Leonard Whiting has shared a moving tribute to him Romeo and Juliet (1968) co-star Olivia Hussey Eisley, who died yesterday at the age of 73.

“Olivia, we have shared so much since we were two sweet, innocent children clinging to each other for dear life, as every photo of us attests,” his wife Lynn Whiting’s Instagram comment on Hussey’s account reads shared photo announcing her death. “You’ve never been afraid to fight to make right everything that’s wrong in this world.”

The statement continued: “Rest now my beautiful Julia, no injustices can harm you now.” And the world will forever remember your inner and outer beauty. Leonard.”

Hussey “remained peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones,” her family’s original statement said.

Both Whiting and Hussey broke out in Franco Zeffirelli’s controversial adaptation of Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy. Two years ago, the duo sued Paramount Pictures, claiming Zeffirelli violated their consent by filming them naked without their knowledge. Hussey and Whiting were 15 and 16 years old, respectively, at the time. The duo estimated that the film had grossed over $500 million since its release before “Summer of Love” and sought $100 million in damages.

In May 2023, a judge said the lawsuit contained a “gross mischaracterization” of the bedroom scenes in question from the film and issued a preliminary ruling dismissing the lawsuit, citing the First Amendment. While Zeffirelli – who had previously been accused of sexual harassment and assault – was unable to respond to the allegations due to his death in 2019, his son deemed the allegations “embarrassing” and questioned their veracity.

The film was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and won Best Cinematography and Costume Design. Both stars received Golden Globes for their performances.