Olivia Hussey Eisley, the actress who rose to fame as the star-crossed lover in Franco Zeffirelli's controversial 1968 Romeo and Juliet, died peacefully today at home surrounded by loved ones, according to a post on her Instagram page. She was 73 years old.
Hussey's credits also include Death on the Nile in the face of Peter Ustinov; Psycho IV: The Beginning in which she played Norma Bates and the 1990 miniseries adaptation of the Stephen King film. Il.
She worked with Zeffirelli again when she played Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the 1977 TV movie. Jesus of Nazareth.
In 2022, Hussey and Whiting sued Paramount Pictures, alleging that Zeffirelli violated their consent. Romeo and Juliet by filming them naked without their knowledge. Hussey and Whiting were 15 and 16, respectively, when the film was shot. Estimating that the film has grossed over $500 million since its release before Summer of Love, the duo sought $100 million in damages.
The claims were separate from what Hussey said in 2018 when speaking about nudity in the film. At the time, releasing a new memoir, the actress told Fox News that the nudity “wasn’t that big of a deal.”
Nudity was definitely a big deal when Romeo and Juliet was released in March 1968. Nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, the controversial film won Academy Awards for Best Cinematography and Best Costume Design. Whiting and Hussey also won Golden Globes for their performances.
Having faced allegations of sexual harassment and sexual assault in the past, Zeffirelli was unable to respond to Hussey and Whiting's accusations, given that he died in 2019.
DEADLINE VIDEO:
However, the filmmaker's son, Pippo Zeffirelli, responded.
“It is embarrassing to hear that today, 55 years after filming, two elderly actors who essentially owed their notoriety to this film are waking up to report that they suffered abuse that caused them years of anxiety and emotional discomfort,” he said in a statement. January 2023.
In May 2023, a judge ruled that the suit contained a “grossly misinterpretation” of the film's bedroom scenes in question and, citing the First Amendment, issued a tentative ruling to dismiss the case.
Hussey Eisley is survived by her children, Alex, Max and India, her husband of 35 years, David Glen Eisley, and her grandson, Greyson.
Here is the full statement from the Hussey family:
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Olivia Hussey Eisley, who returned home peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on December 27.
Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.
Born April 17, 1951 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Olivia lived a life full of passion, love and dedication to the arts, spirituality and kindness to animals.
Olivia leaves behind a loving family: her children, Alex, Max and India, her husband of 35 years, David Glen Eisley, and her grandson, Greyson, and a legacy of love that will forever be cherished in our hearts. As we mourn this immense loss, we also celebrate Olivia's lasting impact on our lives and on 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.
