Charlton Heston dies

Apr 06, 2008 by Ian Evans

Charlton Heston, who took home the Oscar in 1959 for Ben-Hur has died. The star of movie epics from the Fifties and Sixties was 84. He died Saturday night with his wife at his side. No other details have been released.

A statement released by the family said, “Charlton Heston was seen by the world as larger than life. He was known for his chiseled jaw, broad shoulders and resonating voice, and, of course, for the roles he played. No one could ask for a fuller life than his. No man could have given more to his family, to his profession, and to his country.”

Besides Ben-Hur, Heston also made famous his roles in The Ten Commandments, El Cid, 55 Days at Peking, Planet of the Apes and Earthquake.

Heston was elected president of the National Rifle Association in June 1998. He stepped down in April of 2003.