Posted April 6, 200817 yr http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7332960.stm Ben-Hur star Charlton Heston dies Heston won an Oscar for his starring role in Ben Hur Clips from his films 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 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. 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. No man could have given more to his family, to his profession, and to his country Charlton Heston family's statement Obituary: Charlton Heston Your tributes In 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. 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. 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. I guess they have finally prised the rifle from his cold dead hands ;) Outstanding actor who made a great contribution in his professional work but as a man I shed no tears for him whatsoever given his NRA work and his behaviour after the Columbine massacre
April 6, 200817 yr The guy has been ill for a long time, surprised he lasted this long A fine actor RIP
April 10, 200817 yr I grew up watching this guy's films, and yeah, he was one of the Hollywood Greats at one time... .....BUT, we can never ever forget what he did as President of the NRA, not to mention his ludicrous vendetta against Ice-T and other Rap artists in the early 90s, not to mention Marilyn Manson (so, he defends the rights of nutters to go around with guns shooting up universities and high schools, but not the rights for musical artists to express their freedom of speech on their records .. PRETTY FUKKED-UP IF YOU ASK ME!!!). And this, for me, completely tarnishes his reputation as a Hollywood legend. The hatchet job that Michael Moore did on him in "Bowling For Columbine" was completely justified for me... I dont care how old he was, he defended something completely indefensible.... He and the NRA went to Colorado mere days after the Columbine Massacre, when the bodies of these kids and their teachers were still in the fukkin' MORGUE, and kids were in hospital with GUNSHOT WOUNDS; and gave a speech defending the right to own firearms as being part of "American values". He ended his speech rather chillingly holding aloft a rifle and saying "From my cold, dead hands....", absolutely sickening. For the actor he once was, I feel sad, but for the utter redneck b/astard he became, I feel not one jot of sympathy....... <_< <_<
April 10, 200817 yr Author I grew up watching this guy's films, and yeah, he was one of the Hollywood Greats at one time... .....BUT, we can never ever forget what he did as President of the NRA, not to mention his ludicrous vendetta against Ice-T and other Rap artists in the early 90s, not to mention Marilyn Manson (so, he defends the rights of nutters to go around with guns shooting up universities and high schools, but not the rights for musical artists to express their freedom of speech on their records .. PRETTY FUKKED-UP IF YOU ASK ME!!!). And this, for me, completely tarnishes his reputation as a Hollywood legend. The hatchet job that Michael Moore did on him in "Bowling For Columbine" was completely justified for me... I dont care how old he was, he defended something completely indefensible.... He and the NRA went to Colorado mere days after the Columbine Massacre, when the bodies of these kids and their teachers were still in the fukkin' MORGUE, and kids were in hospital with GUNSHOT WOUNDS; and gave a speech defending the right to own firearms as being part of "American values". He ended his speech rather chillingly holding aloft a rifle and saying "From my cold, dead hands....", absolutely sickening. For the actor he once was, I feel sad, but for the utter redneck b/astard he became, I feel not one jot of sympathy....... <_< <_< Well said Vile vile man, shame as he seemed a decent guy when he was younger and marched for black rights with Martin Luther King etc its a shame he turned into the creature he did
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