Charlton Heston Dies
Apr 6, 2008 8:30:16 GMT -5
Post by majorbludd on Apr 6, 2008 8:30:16 GMT -5
Actor Charlton Heston dies
Last Updated: Sunday, April 6, 2008 | 1:01 AM ET Comments18Recommend37CBC News
Actor Charlton Heston, who won an Academy Award in 1959 for his starring role in the film epic Ben-Hur, died Saturday at the age of 84.
Heston died at his home in Beverly Hills with his wife Lydia at his side. Family spokesperson Bill Powers declined to comment on the cause of death or provide further details.
"We knew him as an adoring husband, a kind and devoted father, and a gentle grandfather, with an infectious sense of humour. He served these far greater roles with tremendous faith, courage and dignity. He loved deeply, and he was deeply loved," said a statement from his family.
With his barrel chest and baritone voice, Heston portrayed Moses, Michelangelo, El Cid and other heroic figures in films of the 1950s and 1960s. His film credits include The Greatest Show on Earth, El Cid, The Greatest Story Ever Told, The Ten Commandments, and Planet of the Apes.
A prominent civil rights activist during the 1950s, Heston was president of the Screen Actors Guild for six terms and received the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country's highest civilian award.
He was also known as an outspoken opponent of gun control in the U.S., serving as president of the National Rifle Association lobby group from 1998-2003.
In 2002, he revealed that he had symptoms consistent with Alzheimer's disease, saying, "I must reconcile courage and surrender in equal measure."
A private memorial service will be held, but no further details were provided.
Along with his wife, Heston is survived by two children and three grandchildren
Last Updated: Sunday, April 6, 2008 | 1:01 AM ET Comments18Recommend37CBC News
Actor Charlton Heston, who won an Academy Award in 1959 for his starring role in the film epic Ben-Hur, died Saturday at the age of 84.
Heston died at his home in Beverly Hills with his wife Lydia at his side. Family spokesperson Bill Powers declined to comment on the cause of death or provide further details.
"We knew him as an adoring husband, a kind and devoted father, and a gentle grandfather, with an infectious sense of humour. He served these far greater roles with tremendous faith, courage and dignity. He loved deeply, and he was deeply loved," said a statement from his family.
With his barrel chest and baritone voice, Heston portrayed Moses, Michelangelo, El Cid and other heroic figures in films of the 1950s and 1960s. His film credits include The Greatest Show on Earth, El Cid, The Greatest Story Ever Told, The Ten Commandments, and Planet of the Apes.
A prominent civil rights activist during the 1950s, Heston was president of the Screen Actors Guild for six terms and received the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country's highest civilian award.
He was also known as an outspoken opponent of gun control in the U.S., serving as president of the National Rifle Association lobby group from 1998-2003.
In 2002, he revealed that he had symptoms consistent with Alzheimer's disease, saying, "I must reconcile courage and surrender in equal measure."
A private memorial service will be held, but no further details were provided.
Along with his wife, Heston is survived by two children and three grandchildren
