Born: October 4, 1923 – Died: April 5, 2008
Charlton Heston, born on October 4, 1923, in Wilmette, Illinois, emerged as a towering figure in Hollywood, renowned for his portrayal of historical and biblical characters. His parents, Lila and Russell Whitford Carter, ran a sawmill. Heston's ruggedly handsome features graced over 100 films during his six-decade career. Notable for his role as Moses in "The Ten Commandments," he garnered acclaim for his portrayal of Judah Ben-Hur, earning an Academy Award for Best Actor. Beyond his cinematic achievements, Heston made a significant impact on American politics and advocacy, notably as a prominent figure in the National Rifle Association.
Early Life and Career
Charlton Heston, born on October 4, 1923, emerged as a towering figure in Hollywood, renowned for his portrayal of historical and biblical characters. Raised in a modest environment, Heston's upbringing instilled in him a strong work ethic and determination. He attended Northwestern University, where he pursued his passion for acting and honed his skills. Graduating with a degree in drama, Heston embarked on his journey in the entertainment industry. His first professional role came in a 16mm production, where he showcased his talent and dedication to his craft. However, it was his portrayal of Marc Antony in "Julius Caesar" that marked his breakthrough, firmly establishing him as a genuine leading man.
Throughout his illustrious career, Heston delivered mesmerizing performances in iconic roles that left an indelible mark on cinema. Notably, his portrayal of Moses in "The Ten Commandments" catapulted him into stardom, earning him critical acclaim and cementing his status as a Hollywood legend. Subsequently, his role as Judah Ben-Hur in the eponymous film earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor, further solidifying his place in cinematic history.
Beyond his cinematic achievements, Heston made significant contributions to American politics and advocacy. A staunch supporter of conservative ideals, he became a prominent figure in the National Rifle Association, advocating for gun rights and conservative causes. Despite facing criticism for his views, Heston remained steadfast in his beliefs, using his platform to champion causes he believed in.
In his personal life, Heston was devoted to his family, having been married to Lydia Marie Clarke since 1944. The couple had two children, and Heston's commitment to his family remained unwavering throughout his life. Additionally, Heston was known for his versatility, showcasing his talents not only as an actor but also as a director and writer.
While Heston's career was not devoid of controversies, including criticisms for his conservative views and involvement with the NRA, his impact on Hollywood and the entertainment industry is undeniable. As an iconic figure, he left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire aspiring actors and filmmakers alike. With his commanding presence and unforgettable performances, Charlton Heston will forever be remembered as a true Hollywood legend.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | My Father | The Father (Josef Mengele) |
| 2003 | Ben Hur (Video) | Ben Hur (voice) |
| 2001 | The Order | Professor Finley |
| 2001 | Planet of the Apes | Zaius (uncredited) |
| 2001 | Cats & Dogs | The Mastiff (voice) |
| 2001 | Town & Country | Eugenie's Father |
| 2000 | The Weber Show (TV Series) | Charlton Heston |
| 2000 | The Outer Limits (TV Series) | Chief Justice Haden Wainwright |
| 1999 | Any Given Sunday | AFFA Football Commissioner |
| 1999 | Camino de Santiago (TV Mini Series) | Professor Marcelo Rinaldi |
| 1999 | Bagpipe: Instrument of War - Part 2 (TV Movie) | Narrator |
| 1998 | Gideon | Addison Sinclair |
| 1998 | Bagpipe: Instrument of War - Part 1 (TV Movie) | Narrator |
| 1998 | Armageddon | |
| 1996 | The Lord Protector | Narrator (voice) |
| 1996 | Hamlet | Player King |
| 1996 | Noel's House Party (TV Series) | Star guest |
| 1996 | Alaska | Perry |
| 1995 | Late Show with David Letterman (TV Series) | Dave's Supervisor |
| 1995 | The Avenging Angel (TV Movie) | Brigham Young |
| 1994 | The Great Battles of the Civil War (TV Series) | Abraham Lincoln (voice) |
| 1994 | Texas (TV Movie) | Narrator |
| 1994 | In the Mouth of Madness | Jackson Harglow |
| 1994 | True Lies | Spencer Trilby (uncredited) |
| 1994 | SeaQuest 2032 (TV Series) | Abalon |
| 1993 | Tombstone | Henry Hooker |
| 1993 | The Bold and the Beautiful (TV Series) | Charlton Heston |
| 1993 | Wayne's World 2 | Good Actor |
| 1992 | Noël (TV Movie) | Narrator (voice) |
| 1992 | Crash Landing: The Rescue of Flight 232 (TV Movie) | Captain Al Haynes |
| 1991 | The Crucifer of Blood (TV Movie) | Sherlock Holmes |
| 1991 | Cults: Saying No Under Pressure (Video) | Narrator |
| 1990 | Almost an Angel | God (uncredited) |
| 1990 | The Little Kidnappers (TV Movie) | James MacKenzie |
