Olivia Hussey

The Tragic Beauty and Timeless Talent of Cinema

Introduction

In the history of cinema, few performances have left as indelible a mark as Olivia Hussey’s portrayal of Juliet Capulet in Franco Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet (1968). At just 15 years old, Hussey captivated global audiences with her radiant beauty, emotional depth, and youthful sincerity. Her Juliet became the definitive version of Shakespeare’s tragic heroine for a generation—and remains a benchmark to this day.

But Hussey’s life and career go far beyond that singular role. From child actress to cult film star, from international fame to deeply personal battles, Hussey’s journey has been one of resilience, reinvention, and enduring artistic devotion.

Early Life and Background

Olivia Hussey was born Olivia Osuna on April 17, 1951, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Her mother, Joy Alma Hussey, was an English secretary, and her father, Osvaldo Ribó, was a renowned Argentine tango singer. After her parents separated, Hussey moved to London with her mother and brother at a young age.

At the age of 7, she began studying acting at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London. By her early teens, she was already performing in theatrical productions, and her classical beauty and emotional maturity quickly drew attention from casting agents.

Her professional debut came at the age of 13 in stage productions, including a role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. But it was her next opportunity that would make cinematic history.

Breakthrough: Romeo and Juliet (1968)

Olivia Hussey’s breakthrough came when Italian director Franco Zeffirelli cast her as Juliet in his ambitious adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. Zeffirelli’s radical choice to cast age-appropriate teenagers for the roles of Romeo and Juliet was controversial, but it added unprecedented authenticity to the story.

At 15, Hussey was chosen from over 500 auditioning actresses. She starred opposite Leonard Whiting, who was 17 at the time. The film’s lush cinematography, passionate performances, and youthful cast created a sensation upon its release.

The film was a critical and commercial success, earning four Academy Award nominations and winning two (Best Cinematography and Best Costume Design). Hussey won the Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer in 1969.

Her portrayal of Juliet remains one of the most revered in film history—innocent yet wise, romantic yet grounded in youthful passion.

Post-Romeo and Juliet: Career Challenges and Reinvention

Despite her early acclaim, Hussey found it difficult to transition into more adult roles in the wake of her Juliet fame. Typecasting, industry politics, and her own emotional struggles all contributed to a period of relative career stagnation in the early 1970s.

Nevertheless, she continued to work consistently, choosing diverse and sometimes daring roles.

Black Christmas (1974)

Hussey starred in this early slasher film, directed by Bob Clark, which became a cult classic. Her role as Jess, a college student stalked by a mysterious killer, earned her praise and cemented her status as a scream queen in horror circles.

Jesus of Nazareth (1977)

Hussey portrayed the Virgin Mary in Franco Zeffirelli’s acclaimed TV miniseries Jesus of Nazareth. Her restrained and heartfelt performance won new admiration and revived her connection with international audiences.

Other Notable Films and Roles

Death on the Nile (1978) – Agatha Christie mystery with an all-star cast.

Ivanhoe (1982) – A British TV adaptation where she played Lady Rowena.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta (2003) – A deeply personal role in which she portrayed the beloved humanitarian.

While she never quite recaptured the meteoric rise of her teenage fame, Hussey built a steady, interesting, and eclectic body of work across genres and decades.

Personal Life and Struggles

Behind the scenes, Hussey's life has been marked by both joy and difficulty.

Marriages and Family

Hussey has been married three times:

Dean Paul Martin (son of singer Dean Martin) – Married in 1971 and had one son, Alexander Martin, who also became an actor. Martin died in a plane crash in 1987.

Akira Fuse – A Japanese singer whom she married in 1980. They had a son, Maximillian Fuse.

David Glen Eisley – A musician, whom she married in 1991. They remain together.

Mental Health and Agoraphobia

Hussey has spoken openly about her battle with agoraphobia, which began in the late 1970s. At times, her fear of leaving home severely restricted her ability to work and socialize. Her candour about these struggles has inspired many and contributed to greater awareness of mental health issues in the entertainment industry.

Memoir: The Girl on the Balcony (2018)

In 2018, Olivia Hussey released her memoir, The Girl on the Balcony: Olivia Hussey Finds Life After Romeo and Juliet, offering a raw and unflinching look at her life. The title refers to the iconic balcony scene in Romeo and Juliet.

The book covers:

Her early fame and its impact on her personal life.

Her tumultuous relationships, including abusive partners and struggles with control.

Her experiences as a young actress navigating a male-dominated industry.

Her eventual path toward healing and spiritual fulfilment.

The memoir was praised for its honesty, warmth, and empowerment, showcasing Hussey’s strength beyond her screen image.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Olivia Hussey remains a symbol of timeless youth, classic beauty, and romantic idealism. Her Juliet has been featured in textbooks, film studies courses, and countless retrospectives on great performances in cinema.

She is also beloved by fans of cult horror, religious epics, and international cinema. Her commitment to emotionally resonant characters, often portraying women facing adversity with dignity and resolve, gives her work a lasting emotional power.

Later Years and Recent Projects

In recent years, Hussey has continued to act occasionally and remains active on social media, where she shares reflections, engages with fans, and advocates for animal rights and spiritual wellness.

She voiced Juliet’s mother in an animated adaptation of Romeo and Juliet and appeared in smaller film projects. Her ongoing popularity at fan conventions and film festivals underscores her enduring appeal.

Awards and Honours

Golden Globe Award – Most Promising Newcomer (1969)

David di Donatello Award (Italian equivalent of the Oscars)

Numerous film festival tributes and lifetime achievement honours

While she may not have pursued Hollywood superstardom, her performances have influenced generations of actors and audiences alike.

Conclusion

Olivia Hussey’s life and career reflect the complexities of early fame, artistic passion, personal trauma, and ultimate resilience. From the romantic idealism of Juliet to the maternal grace of Mary, from horror heroines to real-life saints, Hussey has embraced a vast emotional spectrum on screen.

More than just a beautiful face or a teenage icon, she is a survivor, a storyteller, and a reminder that true artistry often comes with deep personal cost—and even deeper personal courage.

Her legacy endures not only in celluloid but in the hearts of fans who saw themselves in her vulnerability, grace, and strength.