Olivia Hussey, celebrated for her iconic portrayals of Mary and Mother Teresa, passed away on December 27 at her California home. She was 73 years old, and her family confirmed her death in a statement released the following day.
Hussey’s passing marks the loss of a beloved actress whose performances touched audiences worldwide.
Marc Huestis, a filmmaker and friend, confirmed Hussey’s death to the San Francisco Chronicle, with her publicist later citing breast cancer as the cause. Diagnosed with the disease in 2008, Hussey experienced remission until 2018. Her battle with cancer exemplified her strength and resilience throughout her life and career.
Born Olivia Osuna in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Hussey was the daughter of opera singer Andrés Osuna and Joy Hussey, whose Scottish roots influenced her upbringing. After her father’s departure, she relocated to London with her mother and brother. In London, she pursued drama studies, which led to her early success in theater.
This path brought her to the attention of Franco Zeffirelli, who cast her at age 15 in his film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.
This role catapulted Hussey to international fame and remains one of her most memorable performances.
A decade later, Zeffirelli selected Hussey to portray Mary in his acclaimed 1977 miniseries Jesus of Nazareth. At 27, Hussey described the role as deeply challenging due to the demanding filming schedule and prolonged separation from her young son, Alexander. Filming in Morocco and Tunisia required her to balance professional dedication with personal sacrifice.
“It was hard on me,” Hussey reflected in a 2016 interview with St. Anthony Messenger. “Morocco and Tunisia weren’t suitable for a three-year-old, and I worked 14-hour days.” Despite the challenges, she found the role profoundly moving, especially the crucifixion scene. “I didn’t realize how deeply it would affect me,” she explained. “It was almost too much to bear, imagining such sacrifice.”
In 2003, Hussey fulfilled a lifelong dream by portraying St. Teresa of Kolkata in Fabrizio Costa’s television film Mother Teresa. She had pursued the role for two decades, earning a 2007 Character and Morality in Entertainment Award for her performance. To prepare, Hussey immersed herself in study and prayer, drawing strength from Mother Teresa’s example during the film’s challenging production conditions.
“I prayed daily on set,” Hussey shared. “Mother Teresa’s response to adversity inspired me.” Her connection to the role deepened when she attended Mother Teresa’s 2003 beatification, seated beside Agi Bojaxhiu, the saint’s niece. “I cried; it was a dream come true,” Hussey recalled. Mother Teresa’s canonization in 2016 further validated the profound experience.
Following the beatification, Hussey had the opportunity to meet St. John Paul II, who had often praised Jesus of Nazareth as his favorite film. She fondly described the pontiff as “incredible,” expressing deep admiration for him. This meeting compensated for her missed chance to meet him in 1988 when she starred in The Jeweller’s Shop, a film adaptation of his play.
Hussey’s diverse career also included roles in mystery and horror films, such as the 1978 adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile. While she did not explicitly label herself a practicing Catholic, her faith remained a guiding force in her life. “I’m in God’s hands,” she stated. “Every day, I say, ‘Thy will be done.’” Hussey’s home, filled with spiritual symbols, reflected her devotion.
Her fourth husband, musician David Eisley, and her three children survive Olivia Hussey. Her legacy endures through her groundbreaking roles, unwavering faith, and the inspiration she brought to countless fans. Her life was a testament to the transformative power of art, love, and faith.