Olivia Hussey Isley, best known for playing Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s iconic 1968 film Romeo and Juliet, has died at the age of 73. He died surrounded by loved ones at his home on 27 December. She is survived by her husband, David Glenn Easley, 35, and their children Alex, Max and India, according to a statement posted on her official Instagram page. (Also Read | Is Astro’s Cha Eun Woo dating American actress Olivia Hussey’s daughter India Isley)
He is also survived by his grandson Greyson. Her family released the following statement upon her death, “It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of Olivia Hussey Easley, who passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on December 27. Olivia was a remarkable person whose Warmth, intelligence, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will forever be cherished in our hearts.”
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina on April 17, 1951, Olivia rose to fame with her portrayal of star-crossed lovers in Romeo and Juliet, a performance that would become one of the most memorable in film history.
Nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, the film remains one of the most beloved adaptations of Shakespeare’s classic story. It earned Olivia and her co-star Leonard Whiting Golden Globe Awards for their performances.
Beyond Romeo and Juliet, Olivia’s acting career spanned decades, with notable roles in films such as Death on the Nile, where she starred opposite Peter Ustinov, and the 1989 film Psycho IV: The Beginning, where she played Norma Bates. played the part.
His career also included a starring role in the 1990 miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s It. In 1977, she reunited with Zeffirelli for his television epic Jesus of Nazareth, where she played Mary, the mother of Jesus.
According to Deadline, the 1968 film, which received widespread attention for its candid portrayal of young lovers, received both praise and backlash.
Although it won two Academy Awards, including Best Cinematography and Best Costume Design, the film’s depiction of nudity sparked significant debate at the time.
Franco Zeffirelli, who died in 2019, could not answer to the lawsuit due to his death. However, their son Pippo Zeffirelli commented on the matter, expressing embarrassment over the claims made by Olivia and Leonard.
He said, “It is shameful to hear that today, 55 years after the shooting of the film, two elderly actors, who are basically notorious for this film, wake up to announce that they have faced abuse, “This has caused him anxiety and emotional distress for years.” As per deadline January 2023.
According to Deadline, a judge dismissed the lawsuit in May 2023, citing “gross mischaracterization” of the film’s bedroom scenes and ruled that the First Amendment protected the film’s artistic choice.