| 1990 | Solar Crisis | Adm. 'Skeet' Kelso |
| 1990 | Treasure Island (TV Movie) | Long John Silver |
| 1989 | One Incoming (TV Movie) | Narrator |
| 1989 | Call from Space (Short) | Alien (voice) |
| 1989 | Original Sin (TV Movie) | Louis Mancini |
| 1988 | A Man for All Seasons (TV Movie) | Sir Thomas More |
| 1987 | The Two Ronnies (TV Series) | Bar Customer: Pinocchio II Segment |
| 1987 | Proud Men (TV Movie) | Charley MacLeod Sr. |
| 1985–1987 | The Colbys (TV Series) | Jason Colby |
| 1985 | Dynasty (TV Series) | Jason Colby |
| 1984 | Nairobi Affair (TV Movie) | Lee Cahill |
| 1983 | Chiefs (TV Mini Series) | Hugh Holmes |
| 1982 | Mother Lode | Ian McGee | Silas McGee |
| 1980 | The Awakening | Matthew Corbeck |
| 1980 | The Mountain Men | Bill Tyler |
| 1978 | Gray Lady Down | Capt. Paul Blanchard |
| 1977 | Energy: A National Issue (TV Movie) | Narrator (voice) |
| 1977 | Crossed Swords | Henry VIII |
| 1976 | Two-Minute Warning | Capt. Peter Holly |
| 1976 | Midway | Captain Matt Garth |
| 1976 | The Last Hard Men | Sam Burgade |
| 1974 | Earthquake | Graff |
| 1974 | The Four Musketeers: Milady's Revenge | Cardinal Richelieu |
| 1974 | Airport 1975 | Alan Murdock |
| 1974 | The Fun of Your Life (Short) | Narrator |
| 1973 | The Three Musketeers | Cardinal Richelieu |
| 1973 | The Adventures of Mowgli | Narrator (English version, voice) |
| 1973 | Soylent Green | Detective Thorn |
| 1972 | The Call of the Wild | John Thornton |
| 1972 | Skyjacked | Henry O'Hara |
| 1972 | Antony and Cleopatra | Marc Antony |
| 1971 | The Omega Man | Neville |
| 1970 | The Hawaiians | Whip Hoxworth |
| 1970 | Beneath the Planet of the Apes | Colonel George Taylor |
| 1970 | The Don Adams Special: Hooray for Hollywood (TV Movie) | Narrator |
| 1970 | Julius Caesar | Mark Antony |
| 1969 | Number One | Ron Catlan |
| 1960–1968 | The Ed Sullivan Show (TV Series) | Actor - Dramatic Reading | Dramatic Reader |
| 1968 | Planet of the Apes | George Taylor |
| 1968 | Elizabeth the Queen (TV Movie) | Robert Devereaux, Earl of Essex |
| 1967 | Counterpoint | Lionel Evans |
| 1967 | Will Penny | Will Penny |
| 1966 | Khartoum | General Charles 'Chinese' Gordon |
| 1966 | Planet of the Apes Test Reel (Short) | Thomas |
| 1965 | The War Lord | Chrysagon |
| 1965 | The Agony and the Ecstasy | Michelangelo |
| 1965 | Major Dundee | Major Amos Charles Dundee |
| 1965 | The Greatest Story Ever Told | John the Baptist |
| 1964 | What Is a Boy (TV Short) | Narrator |
| 1963 | The Patriots (TV Movie) | Thomas Jefferson |
| 1963 | 55 Days at Peking | Maj. Matt Lewis |
| 1962 | Diamond Head | King Howland |
| 1962 | The Pigeon That Took Rome | Benny the Snatch | Captain Paul MacDougall | Narrator |
| 1961 | El Cid | El Cid Rodrigo de Vivar |
| 1961 | Alcoa Premiere (TV Series) | Paul Malone |
| 1959 | Ben-Hur | Judah Ben-Hur |
| 1959 | The Wreck of the Mary Deare | John Sands |
| 1958 | The Buccaneer | Gen. Andrew Jackson |
| 1958 | The Big Country | Steve Leech |
| 1958 | Touch of Evil | Mike Vargas |
| 1956–1958 | Playhouse 90 (TV Series) | Charles Gray | Col. Jesse Price |
| 1958 | Shirley Temple's Storybook (TV Series) | The Beast |
| 1955–1957 | Climax! (TV Series) | Chipman | Lt. Paul Peterson |
| 1951–1957 | Schlitz Playhouse (TV Series) | Ward Pearson |
| 1956 | Three Violent People | Capt. Colt Saunders |
| 1956 | The Ten Commandments | Moses |
| 1955 | General Electric Theater (TV Series) | Tim |
| 1955 | Lucy Gallant | Casey Cole |
| 1952–1955 | Robert Montgomery Presents (TV Series) | Cashel Byron | Melody Jones | Peter Handley |
| 1955 | The Private War of Major Benson | Major Bernard R. 'Barney' Benson |
| 1955 | The Far Horizons | Lt. William Clark |
| 1954 | Secret of the Incas | Harry Steele |
| 1954 | The Naked Jungle | Christopher Leiningen |
| 1954 | Danger (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1953 | Medallion Theatre (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1953 | Bad for Each Other | Dr. Tom Owen |
| 1953 | Arrowhead | Ed Bannon |
| 1953 | Pony Express | Buffalo Bill Cody |
| 1953 | The President's Lady | President Andrew Jackson |
| 1950–1953 | The Philco Television Playhouse (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1952 | Ruby Gentry | Boake Tackman |
| 1952 | The Savage | James 'Jim' Aherne Jr. | War Bonnet |
| 1952 | Curtain Call (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1949–1952 | Studio One (TV Series) | Col. | Commander Schneider | Dermot Francis O'Flingsley ... |
| 1952 | The Greatest Show on Earth | Brad Braden |
| 1951 | Lux Video Theatre (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1949–1951 | Suspense (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1950 | Dark City | Danny Haley |
| 1950 | The Clock (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1950 | Julius Caesar | Antony |
| 1941 | Peer Gynt | Peer Gynt |
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