Olivia Hussey

From her iconic role as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet to her horror film work in the 1970s and beyond, Olivia Hussey has captivated audiences with her beauty, talent, and versatility. Born in Buenos Aires in 1951, Hussey began her acting career as a child in Argentina before moving to England with her mother and stepfather. By the time she was 15, she was ready for her breakout role – as the star-crossed lover of Shakespeare’s tragic romance.

The 1968 Romeo and Juliet, which starred Hussey opposite Leonard Whiting as Romeo, was a critical and commercial success, garnering four Academy Award nominations and cementing Hussey’s status as a rising young star. Despite her youth, Hussey convincingly portrayed Juliet’s intense passion for Romeo, as well as her heartbreaking despair at their eventual separation. Her performance earned her a Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actress, and she quickly became one of the most sought-after young actresses in Hollywood.

Despite the success of Romeo and Juliet, Hussey did not want to be typecast as a “period piece” actress, and she sought out roles that would showcase her range as an actress. She appeared in a number of films and television shows throughout the 1970s, including the crime drama The Cat and the Canary (1978) and the comedy thriller Turkey Shoot (1982). However, it was her work in horror films that truly cemented her status as an icon of the genre.

In 1974, Hussey starred in the horror classic Black Christmas, directed by Bob Clark. The film, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest horror films of all time, follows a group of sorority sisters who are stalked and murdered by a mysterious killer over the Christmas holiday. Hussey’s portrayal of Jess, the lead character, was praised for its realism and vulnerability. She brought a humanity and depth to the character that elevated Black Christmas above many of its contemporaries.

Hussey continued to work in horror throughout the 1970s and 1980s, appearing in films like Death on the Nile (1978), Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990), and Stephen King’s It (1990). Her work in horror, particularly her performances in Black Christmas and It, have made her a beloved figure among horror fans, and she has frequently appeared at horror conventions and screenings to meet her fans and discuss her work.

In addition to her film work, Hussey has also had success on stage and on television. She has appeared in numerous plays, including a Broadway production of The Woman in White, and has guest-starred on a variety of television shows, including Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and The Mentalist. She has also written a memoir, The Girl on the Balcony, which chronicles her life and career.

Through it all, Hussey has remained an icon of beauty, talent, and grace. Her work in Romeo and Juliet and in the horror genre has earned her a place in cinematic history, and she continues to inspire and captivate audiences with her performances. As she approaches her seventies, she remains an active and vital presence in the world of entertainment, and her legacy as one of the greatest actresses of her generation is secure.