Charlton Heston, 84, Legendary Ben-Hur Star’s Final Days
Charlton Heston, the legendary actor known for his commanding roles in Ben-Hur and The Ten Commandments, passed away at the age of 84. His death marked the end of a career that spanned six decades and over 100 films.
The Life and Career of Charlton Heston
Charlton Heston was born on October 4, 1923, in Evanston, Illinois. He became one of Hollywood’s most iconic leading men, known for playing historical and biblical figures with intense presence and gravitas.
His breakout role came in The Ten Commandments (1956), where he portrayed Moses in one of the most epic films of all time. He later won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Ben-Hur (1959), solidifying his status as a cinematic legend. Heston also starred in science fiction classics like Planet of the Apes (1968) and Soylent Green (1973).
Beyond acting, Heston was deeply involved in political and social causes. He served as the president of the National Rifle Association (NRA) from 1998 to 2003, becoming a strong advocate for gun rights. He was also an activist for civil rights in the 1960s.
Heston was married to actress Lydia Clarke for 64 years, a rare achievement in Hollywood. Together, they had two children, Fraser and Holly Ann. At the time of his passing, his net worth was estimated to be around $40 million.
Charlton Heston’s Death
Charlton Heston passed away on April 5, 2008, at his home in Beverly Hills, California. He was 84 years old.
Heston had been battling Alzheimer’s disease, which he publicly announced in 2002. His declining health led to his retirement from public life, and he eventually succumbed to complications related to the illness.
He was buried at Saint Matthew’s Episcopal Church Cemetery in Pacific Palisades, California. His legacy as a Hollywood icon and passionate activist continues to be remembered by fans and film historians worldwide.
Quotes
"“Sometimes life drops blessings in your lap without your lifting a finger. Serendipity, they call it.” (Charlton Heston)
"“I’ll never forget the blooming happiness that spread in me like the sun coming up when Lydia’s obstetrician poked me awake: ‘Congratulations… you have a fine son.'” (Charlton Heston)
"“When you are a young actor, you’re imbued with the high purpose of your art. You think, ‘They hire me for my talent; if that’s not good enough, then they can hire somebody else.’ Later, you realize that your body is as much a part of what you do as your talent.” (Charlton Heston)
"“You can be sure that they’ll be showing ‘Ben-Hur’ somewhere for a long, long time to come.” (Charlton Heston)
"“You can spend a lifetime, and, if you’re honest with yourself, never once was your work perfect.” (Charlton Heston)