Leonard Whiting has shared a moving tribute to his 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 onto each other for dear life as every photo of us attests to,” read a comment posted from his wife Lynn Whiting’s Instagram on the photo shared by Hussey’s account announcing her death. “You have never been frightened of fighting to fix everything wrong in this world.”
The statement continued, “Rest now my beautiful Juliet no injustices can hurt you now. And the world will remember your beauty inside and out forever. Leonard.”
Hussey “went peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones,” per her family’s original announcement.
Both Whiting and Hussey broke out in Franco Zeffirelli’s controversial adaptation of the Shakespearean romantic tragedy. Two years ago, the duo sued Paramount Pictures, alleging that Zeffirelli violated their consent by filming them nude without their knowledge. Hussey and Whiting were 15 and 16 years old, respectively, at the time. Estimating that the film had made over $500 million since its pre-Summer of Love release, the duo sought $100 million in damages.
In May 2023, a judge said the suit contained a “gross mischaracterization” of the bedroom scenes in question from the film and, citing the First Amendment, put forth a tentative ruling to dismiss the case. While Zeffirelli — who had previously faced claims of sexual harassment and assault — was unable to respond to the accusations, given his death in 2019, his son deemed the allegations “embarrassing,” calling into question their veracity.
Nominated for four Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director, the pic won Best Cinematography and Costume Design, with both stars awarded Golden Globes for their performances.
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