Olivia Hussey, star of Romeo and Juliet and Zeffirelli's Jesus of Nazareth, has died
The actress was 73 years old and had been ill with breast cancer for some time
1' min read
1' min read
She fascinated viewers as the female lead in two masterpieces by Franco Zeffirelli (1923-2919) thanks to her delicate features, large doe eyes and a face oval that admits of no comparison: Olivia Hussey, Juliet Capulet in 'Romeo and Juliet' (1968) and Mary in 'Jesus of Nazareth' (1977), died on Friday 27 December at the age of 73. In 2008 she had been diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time.
The naturalised British Argentine actress passed away 'at home surrounded by her loved ones', according to an announcement on her official Instagram account. "Olivia was an extraordinary person whose warmth, wisdom and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her," the post reads.
Hussey was only 15 years old when he starred alongside 16-year-old British actor Leonard Whiting as Romeo in the film adaptation of William Shakespeare's play 'Romeo and Juliet'. Both were unknown at the time. The film, distributed by Paramount and co-written by Zeffirelli with Franco Brusati and Masolino D'Amico, was nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture and three other Oscars, and the actress received a David di Donatello and a Golden Globe for her performance.
