Charlton Heston: A life in film, TV and theater
Charlton Heston was a major movie star for over half a century, appearing in some of the most popular films made during that era. He could be romantic, rugged and sometimes even funny. And he was willing to make fun of his heroic -- and some might say also pompous -- image on "Saturday Night Live," "Wayne's World 2" and even on "Friends."
But he seemed most at home in epics such as "Ben-Hur," for which he won his Oscar, and playing historical figures such as Moses in "The Ten Commandments," Andrew Jackson in "The President's Lady" and "The Buccaneer" and Michelangelo in "The Agony and the Ecstasy."
He also served seven times as president of the Screen Actors Guild, was chairman of the American Film Institute and the winner of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Jean Hersholt Award for his humanitarian activities. An outspoken conservative in his later years, he was a strong advocate for the National Rifle Association and served as the organization's president from 1998 to 2003.
Heston showed incredible bravery when he announced in 2002 that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. "For an actor there is no greater loss than the loss of his audience," he said. "I can part the Red Sea, but I can't part with you . . . "
Here's a look at Heston's life in film, TV and theater:
"Julius Caesar" (1950)
At New Trier High School in Willamette, Ill., Heston became involved with the school's drama program, where he excelled in numerous productions. He even appeared in a 16mm silent amateur film adaptation of "Peer Gynt," directed by David Bradley. He received a scholarship to Northwestern University from the Winnetka Community Theatre, where he also did plays.
Nearly a decade after "Peer Gynt," Heston teamed with Bradley for this low-budget, 16mm indie production in which he plays Marc Antony. Heston earned $50 a week for his work. The film was mainly shown in schools and private industry screenings. It didn't have a widespread release in the states until 1952 after Heston was an established actor.
"Dark City" (1950)
Heston made his Hollywood feature debut in this typical film noir caper film that also features Lizabeth Scott and Viveca Lindfors. Directed by veteran William Dieterle, the thriller finds Heston playing Danny Haley, a bookie whose operation has been shuttered. Looking for money, he finds an easy target in an out-of-towner (Don DeFore). In its review, Variety said that Heston's "film debut is impressive."
