Italian film director Franco Zeffirelli famous for film ‘Romeo and Juliet’ has died at the age of 96. Zeffirelli died at his home after a short illness on Saturday noon, son Luciano confirmed to Associated Press. The famed director was twice-nominated for Oscar. He started his career in early 1940 as an assistant to Italian director Luchino Visconti. Zeffirelli directed and produced classics for a number of operas, films and television series.
The director gained international recognition with his romantic vision and extravagant productions. His adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet (1968), Hemlet (1990) and The Taming of the Shrew (1967) gained accolades from around the world.
