Olivia Hussey, known for her roles in movies like Romeo and Juliet and Black Christmas, has died at the age of 73. According to filmmaker Marc Huestis, who confirmed the news to Variety, Hussey died of cancer. The news of Hussey's passing was shared on her Instagram in a social media statement.
Videos by Wide Open Country
"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," reads the statement. "Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her."
The statement would call Olivia's 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," the statement continued. "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."
Many were left heartbroken after learning about Hussey's passing, leaving kind words of love and their condolences in the comment section.
"She was such a beautiful person inside and out. Her love for animals was particularly special," one user wrote. "Rest now my beautiful Juliet no injustices can hurt you now. And the world will remember your beauty inside and out forever," a second user wrote. A third one said. "One of the loveliest, most talented people I've ever known, let alone worked with"
Remembering Olivia Hussey
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Olivia Hussey moved to London at the age of seven. She studied at the Italia Conti Academy drama school. Years later, at 15, Hussey starred as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli's Romeo and Juliet in 1968. The movie earned two Academy Awards, and Hussey won a Golden Globe for her role.
Hussey would then play Jess Bradford in the 1974 slasher film, Black Christmas. He became a scream queen as she continued to star in horror movies such as It and Psycho IV: The Beginning. Hussey would then play Mary in Zeiffirelli's Jesus of Nazareth in 1977. In later years, she would star in various films and TV series, with 2015's Social Suicide being her last on-screen role.
