Legendary Director Franco Zeffirelli Dies in Rome at 96

Famed Italian director Franco Zeffirelli died in Rome on Saturday. He was 96 years old.

His body of work included Shakespeare's adaptations to film -- in 1968 he was nominated for an Academy Award for 'Romeo and Juliet.' In 1967 had already adapted from Shakespeare for 'Taming of the Shrew' starring legends Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. And in 1992, he adapted Shakespeare's most famous play' Hamlet' with Mel Gibson and Glenn Close. A director, screenwriter, and producer, Zeffirelli has about 20 feature films to his name. He also directed more than 30 plays and operas.

The director of movies and operas "died serenely after a long illness, which had worsened these last months," Italian media said, citing family members.