Leonard Whiting, best known for his iconic role as Romeo in Romeo and Juliet (1968), has remained a significant figure in film and television. Alongside co-star Olivia Hussey, Whiting’s portrayal of the tragic young lovers left an indelible mark on cinema.
On Friday, December 27, the world was saddened by the news of Hussey’s passing at 73. Whiting, 74, paid a heartfelt tribute to his former co-star and dear friend.
“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 on Instagram by Whiting’s wife, Lynn, alongside a photo shared on Hussey’s account announcing her death. “You were never afraid to fight to fix everything wrong in this world.”
The tribute continued, “Rest now my beautiful Juliet no injustices can hurt you now. And the world will remember your beauty inside and out forever. Leonard.”
Find out more about Whiting, his career, net worth, and more below.
Whiting was a British actor, born on June 30, 1950, in Wood Green, London. He gained international fame at the age of 17 for his portrayal of the young Shakespearean lover, Romeo, opposite Hussey in Romeo and Juliet. Both actors were awarded Golden Globe Awards for ‘New Star Of The Year’ in 1969.
After Romeo and Juliet, Whiting’s career continued, but he largely stepped away from the mainstream spotlight. Notable projects from this period include Frankenstein: The True Story and the 1975 film Rachel’s Man. After 1975, Whiting appeared on screen only occasionally, with his most notable roles being a voice role in the 1990 animated series The Dreamstone and a brief appearance in a 2015 film.
