Olivia Hussey, born Olivia Osuna on April 17, 1951, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was a British actress celebrated for her captivating roles in film and television. Her father, Andrés Osuna, was a renowned Argentine tango singer, and her mother, Joy Hussey, was of English and Scottish descent. At the age of seven, she moved to London with her mother and younger brother, where she pursued her passion for acting at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Hussey began her acting journey on the London stage and gained attention for her performance in the 1966 production of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie alongside Vanessa Redgrave. This role brought her to the notice of Italian director Franco Zeffirelli, who cast her as Juliet in his 1968 film adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
At just 15 years old, her portrayal of Juliet was widely acclaimed and earned her several accolades, including a Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actress and a David di Donatello Award. The film’s success made her an international star and remains a definitive portrayal of the tragic heroine.
Film Career Highlights
Following her success in Romeo and Juliet, Hussey built an impressive filmography:
Black Christmas (1974): She starred as Jess Bradford in this Canadian horror classic, often credited as one of the earliest slasher films.
Jesus of Nazareth (1977): Reuniting with Zeffirelli, she played Mary, the mother of Jesus, in this acclaimed miniseries. Her performance was praised for its depth and sensitivity.
Death on the Nile (1978): Hussey portrayed Rosalie Otterbourne in this adaptation of Agatha Christie’s novel.
Virus (1980): She took on the role of Marit in this Japanese disaster film Beginning (1990): Hussey played Norma Bates, providing a backstory for one of cinema’s most infamous characters.
Stephen King’s It (1990): She appeared as Audra Denbrough in this iconic television miniseries.
Voice Acting and Later Roles
In addition to on-screen roles, Hussey lent her voice to animated series like Batman Beyond and Superman: The Animated Series. Her contributions to voice acting highlighted her versatility and enduring appeal in the entertainment industry.
Personal Life
Hussey’s personal life was as eventful as her career. She married actor Dean Paul Martin in 1971, and they had a son, Alexander, before divorcing in 1978. In 1980, she married Japanese singer Akira Fuse, with whom she had another son, Max. The couple divorced in 1989. Hussey’s third marriage, to musician David Glen Eisley in 1991, brought her a daughter, India Eisley, who has also become an actress.
Health Challenges and Memoir
In 2008, Hussey was diagnosed with breast cancer but successfully underwent treatment. However, the disease returned in 2018, and she faced another round of challenges with courage and resilience.
In her 2018 memoir, The Girl on the Balcony: Olivia Hussey Finds Life After Romeo and Juliet, she offered a candid look at her life, career, and struggles. The book provided fans with an intimate glimpse into her journey.
Death and Legacy
On December 27, 2024, Olivia Hussey passed away at the age of 73, surrounded by her family. Her death marked the end of an extraordinary life dedicated to the arts and her family.
Hussey’s legacy is defined by her iconic performances and her impact on cinema. Her portrayal of Juliet remains a benchmark in film history, and her versatility across genres showcased her immense talent.
For more about Olivia Hussey, her life, and career, visit:
Wikipedia
Her Memoir on Amazon
Her timeless work continues to inspire actors and entertain audiences worldwide.
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