Olivia Hussey (born Olivia Osuna; April 17, 1951 – December 27, 2024) was a British-Argentine actress. She gained international fame for her role as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, for which she won a Golden Globe Award. Hussey’s career spanned several decades, during which she appeared in numerous films and television series.
Early Life and Education
Olivia Hussey was born on April 17, 1951, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She was the daughter of Argentine tango singer Andrés Bartolomé Osuna, known by his stage name Osvaldo Ribó, and British legal secretary Alma Joy Hussey. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she moved to London with her mother and brother in 1958. Hussey attended the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London, where she studied drama for five years.
Career
Hussey began her acting career at a young age, appearing in various stage productions. Her breakthrough role came in 1968 when she was cast as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. Her performance earned her widespread acclaim and a Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year. She continued to build her career with notable roles in films such as Black Christmas (1974) and Death on the Nile (1978).
In addition to her film work, Hussey appeared in several television productions, including the miniseries Jesus of Nazareth (1977), in which she played Mary, the mother of Jesus. She also provided voice roles in various Star Wars video games.
Personal Life
Olivia Hussey was married three times and had three children. She was known for her warmth, wisdom, and kindness, which touched the lives of many who knew her. Hussey passed away on December 27, 2024, at the age of 73, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.
Filmography
- Romeo and Juliet (1968) – Juliet
- Black Christmas (1974) – Jessica Bradford
- Death on the Nile (1978) – Rosalie Otterbourne
- Jesus of Nazareth (1977) – Mary
