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He died at home in Rome according to his son, Luciano.
He had suffered for a while, but he left in a peaceful way, Luciano toldthe Associated Press.
The director is best known for his elegant film adaptations of Shakespeare plays.
His 1968 version ofRomeo and Julietearned him an Academy Award nomination.
He also directedThe Taming of the Shrewin 1967, with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton as the leads.
The only rival to his onscreen extravagance was his decadent opera and theater productions.
Zeffirelli worked closely with Maria Callas, directing her inLa TraviataandTosca.
A conservative Roman Catholic and generally passionate man, Zeffirelli did not shy away from controversies, political orsocial.
