Olivia Hussey, ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and ‘Black Christmas’ Star, Dies at 73

variety.com:

J. Kim Murphy Olivia Hussey Eisley, a British-Argentine actor who shot to fame as a teenager starring as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 adaptation of “Romeo and Juliet” and went on to star in the slasher classic “Black Christmas” and the 1978 “Death on the Nile,” died Friday.

She was 73. Hussey’s death was confirmed to the San Francisco Chronicle by filmmaker Marc Huestis, who said she died of cancer, and announced on the actor’s Instagram. “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,” reads the social media statement. “Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her. … Olivia lived a life full of passion, love, and dedication to the arts, spirituality and kindness towards animals.” After debuting in the West End production of “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie,” starring opposite Vanessa Redgrave, Hussey was scouted to lead Italian director Zeffirelli’s film adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” She was just 15 when she was cast and 16 during the shoot.

The film, in which Hussey starred opposite Leonard Whiting as the star-crossed lovers, launched both of its teenage stars onto a global stage.

The film was a popular hit for its casting of actors closer to the real ages of the characters, a rarity at the time, and despite brief glimpses of nudity, it garnered a G rating.