In the Spring of 1966, Leonard Whiting, then 15 years old, and Olivia Hussey, then 14 years old, auditioned for the iconic film, loved by all, Romeo and Juliet.

Paramount executives, Director Franco Zeffirelli, and other producers were holding the auditions.

Hussey and Whiting were secretly chosen by Zeffirelli. Paramount and Zeffirelli withheld this information from the public, to build up the suspense behind who would be chosen for these leading roles.

Hussey and Whiting were sent to be trained for Zeffirelli's adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.

The roles of Romeo and Juliet were formally announced publicly in London, England. Hussey and Whiting were 15 years old and 16 years old at the time they were announced for their roles of Romeo and Juliet. 

Filming began - Hussey and Whiting were both 16 years old on the first day of shooting the film.

Once in Italy, the young actors were exposed to drinking and smoking. Both actors never finished their high school educations nor were given tutors during the production of the film.

The last scene to be shot was the bedroom scene. Zeffirelli changed the plans on the day of the shoot from flesh-colored undergarments to nudity. There was no one on the set to protect these underage actors from Zeffirelli's decision on that day. Franco assured the young actors that no nudity would be used or seen in the film. 

Underage consent = no consent

Paramount had the right to edit the film.

Approximately 4 years of Hussey and Whiting's young lives were dedicated to the preparation, production, and promotion of Romeo and Juliet. They were paid $2,400 (1,500 pds.) each for their roles as Romeo and Juliet, and to this date have received no royalties nor residuals. Paramount has sold Hussey and Whiting's underage nude images for over 55 years and both actors have received 0% of any profits.

The Queen of England sees the worldwide premiere of the Romeo and Juliet film in London, England.

Romeo and Juliet film released in the UK.

Romeo and Juliet film released in the US.

Romeo and Juliet film released in Italy.

The film, Romeo and Juliet was a colossal success. The film went on to win multiple Academy Awards:

Academy Award for Best Cinematography
1969 · Pasqualino De Santis

Golden Globe Award for Best New Star of the Year – Actor
1969 · Leonard Whiting

Golden Globe Award for Best New Star of the Year – Actress
1969 · Olivia Hussey

David di Donatello for Best Director
1969 · Franco Zeffirelli

BAFTA Award for Best Costume Design
1969 · Danilo Donati

David di Donatello Golden Plate Award
1969 · Olivia Hussey, Leonard Whiting

Nastro d'Argento for Best Costume Design
1969 · Danilo Donati

Golden Globe Award for Best English-Language Foreign Film
1969

Academy Award for Best Costume Design
1969 · Danilo Donati

"Three in Traci Lords Sex Film Case Indicted"

 "Deutsche Bank wins approval for $75m settlement with Jeffrey Epstein’s victims" 

 "Judge Approves JPMorgan’s $290 Million Settlement With Epstein Victims" 

Actor's Strike is settled.
A notable result of this strike was a first-ever requirement to hire intimacy coordinators on set for scenes involving sex and nudity

 Lawsuit by Baby from Nirvana Album can move forward... 

 "Top Gun" actor sues Paramount over use of his image in sequel

"Norfolk Southern Settles Derailment Suit for $600 Million"

 "DOJ nearing settlement with sexual assault victims of Larry Nassar over FBI failures"

Harvey Weinstein Wins Appeal

 "Fox Pulls Hunter Biden Series After Lawyers Decry it as Illegal Revenge Porn"

 Sean 'Diddy' Combs arrested in New York following sex trafficking investigation

T.I., Tiny Win Whopping $71 Million Award at OMG Girlz Trial