Olivia Hussey Career Highlights & Most Memorable Roles

Olivia Hussey: Career Highlights & Most Memorable Roles Olivia Hussey is a celebrated actress whose career has spanned decades, with iconic roles that have made a lasting impact in the world of film. From her early breakthrough performances to her later work, Hussey’s versatility and natural charm have solidified her as one of Hollywood’s beloved figures. Here’s a look back at the career highlights and most memorable roles of Olivia Hussey. 1. "Romeo and Juliet" (1968) – Juliet Capulet Olivia Hussey’s breakout role came at the age of 16 when she was cast as Juliet Capulet in Franco Zeffirelli’s critically acclaimed adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. This film remains one of the most memorable Shakespearean adaptations, and Hussey’s portrayal of the innocent yet strong-willed Juliet catapulted her into international fame. Her natural beauty and emotional depth brought the tragic character to life, earning her a Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year and making her an unforgettable figure in cinematic history. 2. "Black Christmas" (1974) – Jess Bradford In 1974, Olivia Hussey took on a completely different role in the cult classic horror film Black Christmas, directed by Bob Clark. In this early slasher film, Hussey portrayed Jess Bradford, a college student who becomes the target of a mysterious killer during the holiday season. Black Christmas is often cited as one of the first films to establish many of the tropes associated with the slasher genre, and Hussey’s performance as the resourceful and resilient Jess is a key part of its enduring legacy in horror cinema. 3. "Jesus of Nazareth" (1977) – Mary, Mother of Jesus Olivia Hussey’s ability to embody a range of characters was further showcased in the 1977 epic miniseries Jesus of Nazareth, where she portrayed the Virgin Mary. Directed by Franco Zeffirelli, this adaptation of the life of Jesus Christ features an ensemble cast that includes many other notable stars, but Hussey’s portrayal of the Mother of Jesus is particularly touching. Her portrayal was marked by grace, humility, and compassion, becoming a defining role in her career. 4. "The Man Who Fell to Earth" (1976) – A Fellow Alien In the 1970s, Hussey also appeared in The Man Who Fell to Earth, starring David Bowie. While her role as a fellow alien may not have been as prominent as some of her other works, it’s part of her diverse filmography during this period. The film, a science fiction classic directed by Nicolas Roeg, showcased Hussey’s versatility in an entirely different genre from her previous roles. 5. "Death on the Nile" (1978) – Jacqueline de Bellefort In 1978, Hussey played the role of Jacqueline de Bellefort in the star-studded adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile, directed by John Guillermin. The film featured a strong ensemble cast, including Peter Ustinov and Bette Davis, and Hussey’s portrayal of the vengeful and emotionally complex Jacqueline was a standout performance. The film remains one of the most well-known adaptations of Christie’s works, and Hussey’s role added depth to the story’s central mystery. 6. "It" (1990) – Audra Phillips Olivia Hussey’s career came full circle in the world of horror when she appeared in the 1990 miniseries It, based on Stephen King’s novel. In this adaptation, Hussey played Audra Phillips, the wife of one of the main characters. While her role wasn’t as central as some of the other characters in the series, Hussey’s appearance in It further solidified her status as a versatile actress capable of taking on diverse genres.