Olivia Hussey, who became internationally famous for her portrayal of Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 film “Romeo and Juliet,” died peacefully at her home on December 27. Her family described her as a passionate and extraordinary person whose warmth, wisdom and kindness touched everyone who knew her.
Born on April 17, 1951 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Olivia moved to London as a child and later studied acting at the Conti Academy in Italy. She became a global star at 15 when she was cast in “Romeo and Juliet”. The film won numerous Academy Awards and was critically acclaimed, with Olivia and her co-star Leonard Whiting receiving Golden Globes for their performances.
However, shockingly, Olivia and Leonard filed a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures, alleging sexual exploitation related to their roles in the film. They claimed that the filmmakers secretly filmed them in nude or semi-nude scenes without their knowledge, violating child protection laws. The two plaintiffs sought substantial financial compensation for their pain and suffering, arguing that the trauma resulting from the exploitation would affect them for the rest of their lives.
At the time of filming, Leonard was 16 and Oliviay 15, and both were told by Franco that no nudity would be involved. Yet, while filming a bedroom scene, they were told to wear body makeup instead of underwear, and Franco allegedly told them that if they didn’t do the nude scenes, their careers would be over. The actors later revealed that they were forced to comply, fearing the film’s collapse.
Olivia, however, had downplayed the issue in previous interviews, saying that she and Leonard were well aware of what was required for the film. He also defended the nudity, calling it necessary to the film’s artistic vision and a seminal moment in American cinema. But in light of the #MeToo movement, both Olivia and Leonard reevaluated their experiences and began speaking openly about exploitation.
The lawsuit was filed after California temporarily suspended the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims, but the court ultimately dismissed the case, ruling that the actors had consented to the film’s nudity.
