Sergiu Nicolaescu, a prolific Romanian director known for his historical epics who also served as a Senator, has died. He was 82.

The Elias Hospital said Nicolaescu died Thursday from heart and lung complications following surgery for digestive problems.

Nicolaescu quit politics in December, having been Senator for the leftist Social Democracy Party since 1992, saying: `'I only have a few years left and I'd like to finish them in my profession."

Nicolaescu made some 50 movies in his lifetime, and despite his career in politics, continued to direct films such the `'Orient Express" in 2004.

He was best known for historical films which found favor with the Communist regime. His 1979 movie `'Mihai the Brave" is considered a cinematic classic in Romania.

Funeral arrangements were not immediately known.