Charlton Heston was an acclaimed American actor known for his roles in epic films and political activism.
He won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in "Ben-Hur" (1959).
Heston received the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2003 for his contributions to the arts and activism.
Biography
Early Life
Charlton Heston was born on October 4, 1923, in Cook County, Illinois, to Lilla and Russell Whitford Carter. His early life was marked by a rural upbringing in St. Helen, Michigan, where he spent much of his time hunting and fishing. After his parents divorced when he was ten, Heston's mother remarried, and he continued to navigate his childhood amidst these changes. He was of Scottish and English descent, with his family tracing roots back to colonial America.
Career
Heston's career began in the late 1940s when he and his wife managed a playhouse in Asheville, North Carolina. He made his Broadway debut in a revival of "Antony and Cleopatra" and soon transitioned to film, gaining recognition for his role in "The Greatest Show on Earth" (1952). Over the years, he starred in numerous iconic films, including biblical epics and historical dramas, earning an Academy Award for Best Actor and several other accolades. Heston was also known for his voice work, contributing to various albums, including "Christmas Music From Handel's Messiah" and "The Bible Music Soundtrack Album."
Personal Life and Legacy
In March 1944, Heston married Lydia Marie Clarke, with whom he had two children. He was an active political figure, initially supporting liberal causes before shifting to conservative views in later years. Heston's advocacy included civil rights and gun control, and he was a prominent member of the National Rifle Association. He faced health challenges, including a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, and passed away on April 5, 2008, at the age of 84. Heston's legacy as a versatile actor and political activist continues to resonate in American culture.
Collected from open sources (4) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Discography
The Snows of Kilimanjaro1998
- 1.The Snows of Kilimanjaro, Part 1
- 2.The Snows of Kilimanjaro, Part 2
The Bible Music Soundtrack Album1993
- 1.Main Title3:04
- 2.Creation5:46
- 3.Adam & Eve1:45
- 4.The Fall1:52
- 5.Cain & Abel0:55
- 6.Noah & The Flood2:28
- 7.Abraham & Isaac3:06
- 8.Egypt1:20
- 9.Moses1:39
- 10.The Plagues0:47
- 11.Moses on the Mount2:03
- 12.Exodus2:47
- 13.The Wilderness3:37
- 14.Death of Moses1:06
- 15.The Birth & Childhood4:32
- 16.Baptism & Temptation2:19
- 17.Sermon on the Mount1:58
- 18.Last Supper1:52
- 19.Capture & Denial2:26
- 20.Crucifixion & Death3:50
- 21.Resurrection1:47
- 22.End Tide1:32
Plato (The Giants of Philosophy Series)1990
- 1.Tape 1 Side 145:00
- 2.Tape 1 Side 245:00
- 3.Tape 2 Side 145:00
- 4.Tape 2 Side 245:00
Christmas Music From Handel's Messiah1982
- 1.Overture
- 2.Isaiah 40:1
- 3.Comfort Ye My People
- 4.Every Valley Shall Be Exalted
- 5.And the Glory of the Lord
- 6.Thus Saith the Lord of Hosts
- 7.But Who May Abide the Day of His Coming
- 8.And He Shall Purify the Sons of Levi
- 9.Matthew 1:18–22
- 10.Behold, a Virgin Shall Conceive, and Bear a Son
- 11.O Thou That Tellest Good Tiding of Zion
- 12.Isaiah 9:2 & 6
- 13.For, Behold, Darkness Shall Cover the Earth
- 14.The People That Walked in Darkness Have Seen a Great Light
- 15.For Unto Us a Child Is Born
- 16.Pastoral Symphony
- 17.Luke 2:1–7
- 18.There Were Shepherds Abiding in the Fields
- 19.And the Angel Said Unto Them, Fear Not
- 20.And Suddenly There Was With the Angel a Multitude
- 21.Glory to God in the Highest
- 22.Charlton Heston Zechariah 9:8 & 10
- 23.Rejoice Greatly, Daughter of Zion
- 24.Then Shall the Eyes of the Blind Be Opened
- 25.He Shall Feed His Flock Like a Shepherd
- 26.His Yoke Is Easy and His Burden Is Light
- 27.John 3:16 & 17
- 28.The Hallelujah Chorus the Roger Wagner Chorale
The Old Man and the Sea1976
- 1.Beginning To Page 4136:00
- 2.Pages 41 to 6834:52
- 3.Pages 68 to 9736:18
- 4.Pages 97 To End35:46
Charlton Heston Reads "In The Beginning" from the Five Books of Moses of the Holy Bible1959
- 1.The Beginning (Part One)
- 2.Creation
- 3.Garden of Eden
- 4.Cain and Abel
- 5.The Beginning (Part Two)
- 6.Story of Noah
- 7.Abraham and Isaac
- 8.The Joseph Story
Lincoln Portrait
- 1.Lincoln Portrait15:17
- 2.Quiet City9:40
- 3.An Outdoor Overture9:19
- 4.Our Town (Suite for Orchestra)9:15
- 5.Latin American Symphonette: 1. Rumba5:19
- 6.Latin American Symphonette: 2. Tango6:01
- 7.Latin American Symphonette: 3. Guaracha3:25
- 8.Latin American Symphonette: 4. Conga5:52
Moby Dick1975
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Word, Volume I
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Word, Volume II
Tracklist not collected yet.
Gallery
Achievements
- Award
- Presidential Medal of Freedom
- Award
- Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award
- Award
- Academy Award for Best Actor
- Award
- Theatre World Award
- Award
- Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award
- Award
- Kennedy Center Honors
- Award
- Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award
- Award
- Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres
- Award
- star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Charlton Heston was an American actor and political activist. He gained stardom for his leading man roles in numerous Hollywood films including biblical epics, historical drama films, science-fiction films, and action films. He won an Academy Award, a David di Donatello Award, a Laurel Award, a Photoplay Award, a Golden Globe Award, as well as nominations for three Primetime Emmy Awards. He received numerous honorary accolades including a Hollywood Walk of Fame Star in 1960, the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1967, the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award in 1971, an honorary Saturn Award in 1975, the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Academy Award in 1978, the ShoWest Convention Lifetime Achievement Award in 1984, the Kennedy Center Honors in 1997, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2003.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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