Olivia Hussey Eisley dies at 73, renowned for her role as Juliet in the 1968 film Romeo and Juliet and as the star of the horror classic Black Christmas (1974), has passed away at the age of 73, her family confirmed through an Instagram post.
A statement shared on her account reads: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Olivia Hussey Eisley, who peacefully passed away at home on December 27th, surrounded by her loved ones. Olivia was an extraordinary person whose kindness, wisdom, and generosity left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.”
Hussey Eisley’s breakout role came with Franco Zeffirelli’s film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, which earned her a Golden Globe for her portrayal of the iconic character. Despite the film’s success, it was marred by controversy. In 2022, Hussey Eisley, along with her co-star Leonard Whiting, filed a lawsuit against Paramount Studios, claiming the film’s release included nude scenes of the two actors, who were minors at the time. The pair, aged 15 and 16, alleged that director Zeffirelli insisted they perform nude or the film would fail. The lawsuit was dismissed in May 2023.
Following Romeo and Juliet, Hussey Eisley went on to have a successful career in both film and television. She starred in the influential slasher Black Christmas and appeared in the 1978 adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile. She also reunited with Zeffirelli for the 1977 TV mini-series Jesus of Nazareth, where she played Mary.
Throughout the 1990s, Hussey Eisley continued her career in horror, featuring in Psycho IV: The Beginning and Stephen King’s It miniseries. She also appeared in the early 2000s in films such as Mother Teresa, the thriller El Grito, and the comedy Tortilla Heaven.
Born in Buenos Aires on April 17, 1951, Hussey Eisley’s life was marked by her devotion to the arts, spirituality, and a deep affection for animals, her family said in the statement.
Olivia is survived by her husband of 35 years, David Glen Eisley, their children Alex, Max, and India, and her grandson Greyson. The family expressed their gratitude for the support they have received, asking for privacy as they mourn her loss.
“While we mourn the loss of this remarkable soul, we also celebrate Olivia’s legacy and the indelible impact she made on all of us and the entertainment industry,” the statement concluded.
Further updates on this story will be provided as they become available.
Nguồn: CNN
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