He was one of the good ones, a man reminding us of an era when being proud individualists and being an American First was what defined us. We’re working to bring that back and we can point to men like Heston, John Wayne and Ronald Reagan for inspiration on our journey.
Charleton Heston, 83, Actor Played Larger-Than-Life Figures
Charlton Heston, the Oscar-winning actor who achieved stardom playing larger-than-life figures including Moses, Michelangelo and Andrew Jackson in historical epics and went on to become a best-selling author, a contentious Hollywood labor leader, an unapologetic gun advocate and darling of conservative causes, has died. He was 83.
Heston died Saturday at his Beverly Hills home, his family said in a statement. In 2002, he had been diagnosed with symptoms similar to those of Alzheimer’s disease.
With a booming baritone voice, the tall, ruggedly handsome actor delivered his signature role as the prophet Moses in Cecil B. DeMille’s 1956 Biblical extravaganza “The Ten Commandments,” raising a rod over his head as God miraculously parts the Red Sea…
“I don’t seem to fit really into the 20th century,” Heston said in a 1965 interview. “Pretty soon, though, I’ve got to get a part where I wear pants with pleats and pockets.”
Heston stunned the entertainment world in August 2002 when he made a poignant and moving videotaped address announcing his illness.
A few days after his dramatic announcement, Heston would sit down for an interview in his beloved Coldwater Canyon home, which he always said “Ben-Hur” had built, and faced the uncertain future with brave resolve and a sense of humor.
“The world is a tough place,” he said with a chuckle. “You’re never going to get out of it alive.”
Late in life, Heston’s stature as a political firebrand overshadowed his acting. He became demonized by gun control advocates and liberal Hollywood when he became president of the National Rifle Assn. in 1998…
A ‘darling’ for us, indeed, but the loss of a man who fought for everyone’s civil rights is a loss for all, whether some understand that or not. Thank you Mr. Heston, and God rest your soul.
At home displaying one of his rifles in Los Angeles, Calif. in September 1984.
Posing with his Oscar statuette at the 32nd Annual Academy Awards held at the RKO Pantages Theater in Los Angeles on April 4, 1960. Heston won the 1959 best actor Oscar as the chariot-racing ‘Ben-Hur.’
Heston joins civil rights protesters picketing a whites-only restaurant in Oklahoma City, Okl., on May 27, 1961.
President Bush presents Heston with the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a ceremony at the White House, in this July 23, 2003.
Indeed, he was, and is, one of the very good ones, and for exactly all the reasons you listed, Tammy. As with John Wayne and Ronald Reagan, I always felt my proudest to be an American when any of these great men opined on something. As a Life Member of NRA, I felt much righteous pride when Mr. Heston helmed it, and one of the inspirational things within my daily sight is a bumper sticker on the front of a gun security cabinet, inscribed: My President is Charlton Heston.
I will now feel prouder whenever I go to the range. There’s a local trap shoot next Sunday, and I plan on shooting one round in gratitude for Charlton Heston.
Rest well, good sir. May the pipes bear you to a place of honor.
This man was a real American hero and a true patriot. He was one of the very few unabashed American loving influences in Hollywierd for many years. He wore his flag on his sleeve with pride. I wish that there were more like him. What a sad day. He will be dearly missed.
“Take your stinking paws off me, you damned dirty ape…”
God bless Charlton Heston. Devoted husband, father and patriot.
TB: I knew you’d give him a classy send-off. Many thanks.
Hands down my favorite . Mr. Heston was a class act on and off the screen. What magnificent characters he has portrayed from the epics Ben Hur and The Ten Commandments , what dynamic chemistry between Mr. Heston and the lovely Anne Baxter as Moses and Nefertiri . Yes Tammy , a loss for all . God bless him for all the good he did in his professional and personal life . Thanks for the post Tammy .
Excellent tribute, Tammy. Charleton Heston truly was one of the good ones and very much an individualist who loved this country. He was definitely a class act who was unapologetically devoted to standing up for what is right. I have no doubt he is standing tall at this moment alongside those good ones who have gone before him.
RIP, Mr. Heston.
What a sad day, a terrific and likeable talent gone. I’ll always remember that scene in “Omega Man” where he swapped his big Ford convertible for an equally cool Mustang and drove it “off the showroom floor”.
I hope George Clooney is feeling some remorse for wishing this nice guy ill a year or so ago.
This is so sad.
And George Clooney can go jump in the lake.
Heaven’s gain is our loss — Ronald Reagan and Charlton Heston can now have a grand visit.
The best thing about Heston was the fact that he never took himself so seriously that he was above having a laugh at himself.
One of the few real laughs in the movie “Wayne’s World II” takes place during a “Graduate” parody, where Wayne (Mike Myers) is seraching for the church where his ex is getting married, pulls into a gas station manned by a horrible actor.
Myers looks into the camera and asks if they couldn’t find a better actor. Heston walks out and delivers a Heston-esque performace that brings the house down.
See it HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI6IlXfUdPE – great stuff!
RIP C.H….we lost one of the good ones.
Another piece of what little class and dignity Hollywood has left has just departed. RIP Charlton Heston. NO ONE can fill your shoes. Thanks for the memories.
Decided both to commemorate and celebrate Mr. Heston’s defense and fortification of the Second Amendment (and to burn some powder before the Sunday trap shoot!) and put in a 200-round practice session tonight: 100 rounds each with the Ruger .22 and Springfield Armory XD 9mm pistols. Made sure to do extra work with single-hand and weak-hand exercises, plus smooth reloads.
I want to make it harder for anyone who wishes me ill to make my hands become cold and dead.
Si vis pacem, parabellum.
A Great American. I think it would be nice if Algore would posthumously present Charlton Heston with the Oscar he received for his Global Warming movie? He beat Algore by about 35 years with the 1973 movie Soylent Green. Yes, the Global Warming crowd is basing their theory on a 35 year old science fiction movie starring Charlton Heston.
I think for me Charlton Heston represents the heroic. It’s something that’s uniquely American. My favorite movie is The Ten Commandments. Not only is this a biblical story of Moses (a hero in his own right). I see Heston as the real Moses. That’s what acting is suppose to be. One is transformed; like actually being there.
Unfortunately, this type of acting no longer exists. You don’t see the acting that makes you stand tall and proud; with head held high ready to take on the world!!
His death is also kind of personal. My Grandfather has Alzheimer’s Disease. It’s devastating to see someone you love in drastic decline. The good thing is we will have Heston’s movies, when he was at his best!!