Charlton Heston

Date of Birth: October 4, 1923

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: April 5, 2008

Biography

Charlton Heston, born John Charles Carter, was an iconic American actor and political activist. Born on October 4, 1923, in Wilmette, Illinois, Heston became one of Hollywood’s leading men, known for his roles in epic films and his commanding screen presence. He made his film debut in “Dark City” (1950) and gained fame for his leading roles in “The Ten Commandments” (1956), “Ben-Hur” (1959), for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor, and “Planet of the Apes” (1968). Heston’s career spanned over six decades, during which he played a variety of historical, biblical, and futuristic characters. Beyond his acting career, Heston was also a prominent political activist. He served as the president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1965 to 1971 and later became a staunch advocate for gun rights, serving as the president of the National Rifle Association (NRA) from 1998 to 2003. Heston’s autobiography, “In the Arena,” was published in 1995, providing insights into his life and career. Charlton Heston passed away on April 5, 2008, at the age of 84 due to complications from pneumonia.

5 Interesting Facts about Charlton Heston

1. Charlton Heston was a strong advocate for civil rights and participated in the 1963 March on Washington.

2. He served as a bomber radio operator and aerial gunner in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II.

3. Heston was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, in 2003.

4. He was an avid supporter of the arts and served on the board of trustees for the American Film Institute.

5. Heston portrayed Michelangelo in the film “The Agony and the Ecstasy” (1965), showcasing his versatility as an actor.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Charlton Heston

1. “I’ve played three presidents, three saints, and two geniuses. If that doesn’t create an ego problem, nothing does.”

2. “Political correctness is tyranny with manners.”

3. “You can take my rifle… when you pry it from my cold, dead hands!”

4. “A clear enunciation of these rights needs no justification; it is its own justification.”

5. “I have lived such a wonderful life! I’ve lived enough for two people.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Charlton Heston achieved a highest net worth of approximately $40 million.

Children

Charlton Heston had two children with his wife, Lydia Clarke: a son, Fraser Clarke Heston, born in 1955, who is a film director, producer, and screenwriter, and a daughter, Holly Ann Heston, born in 1961.