Charlton Heston passed away today at the age of 84. He was a film legend one of the great actors of his generation. I was honored to hear him speak at a political rally before his unfortunate diagnosis with Alzheimer's disease. He was outstanding,well spoken and a very nice man. Rest in Peace Charlton Heston !
Born Oct. 4, 1924 , Evanston, Ill., U.S.
Original name John Charlton Carter (Chuck)was known for his chiseled features and compelling speaking voice and for his numerous roles as historical figures and famous literary characters.
In the 1950s and 1960s Heston achieved tremendous fame by playing larger-than-life roles in historical epics that featured his rugged resolve and commanding physical presence, including The President's Lady (1953), The Ten Commandments (1956), Ben-Hur (1959), El Cid (1961), and The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965). In 1959 he won an Academy Award for best actor for his performance in Ben-Hur. During this period Heston also starred in several films made on a more modest scale, including Touch of Evil (1958), 55 Days at Peking (1963), and Major Dundee (1965). In the late 1960s and early 1970s he adapted his powerful screen presence to star in several science-fiction and disaster films, such as Planet of the Apes (1968), Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970), The Omega Man (1971), Soylent Green (1973), Earthquake (1974), and Airport 1975 (1974).
Heston served six terms as President of the Screen Actors Guild, from 1966 to 1971. He also became an outspoken supporter for a number of conservative political causes. In 1998 Heston was elected president of the National Rifle Association (NRA), becoming a popular symbol for the pro-gun political lobby.
"For an actor, there is no greater loss than the loss of his audience. I can part the Red Sea, but I can't part with you, which is why I won't exclude you from this stage in my life. ... For now, I'm not changing anything. I'll insist on work when I can; the doctors will insist on rest when I must. If you see a little less spring to my step, if your name fails to leap to my lips, you'll know why. And if I tell you a funny story for the second time, please laugh anyway."
(From a taped announcement concerning his having symptoms of Alzheimer's disease):
Ten Commandments Charlton Heston Talks About his R
Charlton Heston at NRA 1989
Ben Hur Scenes with Charlton Heston
