I had played the Virgin Mary in 'Jesus of Nazareth,' and I had

The radiant actress Olivia Hussey, whose youthful grace once embodied both purity and passion, once said: “I had played the Virgin Mary in ‘Jesus of Nazareth,’ and I had done ‘Juliet’ at the age of 15. People said, ‘Where do you go from playing Juliet and the Virgin Mary?’ And I said, ‘Mother Teresa of Calcutta.’” These words, humble yet profound, reveal the spiritual journey of an artist who sought not fame but transcendence. In them lies a truth that reaches beyond the stage or screen: that life’s greatest calling is not to ascend in glory, but to deepen in meaning.

The origin of this quote springs from Hussey’s own life, woven with both divine and human strands. As a child of cinema, she rose to fame as Juliet, the symbol of youthful love and tragic innocence. Later, she portrayed the Virgin Mary, the mother of mercy and grace, in “Jesus of Nazareth.” The world, dazzled by these roles, wondered what heights remained for her to climb. Yet Hussey, instead of seeking higher fame, turned inward. Her answer — “Mother Teresa of Calcutta” — was not ambition, but aspiration: to embody compassion itself, the highest role any soul can play. In those few words, she declared that the summit of art, and indeed of life, is not beauty or power, but service and love.

There is a sacred pattern hidden in her words — a journey from innocence to sacrifice, from love to compassion. Juliet represents the fire of youthful passion; Mary, the sanctity of divine motherhood; and Mother Teresa, the humility of service to the lowest of the low. Hussey’s answer reflects the evolution of the human spirit itself. We are born as dreamers like Juliet, we mature into protectors like Mary, and if we live with wisdom and grace, we become servants of humanity like Mother Teresa. It is the soul’s pilgrimage — from the poetry of love to the practice of compassion.

Consider the life of Mother Teresa, to whom Hussey refers not as a character, but as a living ideal. This small woman, clad in a simple white sari, walked among the dying in the streets of Calcutta and saw in their faces the image of Christ. When others turned away in horror, she leaned closer. When others spoke of hopelessness, she offered a smile. Her greatness was not born of strength, but of surrender. She became the Virgin Mary to the abandoned, the Juliet of divine love, loving humanity with a purity that transcended all fear. And so, when Hussey spoke her name, she was not merely choosing a role — she was recognizing the ultimate transformation of the human heart.

The quote also speaks to the calling of all creators, artists, and dreamers: to move from performance to purpose. It is easy to seek applause; it is harder to seek meaning. Hussey’s words remind us that true artistry lies not in playing great figures, but in living their virtues. The artist who portrays love must become loving; the one who portrays holiness must strive for holiness. Art, at its highest form, is a mirror of the soul — and through that mirror, both actor and audience are called to awaken.

But this truth extends beyond the realm of art. Each of us plays many roles in life: the dreamer, the learner, the lover, the nurturer, the giver. As we age, our purpose deepens — and if we are wise, we discover that the final and greatest role is service. Like Hussey’s progression from Juliet to Mary to Mother Teresa, we too are invited to ascend from the desire to be admired to the longing to uplift others. In this lies the fulfillment of the spirit.

The lesson of Hussey’s words is thus luminous: strive not for greater applause, but for greater compassion. Seek not to be seen, but to see; not to be adored, but to love. Whatever your stage may be — the home, the classroom, the street — play your part with reverence and sincerity. Each act of kindness is a scene in the divine drama of life, and each heart you touch brings you closer to the eternal.

Thus remember, O seeker of purpose: the world may ask, “Where do you go from here?” And your answer, if spoken from the soul, should be as Hussey’s — not upward, but inward. For beyond beauty and fame lies the true glory of humanity — the glory of serving others with open hands and a fearless heart. And when you live thus, you will discover that every life, however humble, can become a masterpiece of love.