For one scene in Romeo and Juliet (1968/I), Zeffirelli had to get special permission to show Olivia Hussey topless. Even so, Ms. Hussey was not allowed to attend the premier because of her age and the film's rating, even through the only bare breasts in the entire film were her own.
Has worked not only with former husband and wife Robert Stephens and Maggie Smith, but also with their son, Toby Stephens.
He was nominated for a 2004 Laurence Olivier Theatre Award for Best Set Designer of 2003 for Absolutely! (Perhaps) performed at Wyndham's Theatre.
Member of the Italian Parliament from 1994 to 2001 for the rightist party Forza Italia, led by Silvio Berlusconi.
Received a Special 1962 Tony Award "for designs and direction of the Old Vic's 'Romeo and Juliet'." The following year, in 1963, he was nominated for Broadway's Tony Award as Best Scenic Designer for "The Lady of the Camellias."
Wrote the libretto for the Samuel Barber opera "Antony and Cleopatra" commissioned to open the new Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in 1966.