Charlton Heston
Charlton Heston (born John Charles Carter; October 4, 1923 – April 5, 2008) was an American actor and political activist. He is best known for his roles in epic films, often portraying larger-than-life characters. Heston's career spanned over six decades, and he appeared in more than 100 films, as well as numerous stage productions and television shows.
Heston was born in Evanston, Illinois. He developed an interest in acting at a young age and began his career in theater. In 1941, he enrolled in Northwestern University's drama program, but his studies were interrupted by World War II. Heston served in the United States Army Air Forces as a radio operator and aerial gunner.
After the war, Heston returned to his studies and graduated from Northwestern in 1947. He then moved to New York City and made his Broadway debut in the play "Antony and Cleopatra" in 1947. Heston's breakthrough in Hollywood came with his portrayal of the circus manager in the film "The Greatest Show on Earth" (1952), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Throughout his career, Heston took on a variety of memorable roles. He played Moses in "The Ten Commandments" (1956), Judah Ben-Hur in "Ben-Hur" (1959) — a role that earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor — and Colonel George Taylor in "Planet of the Apes" (1968), among many others. Heston's commanding presence and strong performances made him a sought-after actor in both historical epics and contemporary dramas.
Aside from his acting career, Heston was known for his political activism. He served as the president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1966 to 1971 and became a prominent supporter of conservative causes. He was a vocal advocate for Second Amendment rights and served as the president of the National Rifle Association from 1998 to 2003.
In later years, Heston's acting career began to slow down due to his declining health. He was diagnosed with symptoms related to Alzheimer's disease in 2002 and retired from acting in 2003. Heston passed away on April 5, 2008, at the age of 84.
Charlton Heston left a lasting impact on the film industry with his powerful performances and memorable roles. His talent and charisma made him one of the most respected and recognizable actors of his time.
Quotes:
[from a taped announcement concerning his having symptoms of Alzheimer's disease] "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."
[on Sam Peckinpah] "Sam is the only person I've ever physically threatened on a set."
If you need a ceiling painted, a chariot race run, a city besieged, or the Red Sea parted, you think of me.
[after hearing an unkind remark made about his condition by George Clooney, nephew of Rosemary Clooney] "It's funny how class can skip a generation, isn't it?"
- Charlton Heston
Trivia:
When Heston asked director James Cameron why he wanted him to play Spencer Trilby in True Lies (1994), Cameron replied "I need someone who can plausibly intimidate Arnold Schwarzenegger.".
Missed the start of his presentation at The 44th Annual Academy Awards (1972), because of a flat tire on the Santa Monica freeway. Clint Eastwood stood in for him, and before Eastwood finished the speech that Heston was due to give, Heston arrived, to some audience laughter and enjoyment.
Although he and Kirk Douglas differed greatly on politics (Douglas was a very liberal Democrat and Heston a very conservative Republican), Heston and Douglas were very close friends. Douglas spoke highly of their friendship; so highly, in fact, that after a viewing of the film Bowling for Columbine (2002) (and in particular the scene where Heston is grilled on his involvement in the NRA and asked to apologize for murder as a member of the NRA) Douglas said he would never forgive Michael Moore, the film's director and the man who conducted the interview) for the way he treated Heston.
When he met Toshirô Mifune around 1960, he was extremely taken with the Japanese star and claimed that if Mifune spoke English "he could be the greatest star in the world". The two actors exchanged Christmas cards since their meeting until Mifune's death.
He was chosen to portray Moses in The Ten Commandments (1956) by Cecil B. DeMille because he bore an uncanny resemblance to the statue of Moses carved by Michelangelo.