Charlton Heston Autograph

Profession:
(1923-2008) American actor and political activist.

Year of Birth: 1923

Charlton Heston was an American actor and political activist born on October 4, 1923, in Evanston, Illinois. His birth name was John Charles Carter, but he later adopted the stage name Charlton Heston. He grew up in a middle-class family and developed an early interest in acting.

Heston attended Northwestern University and started acting in theater productions. He made his Broadway debut in 1947 and quickly gained recognition for his powerful performances. In 1950, he was cast in his first film, "Dark City," and his career in Hollywood took off.

Throughout his career, Heston became known for his portrayal of heroic and larger-than-life characters in epic films. He played Moses in "The Ten Commandments" (1956), Judah Ben-Hur in "Ben-Hur" (1959), and the titular role in "El Cid" (1961). His performances in these films earned him critical acclaim and established his status as a leading actor.

Aside from his acting career, Heston was also actively involved in politics. In the 1960s, he became a vocal supporter of the civil rights movement and marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the 1963 March on Washington. Heston also served as the President of the Screen Actors Guild from 1966 to 1971.

In later years, Heston focused on his political activism, particularly on issues regarding gun rights. He became the president of the National Rifle Association (NRA) in 1998 and remained in the position until 2003. Heston continued to act in films, making his last on-screen appearance in 2003's "The Order."

Charlton Heston passed away on April 5, 2008, in Beverly Hills, California, at the age of 84. He left behind a lasting legacy as both a revered actor and a passionate advocate for social and political causes.