Charlton Heston was born in Evanston, Illinois. His birth name was John Charlton Carter but he took his stepfather’s last name for his stage name. His film and television credits number 126. The actor was known for his deep and commanding voice, muscular build and his portrayal of several larger than life characters.
He is perhaps best known for his religious film role in The Ten Commandments. He did double duty in this epic drama by playing the role of Moses but also supplying the voice of God. His 3 months old son played the baby Moses floating down the Nile in a reed basket.
Heston was the recipient of many prestigious awards including the Medal of Freedom, which was placed around his neck by President George W. Bush at a White House ceremony. He won 11 Academy Awards for Titanic, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, The Ten Commandments, El Cid, 55 Days at Peking, Plant of the Apes and Earthquake.
Heston was active in the civil rights movement in the 1960s and before becoming a conservative Republican he campaigned on behalf of Democrats Adlai Stevenson and John F. Kennedy. He was a high-profile supporter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his civil rights movement. He attended King’s 1963 March on Washington and stood near the podium as King delivered his “I have a dream” speech.
He served as president of the National Rifle Association from 1998 to 2003. He once summed up his belief in the second amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which includes the right to bear arms, by calling it “America’s first freedom, the one that protects the others.” He often appeared at conventions holding an antique flintlock rifle above his head and telling gun-control advocates they would not get his gun unless they could pry it “from my cold, dead hands.”
In August 2002 Heston released a video statement saying he had symptoms consistent with Alzheimer’s disease. This was his statement:
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.”
The famed actor died at his home in Beverly Hills with his wife Lydia at his side. He is survived by a son, a daughter and three grandchildren. A private memorial service is being planned.
In a press statement the family shared the following:
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. He loved deeply, and he was deeply loved.”
Check out photos from some of Heston’s memorable roles below.