Full Name: John Charles Carter
Profession:Actor

Nationality:

Biography: Charlton Heston was known for his roles as an actor, especially in film epics, and his leadership of the National Rifle Association.

Heston began his acting career in theater before moving to Hollywood. He gained fame for his role in "The Greatest Show on Earth" (1952). Heston then starred in "The Ten Commandments" (1956) as Moses, which became one of his most recognized roles. In 1959, he won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in "Ben-Hur" (1959).

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Heston appeared in various films, including science fiction and historical dramas. He served as president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1965 to 1971. Initially a supporter of civil rights, Heston's political views shifted over time from Democrat to Republican.

In later years, Heston became known for his conservative political activism. He served as president of the National Rifle Association from 1998 to 2003. During this time, he delivered speeches and participated in campaigns supporting gun ownership rights.

Heston was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2002. The following year, PresidentGeorge W. Bush awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Born:October 4,1923
Birthplace: Wilmette, Illinois, USA

Generation:Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac:Pig
Star Sign:Libra

Died:April 5,2008 (aged 84)
Cause of Death:Pneumonia

• 1952-01-10 "The Greatest Show on Earth", directed and produced byCecil B. DeMille, starringJames Stewart and Charlton Heston, premieres in New York (Best Picture 1953)
• 1956-11-08 Biblical drama film "The Ten Commandments", directed byCecil B. DeMille, starring Charlton Heston andYul Brynner premieres at the Criterion Theater in NYC
• 1959-11-18 "Ben-Hur" directed byWilliam Wyler and starring Charlton Heston premieres in New York City (Academy Awards Best Picture 1960)
• 1960-04-04 32nd Academy Awards: "Ben-Hur", Charlton Heston &Simone Signoret win
• 1968-04-03 Science fiction film "Planet of the Apes", starring Charlton Heston and Roddy McDowell, opens nationally in the United States

• 1944-03-17 American actor Charlton Heston (20) weds American actress and photographer Lydia Clarke (20)

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  Ben-Hur Turns Author Into a Soldier of Fortune

  Lew Wallace always wanted to be a great soldier. He achieved that, but is best remembered as a great writer – the author of Ben-Hur, published on this day.
  November 12, 1880
• 

  The Name Is Bond – Cary Bond!

  They wanted Cary Grant to take the part of James Bond when the film series was launched with Dr No in the early Sixties. But the debonair actor turned it down.
  January 18, 1904

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