classic, was a global success, receiving four Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. Olivia won the Golden Globe for Best New Actress and the Italian David di Donatello (the Italian Oscar) for her performance.
After “Romeo and Juliet”, Olivia returns to work with Zefirelli in the miniseries “Jesus of Nazareth” (1977), in which she plays Mari. The production, shown in several countries, was another global phenomenon.
Horror and mystery
She is also remembered for starring in “Fright Night” (1974), one of the most remade slashers of the 1970s, in which she immortalized an archetype, as one of cinema’s first “final girls”. In the Bob Clark-directed classic, she played Jess Bradford, a college student who faces a terrifying killer in her dorm room during the holiday season, becoming the forerunner of an entire subgenre, though the credit usually goes to Jamie Lee Curtis in “Halloween” ( 1978), published four years later.
Subsequently, she participated in *”Death on the Nile”* (1978), an adaptation of Agatha Christie’s work, in the role of Rosalie Otterbourne, the daughter of the writer played by Angela Lansbury. The plot, set on a luxury cruise to Egypt, was a box office success and was praised for its setting and stellar cast.
Other notable roles include Norman Bates’ mother in “Psycho IV: The Breakthrough” (1990), which explored the origins of the iconic villain, and Audra Denbrough in the miniseries “It” (1990), based on the Stephen King novel.
The return of Romeo and Juliet
Olivia Hussey reunited with Leonard Whiting, her co-star in “Romeo and Juliet”, in the film “Social Suicide” (2015), a contemporary reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s tragedy.
In this film, they both play the parents of a young woman involved in a forbidden romance that ends in tragedy, directly referencing the classic that made them famous in 1968. Hussey’s real-life daughter, India Eisley, played Julia Coulson, a modern version. of Juliet, strengthening the metalinguistic character of the project.
“Social Suicide” marked Olivia’s last film credit, concluding her career with a tribute to the work that made her famous around the world.
Controversy and autobiography
In 2023, Olivia and Leonard Whiting sued Paramount, claiming they were forced to record nude scenes during the filming of “Romeo and Juliet” when they were minors. They claimed that Zeffirelli had promised to wear appropriate costumes, but was ultimately filmed without clothes. She appeared topless on screen at the age of 15. However, the case was dismissed by the court, finding that the scenes did not have a sexual connotation.
Olivia detailed her experiences on the controversial filming in her autobiography “The Girl on the Balcony: Olivia Hussey Finds Life After Romeo and Juliet” (2018). In the book, she also reflects on her career, the challenges of early fame, and her personal battles, including her 2008 breast cancer diagnosis.
Personal life and family
Hussey has been married three times, including marriage to Dean Paul Martin, son of Dean Martin, and Japanese actor Akira Fuse. Since 1987 she lived with David Glen Eisley, with whom she had a daughter, actress India Eisley, known for her roles in “Angels of the Night: The Awakening” (2012) and in the series “I Am the Night” ( 2019). . Olivia also leaves behind two sons from previous marriages, Alexander and Max, and granddaughter Greyson.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
