CHARLTON HESTON-1923-2008:
The Legendary Actor -The Man
The legendary film Star Charlton Heston passed away on April 5 at 84 tears old. He died peacefully at home in Beverly Hills with his wife of 64 years, Lydia, by his side.
Heston was born John Charles Carter on October 4, 1923. A shy boy, he turned to acting in his youth. He made his movie debut in the 40’s in two college independent films. In 1949 he went on to portray Marc Anthony in “Julius Caesar” and was on his way.
Charlton was a Christian and greatly influenced in his faith by Cecil B. De Mille, who was a devout Christian, the son of a preacher. Because of his faith, Charlton enjoyed making biblical films, and his own series, “Charlton Heston Presents the Bible” won an award in 1993.
He was also a patriot, receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civil honor from President Bush in 2003. He was also a member and past President of the N.R.A. from 1998-2002.
Charlton Heston enjoyed a wonderful career. He won 11 Academy Awards for his work in gigantic films such as: “Ben Hur”, “The Greatest Story Ever Told”, “The Ten Commandments”, “El Cid”, “The Agony and the Ecstasy", “The Planet of the Apes”, “55 Days at Peking”. He is considered one of the most acclaimed and successful actors of the mid century. These films are indeed historic and will be enjoyed for generations to come.