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| Ben Hur star Charlton Heston dies | Ben Hur star Charlton Heston dies |
| (30 minutes later) | |
| Charlton Heston, who won a best actor Oscar for his starring role in the epic Ben Hur has died, aged 84, a spokesman for the star's family has said. | Charlton Heston, who won a best actor Oscar for his starring role in the epic Ben Hur has died, aged 84, a spokesman for the star's family has said. |
| Heston died on Saturday at his home in Beverly Hills with his wife Lydia, whom he married in 1944, at his side. | Heston died on Saturday at his home in Beverly Hills with his wife Lydia, whom he married in 1944, at his side. |
| Heston also portrayed Michelangelo, El Cid and other heroic figures in movie epics of the 1950s and 1960s. | Heston also portrayed Michelangelo, El Cid and other heroic figures in movie epics of the 1950s and 1960s. |
| He stepped down as president of US gun lobby, the National Rifle Association (NRA), in 2003, citing ill-health. | He stepped down as president of US gun lobby, the National Rifle Association (NRA), in 2003, citing ill-health. |
| The previous year, he had revealed he had symptoms consistent with Alzheimer's disease. | The previous year, he had revealed he had symptoms consistent with Alzheimer's disease. |
| Defining roles | |
| Heston was born John Charles Carter in Evanston, Illinois, on 4 October 1924. | Heston was born John Charles Carter in Evanston, Illinois, on 4 October 1924. |
| No man could have given more to his family, to his profession, and to his country Charlton Heston family's statement Obituary: Charlton HestonYour tributes | |
| He studied acting before serving for three years in the US Air Force. But back in civilian life, Heston went through hard times, while waiting for his first break. | He studied acting before serving for three years in the US Air Force. But back in civilian life, Heston went through hard times, while waiting for his first break. |
| In 1952, after working on Broadway, Heston starred as the ringmaster in the movie The Greatest Show on Earth. | In 1952, after working on Broadway, Heston starred as the ringmaster in the movie The Greatest Show on Earth. |
| Four years later, he appeared as Moses in The Ten Commandments, one of the roles which would define his career. | Four years later, he appeared as Moses in The Ten Commandments, one of the roles which would define his career. |
| After the success of the science fiction film Planet of the Apes in the late 1960s, Heston turned his attention to working in the theatre. | |
| 'Larger than life' | |
| Although later identified with traditionally conservative causes, Charlton Heston had been a vocal supporter of Martin Luther King and the 1960s Civil Rights movement. | |
| He also served as president of the Screen Actors Guild and was chairman of the American Film Institute. | |
| In a statement, his family said: "To his loving friends, colleagues and fans, we appreciate your heartfelt prayers and support. | |
| "Charlton Heston was seen by the world as larger than life. | |
| "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. | |
| "In his own words, 'I have lived such a wonderful life. I've lived enough for two people'." | |
| Heston's family said a private memorial service would be held. |