Olivia Hussey Eisley has died at the age of 73.
The “Romeo and Juliet” star, who was cast for the 1968 role opposite of Leonard Whiting after appearing in the West End production of “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie,” passed away while surrounded by her loved ones on Dec. 27, according to a statement posted to her Instagram page.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Olivia Hussey Eisley, who went peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones on December 27th,” the statement read. “Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.”
Hussey was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, and underwent a double mastectomy. She went into remission for almost a decade until the breast cancer returned in 2017.
Born on April 17, 1951 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Hussey was also known for starring roles in the 1978 film “Death on the Nile” and the 1974 horror film “Black Christmas,” which spawned the slasher genre. Hussey also starred in the 1990 prequel to “Psycho” as Norma Bates — “Psycho IV: The Beginning” — and in the “It” miniseries based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name. In her later years she also worked as a voice actor, lending her vocals to video games like “Star Wars: Rogue Squadron” and “Star Wars: The Old Republic.”
Stylistically, Hussey served as a fashion icon in her on-screen roles and in her red carpet appearances, embracing bohemian glamour. Her wedding dress from her Las Vegas nuptials in 1971 to Dean Paul Martin, son of Dean Martin, is one prime example.
Together, the couple welcomed Alexander Martin, who works as an actor with credits in “Josie and the Pussycats” and “Can’t Hardly Wait,” before later divorcing in 1978. Hussey remarried twice after, welcoming a son, Maximillian Hussey Fuse, with singer and actor Akira Fuse, and giving birth to a daughter, actress India Eisley, with musician David Glen Eisley.
“Olivia lived a life full of passion, love, and dedication to the arts, spirituality, and kindness towards animals,” the statement continued, adding, “Olivia leaves behind a loving family— her children, Alex, Max, and India, her husband of 35 years David Glen Eisley, and grandson, Greyson, and a legacy of love that will forever be cherished in our hearts. As we grieve this immense loss, we also celebrate Olivia’s enduring impact on our lives and the industry. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and ask for privacy as we mourn the loss of a truly special soul.”
Here, see her style through the years.
English actress Olivia Hussey, UK, 27th February 1967.
Olivia Hussey, 1968 Image Credit: Courtesy Everett Collection“Romeo and Juliet,” Olivia Hussey, 1968
Olivia Hussey, 1968 Image Credit: Courtesy Everett Collection“Romeo and Juliet,” Olivia Hussey, 1968
Olivia Hussey
Leonard Whiting And Olivia Hussey Image Credit: Getty ImagesActors Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey, stars of the Franco Zeffeirelli film ‘Romeo and Juliet’, attending the premiere of the film at the Odeon in Leicester Square, London, March 5th 1968.
ALL THE RIGHT NOISES, Olivia Hussey, Tom Bell, 1969
Olivia Hussey Image Credit: Ron Galella Collection via Getty ImagesActors Olivia Hussey and Dean Paul Martin on April 16, 1971 arrive in Las Vegas for their Wedding Ceremony.
Actors Olivia Hussey and Dean Paul Martin attend their the Wedding Ceremony on April 17, 1971 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Olivia Hussey Image Credit: Courtesy Everett CollectionLOST HORIZON, Olivia Hussey, 1973
Actress Olivia Hussey attends the 31st Annual Thalians Ball on October 11, 1986 at Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, California.
Olivia Hussey Image Credit: Ron Galella Collection via Getty ImagesActress Olivia Hussey attends the ‘Celebrity Focus Magazine Party’ on December 2, 1986 at Columbia Bar and Grill in Los Angeles, California.
Actress Olivia Hussey attends the ‘Distortions’ Beverly Hills Premiere on April 30, 1987 at Academy Theatre in Beverly Hills, California.
Olivia Hussey Image Credit: Ron Galella Collection via Getty ImagesActress Olivia Hussey attends the ‘ ‘History of Hollywood’ Costume Exhibition’ on December 3, 1987 at Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County in Los Angeles, California.
Actress Olivia Hussey attends the ‘National Cable Forum Summer TCA Press Tour’ on July 11, 1990 at Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, California.
Olivia Hussey Image Credit: Ron Galella Collection via Getty ImagesActress Olivia Hussey and Director Franco Zeffirelli attend the ‘Hamlet’ Westwood Premiere on December 18, 1990 at Mann Village Theatre in Westwood, California.
Actress Olivia Hussey attends the ‘Shakespeare – The Animated Tales: Romeo And Juliet’ Beverly Hills Premiere on December 21, 1992 at Academy Theatre in Beverly Hills, California.
Olivia Hussey Image Credit: Ron Galella Collection via Getty ImagesActress Olivia Hussey attends the ‘Six Degrees of Separation’ Play Performance on October 15, 1992 at James A. Doolittle Theatre in Hollywood, California.
Olivia Hussey attends the Los Angeles premiere of “Underworld Awakening” at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on January 19, 2012 in Hollywood, California.
Olivia Hussey Image Credit: FilmMagicOlivia Hussey during 21st Genesis Awards Presented by The Hollywood Office of The Humane Society of the United States at Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, United States.
Olivia Hussey attends the 2018 TCM Classic Film Festival – Opening Night Gala – 50th Anniversary World Premiere Restoration Of “The Producers” at TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX on April 26, 2018 in Hollywood, California.
Olivia Hussey Image Credit: Getty ImagesOlivia Hussey presents her memoir “Girl on the Balcony” at Vroman’s Bookstore on August 7, 2018 in Pasadena, California.
