Olivia Hussey Eisley, the British-Argentine actress who rose to international stardom as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, passed away at the age of 73. Known for her mesmerizing performance that captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, Hussey also made her mark in films like the slasher classic Black Christmas and the 1978 mystery Death on the Nile.
Hussey’s death, confirmed to the San Francisco Chronicle by filmmaker Marc Huestis, was attributed to cancer. The announcement was also shared on the actor’s official Instagram. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and faced a recurrence in 2018, bravely battling the illness for many years.
We have gathered comprehensive information about Olivia Hussey’s incredible life, from her career milestones to her personal journey.
About Olivia Hussey
Olivia Hussey is an acclaimed British-Argentine actress, best known for her iconic portrayal of Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. Her beauty, grace, and heartfelt performance earned her international fame and made her a symbol of youthful love and innocence.
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Quick Bio
- Full Name: Olivia Osuna
- Date of Birth: April 17, 1951
- Place of Birth: Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Heritage: Olivia is of English and Argentinian descent. Her father, Andrés Osuna, was an Argentine opera singer, and her mother, Joy Hussey, was English.
- Childhood: After her parents’ divorce, Olivia and her mother moved to London, where she developed her passion for acting.
Olivia Hussey’s Husband
She has been married three times and has three children:
- First Marriage: In 1971, she married Dean Paul Martin, the son of the famous entertainer Dean Martin. They had one son together, Alexander Martin, who was born in 1973. Dean Paul Martin was a singer, actor, and later a pilot in the Air National Guard. Sadly, he died in a plane crash in 1987. Olivia and Dean Paul divorced in 1978.
- Second Marriage: In 1980, Olivia married Japanese singer and actor Akira Fuse. They had a son named Maximillian Fuse, born in 1983. This marriage ended in divorce in 1989.
- Third and Current Marriage: Since 1991, Olivia has been married to American musician David Glen Eisley. David is a singer, songwriter, and actor, and is also the son of actor Anthony Eisley. Together, Olivia and David have a daughter named India Eisley, who was born in 1993 and has followed in her mother’s footsteps as an actress.
It’s worth noting that Olivia has maintained relatively good relationships with her former husbands despite the divorces. Her daughter, India Eisley, is particularly known for her roles in television series like “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” and films like “Underworld: Awakening.”
Olivia Hussey Measurements
Standing at 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm), Olivia Hussey has a petite frame with an estimated weight of around 117 pounds (53 kg). Her figure is often described as an hourglass shape, with measurements of approximately 34-24-34 inches.
This classic figure, combined with her dark brown hair and captivating green eyes, contributed to her striking and timeless screen presence.
- Height: 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 117 pounds (53 kg)
- Body Measurements: 34-24-34 inches
- Body Type: Hourglass
- Hair Color: Dark Brown
- Eye Color: Green
Career: Romeo and Juliet
At just 16, Hussey was cast as Juliet, opposite Leonard Whiting as Romeo. The film was a massive success, and her performance earned her international acclaim, including a Golden Globe Award for Most Promising Newcomer.
Her performance remains one of the most beloved portrayals of Juliet in cinema history. The film’s success made Olivia a household name and a romantic icon of the 1960s.
While she will always be remembered for Juliet, Hussey had a successful acting career beyond that role. She appeared in various films and television productions, including:
"Black Christmas" (1974), a classic horror film
"Jesus of Nazareth" (1977), a miniseries where she played Mary, the mother of Jesus
"Death on the Nile" (1978), an Agatha Christie adaptation
"It" (1990), a miniseries based on Stephen King's novel
"Psycho IV: The Beginning" (1990), where she played Norma BatesOlivia Hussey Net Worth
Olivia Hussey has an estimated net worth of approximately $4 million.
This wealth reflects her extensive career in film and television, spanning several decades and encompassing a variety of notable performances.
In addition to her acting career, Hussey has been involved in various projects and collaborations that have contributed to her financial standing.
It’s important to note that net worth estimates can vary between sources and may not always reflect the most current financial information.
Olivia Hussey’s Cause of Death
Olivia Hussey, the beloved actress best known for her role as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet, passed away after a long battle with cancer.
She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, a diagnosis that shocked fans but also highlighted her resilience and courage. Hussey underwent treatment and managed to recover, continuing to live her life with grace and strength. However, in 2018, she faced a recurrence of the illness, which marked the beginning of another challenging chapter in her life.
Her passing serves as a reminder of her extraordinary journey, both on and off the screen. Hussey’s openness about her battle with cancer helped raise awareness about the disease, and her strength inspired countless fans around the world.
While she is no longer with us, Olivia Hussey’s legacy endures through her iconic performances, her unwavering spirit, and the lives she touched with her story of resilience. Her memory will live on, not just as a star of the silver screen, but as a woman who faced life’s challenges with grace and strength.
