I know this is a fashion magazine, but through Elyse Glickman and Karen Loftus we cover so much of the Hollywood scene that you sometimes feel you should give a star a send-off. Therefore, today, I want to say goodbye to Charlton Heston, who passed away aged 84 with his wife of 64 years, Lydia, by his side.
Heston had already bid a farewell to his fans after being diagnosed with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease in 2002.
Born John Charles Carter in 1924, he studied acting and served in the USAF during WWII. He waited for his break after returning to civilian life.
He had made his reputation playing iconic ?gures, such as Moses and Ben Hur, in blockbuster ?lms in the 1950s. Scenes in The Ten Commandments, where Heston’s Moses lifted his staff toward the heavens, and the 15-minute chariot race in Ben Hur, are two of cinema’s greatest moments.
He had also played Andrew Jackson and Michaelangelo.
Heston might be better remembered for his in?uence on modern culture, from lines in Planet of the Apes and Soylent Green (‘Take your stinking paws off me, you damn dirty ape!’ and ‘Soylent Green is people!’).
Politically, Heston was a supporter of Dr Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights’ Movement. Later in life, he defended the Second Amendment of the US Constitution and was a supporter of the National Ri?e Association, which he served as president from 1998 to 2003.
Earlier, he had served as president of the Screen Actors’ Guild and was chairman of the American Film Institute.
Farewell, Chuck—you gave us some of the best moments in cinematic history. Thank you.
A private memorial service will be held.
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He was such a man who lived by his convictions. Those convictions were the stuff of deep thought, fundamental human rights, and desire to make our world a better place. God Speed Charlton…