R.I.P. Charlton Heston, 1923-2008
 

Nevermind his somewhat controversial stand on certain political issues -- he had a tremendously successful career in Hollywood and was a champion of civil rights and racial equality. Some of his movies are certainly among my all-time favorites. Sorry to hear he's gone.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/04/0....ap/index.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlton_heston

One of my strongest—and fondest—memories of childhood revolves around Charlton Heston. My brother, in charge of his four little sisters for the day, took us for hamburgers and milkshakes, then walked us into a theater (first time for me) to see Ben Hur. I sat mesmerized by the bigger-than-life man and character on that huge screen. Charlton Heston will always be a hero to me.

His auto-biography is still one great read.

Funny, I was reading a biography on the real "El Cid" last nite. They had a pic of Heston from the film in it. I put the book down, ate dinner, logged on to the internet, and there was his death notice.

Yep, one of the last of the old school giants.

Rest in Peace.

I will remember him best for Planet of the Apes and the Agony and the Ecstasy.

I had the pleasure of meeting Linda Harrison ("Nova" from the original POTA) a few years back and she told me some wonderful stories about Mr. Heston. She also gave me a picture of her with Mr. Heston and it is a treasured keepsake of mine now. He has been a hero of mine for a long time too. I am sorry to hear this news but I hope he is resting peacefully now.

I was fortunate to have a small bit role on Saturday Night Live back in Dec. '93 and Mr. Heston and I had a small scene in the opening segment (Planet of the Apes spoof) and I was in makeup for 12 hours (I was the stage manager ape) and he was a very nice gentleman and admired the fine makeup job.

I remember how cool it was that I was acting with a man I had 'grown up' with (Planet of the Apes was one of my favorite films as a kid).

I'm sorry to hear of his passing and we will all miss him.

Todd

A giant of man, a giant of character.

I have an 800 foot reel of the chariot race on Super-8, 24 fps, 2:1 optical anamorphic so it's 2.66:1 on the big screen in this room. The news of his death makes me want to haul out the big Elmo GS100, plug in the extension speakers and be thwacked between the ears once again.

tom.

Omega Man, RIP
 

Not to mention his role in Soylent Green "It's...people! Soylent Green is people!"

Can't believe Chris did not mention Soylent Green, I thought it was one of his favorites.

I will miss Chuck!

Mike

Heston ran the community theater here in Asheville in the late 40's. When the theater needed to raise money in the 90's Heston came back and gave a free peformance and basically saved the place.

I loved that movie. Edward G. Robinson's final role as well. And I'll never forget Heston rowing as a galley slave in Ben Hur. And Planet of the Apes, omigod!

I loved all three of his sci fi movies: Planet, Soylent, Omega Man

My favorite "biblical" was definitely Ben Hur

Some great westerns too: Big Country and one of my faves, Will Penny

A bigger than life kind of actor but obviously versatile and able to bring some "common man" emotions to his movies

Sure, he did some cheesy stuff but he had a long carerr and it can't all be gold. I always enjoyed the fact that no matter how weak the material, Heston seemed to reall work to sell the project and entertain his audience.

On of those actors I grew up with and enjoyed right into my adult years