Zorba Director Cacoyannis Dies at 89

World renown Greek film director Michael Cacoyannis, whose 1964 movie Zorba the Greek became an instant classic, has died at age 89.

He had been suffering from heart and breathing problems.

The Cypriot-born Cacoyannis began his career in London working for the the British Broadcasting Corporation, where he developed an interest in theater and film.

He made his directing debut with 1954's Windfall in Athens and followed it two years later with the award-winning Stella, starring Melina Mercouri.

Cacoyannis became an international name with 1964's Zorba the Greek — a critical and popular success starring Anthony Quinn as a lusty and exuberant Greek coal miner who befriends a cynical and unhappy English writer.

Zorba earned Cacoyannis an Academy Award nomination as Best Director.