Charlton Heston, April 5, age
84: The ruggedly handsome Heston was known for his heroic roles in
films like 1959's "Ben-Hur" (for which he won the best actor Oscar),
"El Cid" and "The Ten Commandments," in which he played a commanding
Moses. Even his role in "Planet of the Apes" was transformative and heroic. He was
also known for his offscreen activities, from his work in the early '60s in the
civil rights movement and his presidency of the Screen Actors Guild, to his
conservative politics in his later years, including his presidency of the
National Rifle Association. He was married for 64 years to his college
sweetheart, Lydia, who released this statement upon Heston's death: "Charlton
Heston was seen by the world as larger than life. We knew him as an adoring
husband, a kind and devoted father, and a gentle grandfather with an infectious
sense of humor. He served these far greater roles with tremendous faith, courage
and dignity."
(Coll A. Pele/Starface/Retna Ltd.) |
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