Charlton Heston

Movie Actor

Charlton Heston was an American actor and political activist. As a Hollywood star, he appeared in almost 100 films over the course of 60 years.

Full Name

John Charles Carter

Birthday

Oct 4, 1923

deathday

Apr 5, 2008

AGE

BORN

United States

BIrth SIGN

Libra

RElationship

Height

6′ 3″

Net Worth

$40M

About

Charlton Heston was born on October 4, 1923, in Evanston, Illinois. He was the son of Lilla Charlton and Russell Whitford Carter. His zodiac sign is Libra and his ethnicity is English/Scottish/Welsh/Danish/French. Heston attended New Trier High School, where he participated in various dramatic activities and worked as a stage manager at the local playhouse. After graduating from high school in 1941, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Force and served during World War II.

After returning home from the war, Heston studied drama at Northwestern University before moving to New York City to pursue an acting career. He made his Broadway debut in 1946 and eventually signed a seven-year contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios. During his time at MGM, he starred in numerous films such as The Ten Commandments (1956), Ben-Hur (1959), El Cid (1961) and Planet of the Apes (1968).

Heston won several awards throughout his career including three Golden Globe Awards for Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama for The Greatest Show on Earth in 1952, Ben Hur in 1960 and El Cid in 1961. In 1964, he was awarded an honorary Academy Award for "his vivid artistic portrayal of four famous characters". In 1968, he was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame; and in 1998, he became one of only two living persons to be selected for induction into the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum's Hall of Great Western Performers.

Throughout his career, Heston remained active in politics and served as president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1965 until 1971. In 1998, President Bill Clinton awarded him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his contributions to film and public service. Heston passed away on April 5th, 2008 at the age of 84 due to complications from Alzheimer's Disease.

Life Timeline

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1923</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Charlton Heston is Born</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">On October 4, 1923, Charlton Heston was born in Evanston, Illinois.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1941</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Graduates High School</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Charlton graduates from New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1944</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Serving in WWII</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Heston enlists in the United States Army Air Forces and serves as a radio operator during World War II.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1950</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Acting Debut in 'The Greatest Show on Earth'</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Makes his film debut playing a supporting role in Cecil B. DeMille's epic drama The Greatest Show on Earth.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1960</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Wins Academy Award for Best Actor</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Wins an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in Ben-Hur.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1984</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Elected President of NRA</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Elected President of the National Rifle Association (NRA) of America.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2008</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Dies at 84 Years Old</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Charlton Heston passes away at the age of 84 due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease.</p></div>

Why We Love Them

<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">A.</span> He's a Hollywood Legend</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Charlton Heston is an iconic Hollywood legend. He was one of the most recognizable movie stars of the 20th century, with roles in classic films like The Ten Commandments and Ben-Hur. His performances are timeless, and his presence alone adds a certain level of gravitas to any film he appears in.</p></div>

<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">B.</span> He Supported Civil Rights</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Charlton Heston was a strong supporter of civil rights and marched alongside Martin Luther King Jr. during the famous Selma march in 1965. He also served as president of the National Rifle Association from 1998 until 2003, advocating for gun rights.</p></div>

<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">C.</span> He Had a Great Sense of Humor </h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Despite having a serious demeanor onscreen, Charlton Heston had a great sense of humor off camera. He often joked around with his co-stars and had an infectious laugh. His wit and sharp tongue were admired by many, making him even more endearing to his fans.</p></div>

Interesting Facts

<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">1.</span> Charlton Heston was born in a Log Cabin</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Charlton Heston was born in a two-room log cabin in Wilmette, Illinois. He was the only child of Lilla and Russell Heston, who worked as a sawmill operator.</p></div>

<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">2.</span> He Dropped Out of College to Serve in WWII</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Charlton Heston dropped out of college in 1943 to join the US Army Air Forces, where he served as a radio operator and aerial gunner on B-25 bombers.</p></div>

<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">3.</span> Founded his Own Production Company</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">In 1960, Charlton Heston founded his own production company, which produced The Greatest Story Ever Told, The Agony and the Ecstasy, and Planet of the Apes.</p></div>

<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">4.</span> Won an Academy Award for Best Actor</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">In 1959, Charlton Heston won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in Ben-Hur. He won a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy in 2001.</p></div>