Romeo And Juliet Star Olivia Hussey Dead At 73

Olivia Hussey has sadly passed away. She was 73.

According to a statement on her Instagram account, the actress — best known for playing Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 film Romeo and Juliet — died “peacefully at her home surrounded by her loved ones” on Friday. The post continued:

“Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her. Born on April 17th, 1951 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Olivia lived a life full of passion, love, and dedication to the arts, spirituality, and kindness towards animals. Olivia leaves behind a loving family— her children, Alex, Max, and India, her husband of 35 years David Glen Eisley, and grandson, Greyson, and a legacy of love that will forever be cherished in our hearts. As we grieve this immense loss, we also celebrate Olivia’s enduring impact on our lives and the industry. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and ask for privacy as we mourn the loss of a truly special soul.”

Related: Baby Driver Actor Killed In Freak Car Accident At Just 16 Years Old

So heartbreaking. See the statement (below):

The cause of death has not been announced yet. However, you may know that she has struggled with her health over the years. Olivia was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. While she went into remission after undergoing a mastectomy, she revealed to Express a decade later that doctors discovered a new tumor. Awful.

In addition to her role in Romeo and Juliet, which she won a Golden Globe for, Olivia starred in the 1974 horror movie Black Christmas, the 1990 miniseries based on Stephen King’s It,  the 1990 film Psycho IV: The Beginning, and more.

Our hearts go out to her family and friends. Rest in Peace, Olivia…

[Image via Chris Connor/WENN, Paramount/YouTube]