She was born on April 17, 1951, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to an Argentinian opera singer father and an English mother. Her birth name is Olivia Osuna.

Olivia Hussey gained international fame at the age of 15 for her portrayal of Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, which won her a Golden Globe for Best New Star.

Hussey became the youngest actress to play Juliet in a major film adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, staying true to the character’s age in the original play.

Olivia starred in the 1974 cult classic horror movie Black Christmas, which is considered one of the earliest slasher films and a major influence on the genre.

She was married to Dean Paul Martin, the son of legendary entertainer Dean Martin, from 1971 to 1978. They had a son, Alexander Martin, who is also an actor.

Olivia Hussey is deeply spiritual and a devout Catholic, which influenced her decision to play Mary, the mother of Jesus, in Jesus of Nazareth (1977).

In 2018, she published her memoir, The Girl on the Balcony: Olivia Hussey Finds Life After Romeo and Juliet, sharing personal stories about her career, struggles, and triumphs.

With a career spanning 5 decades, Olivia Hussey showcased her versatility in films like Death on the Nile (1978) and the thriller Social Suicide (2015), excelling in diverse roles.

Olivia ventured into voice acting and lent her voice to characters in several animated movies and video games, such as Star Wars: Rogue Squadron (2001).

Olivia Hussey battled agoraphobia after her Romeo and Juliet fame, finding relief through meditation. She tragically passed on Dec 27, 2024, at 73, after a fight with breast cancer.