Hollywood lost one of its legends when Oscar-winning actor Charlton Heston (Ben-Hur) died at his Beverly Hills home on Saturday, April 5th. His wife of 64 years, Lydia, was by his side. In 2002 Heston went public with his diagnosis of Alzheimer's, however the cause of his death has not yet been made public.
Immediately following Heston's death the family issued a statement: "Charlton Heston was seen by the world as larger than life. He was known for his chiseled jaw, broad shoulders and resonating voice, and, of course, for the roles he played. Indeed, he committed himself to every role with passion, and pursued every cause with unmatched enthusiasm and integrity."
"No one could ask for a fuller life than his. No man could have given more to his family, to his profession, and to his country. In his own words, 'I have lived such a wonderful life! I've lived enough for two people.'"
Heston portrayed Moses in The Ten Commandments, John the Baptist in The Greatest Story Ever Told and Michelangelo in The Agony and the Ecstasy, and won the Best Actor Academy Award for his performance in Ben-Hur. Other notable film credits include the Planet of the Apes series, El Cid, and 55 Days at Peking.
In addition to acting, Heston supported political causes over the years, including the civil rights movement, and was present at Dr Martin Luther King's 1963 March on Washington. Heston served as the president of the Screen Actors Guild and, in later years, the National Rifle Association (NRA).
Heston, whose real name is John Charles Carter, was born in Evanston, Illinois on October 4, 1924. Heston is survived by his two children, Fraser Clarke Heston and Holly Heston Rochell, and his three grandchildren, Jack Alexander Heston, Ridley Rochell and Charlie Rochell. The family is planning a private memorial service and has requested in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Motion Picture and Television Fund.
