50 Facts About Olivia Hussey

Early Life and Acting Aspirations

Olivia Hussey's journey to stardom began in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she was born to an Argentine father and an English mother. Her early years were marked by a move to England, where she pursued her passion for acting.

1. Olivia Hussey was born Olivia Osuna on April 17, 1951, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Her father was of Spanish descent, and her mother was English.

2. At just two years old, her parents divorced, prompting a move to England with her mother and younger brother.

3. From a young age, Hussey was captivated by acting. She often dressed up as a nun and performed for her family.

4. At seven, she moved to London with her mother and was accepted into the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, where she studied drama for five years.

5. Her professional acting career began at 13, assuming her mother's maiden name, Osuna, as her stage name.

Breakthrough Role and Global Recognition

Olivia Hussey's career took a significant turn when she landed the role of Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli's adaptation of "Romeo and Juliet." This role catapulted her to international fame.

6. Hussey's breakthrough role came when she was cast as Juliet in the 1968 film "Romeo and Juliet," chosen from 500 actresses for her maturity and beauty.

7. Her performance earned her a special David di Donatello Award and the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actress in 1969.

8. The film's success made Hussey an international sensation, with the adaptation remaining beloved to this day.

9. During filming, she was just 15 and celebrated her 16th birthday on set, facing intense media scrutiny.

10. Hussey and co-star Leonard Whiting developed a close relationship during filming, dating briefly but remaining lifelong friends.

Challenges and Controversies

Despite her success, Olivia Hussey faced numerous challenges and controversies during her career, particularly during the filming of "Romeo and Juliet."

11. Director Franco Zeffirelli was demanding, and Hussey has spoken about the difficulties she faced during filming.

12. The love scene between Hussey and Whiting sparked controversy due to their age, with both actors being visibly topless.

13. Despite the controversy, Hussey felt at ease during filming, though the scene sparked debate about its appropriateness.

14. After "Romeo and Juliet," she turned down roles, including the title role in "Anne of the Thousand Days," due to discomfort with John Wayne.

15. In 1969, Hussey won the Golden Globe Award for Best New Actress, solidifying her status as a rising star.

Personal Life and Relationships

Olivia Hussey's personal life has been marked by several marriages and relationships, each playing a significant role in her life.

16. In 1971, Hussey married Dean Paul Martin, with whom she had a son, Alexander Martin, born in 1973. They divorced in 1978.

17. After her divorce, she married Japanese singer Akira Fuse in 1980, having a son, Max Fuse, born in 1983. They divorced in 1989.

18. In 1991, Hussey married rocker David Glen Eisley, and they have a daughter, India Eisley, born in 1993.

19. Despite personal struggles, Hussey found happiness with the Martin family, remaining close friends with Dean Paul Martin until his death in 1987.

20. Her marriages to Akira Fuse and David Glen Eisley have been significant, producing children and maintaining close relationships.

Career Beyond Romeo and Juliet

Olivia Hussey's career extended beyond "Romeo and Juliet," with roles in various films and television shows, showcasing her versatility.

21. Hussey earned the label of "scream queen" for her roles in horror films like "Black Christmas" in 1974 and Stephen King's "It" in 1990.

22. She appeared in "Psycho IV: The Beginning," continuing the story of Norman Bates from Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho."

23. In 1987, Hussey made a cameo appearance in Michael Jackson's music video "Liberian Girl."

24. In 2018, she published her memoir, "The Girl on the Balcony: Olivia Hussey Finds Life After Romeo and Juliet."

25. For the 50th anniversary of "Romeo and Juliet," she was interviewed for the Folger Shakespeare Library's podcast "Shakespeare Unlimited."

Media Criticism and Personal Struggles

Throughout her career, Olivia Hussey faced media criticism and personal struggles, including issues with her physical appearance and mental health.

26. During her rise to fame, she faced media criticism for her appearance and behavior, often seen as part of the countercultural hedonism of the 1960s.

27. One infamous media moment was a cigarette interview where she was seen smoking in public.

28. Hussey has spoken about the challenges she faced due to her physical appearance, feeling discomfort during filming.

29. She has publicly spoken about the sexual harassment she experienced on set during "Romeo and Juliet."

30. Hussey suffered from agoraphobia in her 20s due to constant attention from strangers.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Olivia Hussey's legacy extends beyond her acting career, with a lasting impact on popular culture and Hollywood.

31. The Argentine government recognized her success by reuniting her with her father for the first time since childhood.

32. Hollywood celebrities visited England to meet Hussey after her success in "Romeo and Juliet."

33. She was considered for the role of Apollonia Vitelli in "The Godfather" but was ruled out due to language barriers.

34. In her autobiography, Hussey recounts the nervousness she felt when "Romeo and Juliet" premiered at the royal palace.

35. Her image became associated with the rebellious spirit of the 1960s counterculture movement.

36. Despite media criticism, Hussey remained unapologetic about her actions, expressing herself authentically.

37. She quit smoking at 40 and now strongly advocates against the habit.

38. Hussey has expressed embarrassment over old interviews where she was seen smoking.

39. In 2018, she participated in an event with Weeting, discussing her past experiences and career challenges.

40. Hussey faced personal tragedies, including the murder of her friend Sharon Tate by the Manson family in 1969.

41. After Sharon Tate's murder, she found refuge with her manager Rudi Altobelli.

42. Hussey experienced physical and emotional abuse at the hands of actor Christopher Jones.

43. Despite challenges, she has remained resilient, continuing to act in various films and television shows.

44. Her legacy in Hollywood is multifaceted, recognized for performances in both dramatic and horror films.

45. As Juliet in "Romeo and Juliet," Hussey has become an iconic figure in Shakespearean adaptations.

46. While not extensively documented, she has likely been involved in various philanthropic activities.

47. Public perception of Hussey has evolved, now regarded as a talented actress who navigated Hollywood's challenges with grace.

48. Hussey has served as a role model for many young actresses, inspiring them to pursue careers in entertainment.

49. Her impact on popular culture extends beyond acting, representing the spirit of rebellion and nonconformity.

50. Despite retirement, Hussey remains an active figure in the entertainment industry, ensuring her story remains integral to Hollywood's history.

Olivia Hussey: A Timeless Icon

Olivia Hussey's journey from a young actress in Buenos Aires to a celebrated Hollywood star is nothing short of remarkable. Her portrayal of Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli's "Romeo and Juliet" remains a defining moment in her career, earning her global recognition and awards like the Golden Globe. Despite facing challenges, including media scrutiny and personal tragedies, Hussey's resilience shines through. Her roles in horror films like "Black Christmas" and "Psycho IV" showcased her versatility, earning her the "scream queen" label. Beyond acting, Hussey's life has been marked by personal struggles, including agoraphobia and the tragic loss of friends. Yet, she remains an inspiring figure, with her memoir offering insights into her life. Olivia Hussey's legacy endures, inspiring new generations with her talent, courage, and dedication to her craft. Her story is a testament to the enduring power of art and resilience.