(RightIsRight.co) – Celebrated actress of the 1968 film ‘Romeo and Juliet’ Olivia Hussey, passed away at the age of 73 due to a long battle with cancer.
Hussey, born in Argentina and raised in London, was cast by director Franco Zeffirelli at the tender age of 15 for the role that would define her career.
The film was a box office success and won two Oscars for cinematography and costume design. Hussey’s performance earned her a Golden Globe, catapulting her to international fame.
However, the acclaim came at a cost. In 2023, Hussey and co-star Leonard Whiting filed a lawsuit against the studio for child abuse related to a nude scene in the film.
This legal action brought attention to the long-standing issues of exploitation in the entertainment industry, particularly of young performers.
The lawsuit was ultimately dismissed by a judge who found no legal basis for considering the film sexually suggestive.
This decision highlights the ongoing debate about the protection of child actors and the need for stricter regulations in Hollywood.
Throughout her career, Hussey took on diverse roles showcasing her actress range.
She portrayed Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the 1977 TV miniseries “Jesus of Nazareth” and starred in popular films like “Black Christmas” (1974) and “Death on the Nile” (1978).
In her later years, the legend worked as a voice actress in video games, adapting to the changing landscape of entertainment. She also reunited with Whiting in the 2015 film “Social Suicide.”
“Rest now my beautiful Juliet no injustices can hurt you now. And the world will remember your beauty inside and out forever,” he paid her tribute.
Her family posted a warm message on Instagram, “Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.”
They added, “Olivia lived a life full of passion, love, and dedication to the arts, spirituality, and kindness towards animals.”
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