Olivia Hussey, the actress who gained international fame as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, passed away on December 27, 2024, at the age of 73.

She died peacefully at her home in Burbank, California, surrounded by her loved ones, per BBC News.

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Born Olivia Osuna on April 17, 1951, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, she moved to London with her mother at the age of seven.

There, she pursued her passion for acting, studying at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts. Her talent was evident early on, leading to her casting as Juliet at just 15 years old.

Her performance earned her a Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year and a David di Donatello Award, catapulting her to international stardom.

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Following her success in Romeo and Juliet, Hussey took on a variety of roles that showcased her versatility. She portrayed Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the 1977 miniseries Jesus of Nazareth, also directed by Zeffirelli. In 1974, she starred as Jess Bradford in the cult classic horror film Black Christmas, a role that contributed to her reputation as a “scream queen.”

Her other notable works include Death on the Nile (1978), Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990), and the miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s It (1990). Later in her career, she lent her voice to several Star Wars video games, including Star Wars: Rogue Squadron (1998) and Star Wars: The Old Republic (2011).

Hussey’s personal life was marked by her relationships and family. She was married three times: first to Dean Paul Martin, son of entertainer Dean Martin, with whom she had a son, Alexander; then to Japanese singer Akira Fuse, with whom she had a son, Maximillian; and later to American musician David Glen Eisley, with whom she had a daughter, actress India Eisley.

In 2008, Hussey was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy. After nearly a decade in remission, the cancer returned in 2017, leading to further treatment. Despite her health challenges, she remained resilient and continued to engage with her fans and the acting community.

Her family released a statement expressing their grief and celebrating her legacy (via People): “Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.” They added, “As we grieve this immense loss, we also celebrate Olivia’s enduring impact on our lives and … .”

Olivia Hussey leaves behind a rich legacy in film and television, remembered for her passionate performances and dedication to her craft. She is survived by her three children, Alexander, Maximillian, and India; her husband of 35 years, David Glen Eisley; and her grandson, Greyson.