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Ben Hur star Charlton Heston dies | Ben Hur star Charlton Heston dies |
(20 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. | |
Heston died on Saturday at his home in Beverly Hills. His wife Lydia, whom he married in 1944, was at his side. | Heston died on Saturday at his home in Beverly Hills. His wife Lydia, whom he married in 1944, was 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 | Defining roles |
Heston was born John Charles Carter in Evanston, Illinois. | Heston was born John Charles Carter in Evanston, Illinois. |
No man could have given more to his family, to his profession, and to his country Charlton Heston family's statement Obituary: Charlton HestonYour tributesIn pictures: Life of epic star | No man could have given more to his family, to his profession, and to his country Charlton Heston family's statement Obituary: Charlton HestonYour tributesIn pictures: Life of epic star |
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. | 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' | '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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | "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. | "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'." | "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. | Heston's family said a private memorial service would be held. |