How old was Olivia Hussey when she played Juliet?

It’s been a while since Franco Zeffirelli’s take on the classic story of Romeo and Juliet was released, but it remains a favorite among fans of the iconic tale.

The 1968 film starred a talented cast, situating stars Leonard Whiting, who played Romeo, and Olivia Hussey, who played Juliet, alongside skilled thespians like Antonio Pierfederici, Bruce Robinson, Natasha Parry, and Laurence Olivier. The 1968 version of the commonly-adapted play — originally penned by William Shakespeare, for those who missed out on their middle school English courses — is one of the most popular, despite the prominence of more modern adaptations.

Olivia Hussey was, and still is, celebrated for her wonderful encapsulation of Juliet. She was still quite young when she got the role — a fact that is evident for anyone who’s seen the film — but she still managed to deliver a wonderful performance, even alongside longtime industry staples. Considering her youth and general lack of experience, it’s a particular surprise that Hussey managed to match the talent of established stars, but she made a name for herself with that 1968 flick, and her career has hardly slowed down since.

How old was Olivia Hussey in Romeo and Juliet?

Hussey’s history as a performer goes way back — even further than Romeo and Juliet. She started acting as a child, and her appearance in a 1966 production of  The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie was enough to catch the attention of director Franco Zeffirelli, who was on the hunt for a young actress who balanced beauty and clear youth with maturity and the ability to carry a vital role like Juliet. Hussey managed to check each of these boxes, and soon after was selected — out of a full 500 actresses — to play the part of Juliet.

When she secured the role, Hussey was a fresh-faced 15, just one year younger than Whiting. Despite her youth, Hussey delivered spectacularly, and her performance earned her the Golden Globe for New Star of the Year in the “Actress” category, as well as a special David di Donatello Award. These coveted awards have also gone to the likes of Margherita Buy and Sophia Loren, who American viewers might recognize from 1960’s Two Women.

Romeo and Juliet may have established Hussey as a household name, but the star’s later work cemented her as a singular talent. Fans looking to catch her work outside of Shakespeare can enjoy her in films like 1978’s Death on the Nile, or more modern releases like the upcoming It’s Me, Billy: Chapter 2.