Olivia Hussey Eisley, the actress who rose to fame as one of the lovers in Franco Zeffirelli’s controversial Romeo and Juliet in 1968, died peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones today, according to a post on her Instagram page. She was 73.

Hussey’s credits also include Death on the Nile opposite Peter Ustinov; Psycho IV: The Beginning in which she played Norma Bates, and in the 1990 miniseries adaptation of Stephen King It.

She worked with Zeffirelli again when she played Mary, Mother of Jesus, in the 1977 television film Jesus of Nazareth.

In 2022, Hussey and Whiting sued Paramount Pictures, claiming Zeffirelli violated their consent Romeo and Juliet by filming them naked without their knowledge. Hussey and Whiting were 15 and 16 years old, respectively, at the time of the film was shot. The duo estimated that the film had grossed over $500 million since its release before “Summer of Love” and were seeking $100 million in damages

The claims differed from what Hussey said in 2018 when she spoke about the nudity in the film. At the time, while writing her new memoir, the actress told Fox News that the nudity was “not that big of a deal.”

The nudity was certainly a big deal back then Romeo and Juliet was released in theaters in March 1968. The controversial film was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and won Oscars for Best Cinematography and Best Costume Design. Both Whiting and Hussey also won Golden Globes for their performances.

Zeffirelli had faced allegations of sexual harassment and sexual assault in the past and was unable to respond to Hussey and Whiting’s allegations in light of his death in 2019.

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However, the filmmaker’s son, Pippo Zeffirelli, responded.

“It is embarrassing to hear that today, 55 years after filming, two older actors who owe much of their fame to this film are waking up and declaring that they suffered abuse that caused them years of fear and emotional discomfort.” he said January 2023.

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.

Hussey Eisley is survived by her children Alex, Max and India, her husband of 35 years David Glen Eisley and her grandson Greyson.

Here is the full statement from Hussey’s family:

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Olivia Hussey Eisley, who passed away peacefully on December 27th surrounded by her loved ones.

Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom and pure kindness touched the lives of everyone who knew her.

Born April 17, 1951 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Olivia lived a life full of passion, love and devotion to the arts, spirituality and kindness to animals.

Olivia leaves behind a loving family – her children Alex, Max and India, her husband of 35 years David Glen Eisley and her grandson Greyson, and a legacy of love that will remain in our hearts forever. As we mourn this immense loss, we also celebrate Olivia’s lasting 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.