Charlton Heston dies at 84

Ben-Hur star passes away at home with wife at his side.

by Amber Wilkinson

Oscar-winning actor Charlton Heston - who was suffering from Alzheimer's disease - has died, aged 84.

A family spokesman revealed that the actor, who won an Academy Award for Ben-Hur, died at his Beverly Hills Home in Los Angeles, on Saturday, with his wife Lydia at his side.

The actor was famous of a string of epic roles, including Michaelangelo, Moses and El Cid.

He returned to the public eye in more recent years when, as president of US gun lobby the National Rifle Association, he stormed away from Michael Moore's questioning in Bowling For Columbine.

He leaves wife Lydia, son Fraser Clarke Heston, daughter Holly Heston Rochell, and three grandchildren.

In a statement, his family said: "To his loving friends, colleagues and fans, we appreciate your heartfelt prayers and support.

"Charlton Heston was seen by the world as larger than life.

"No one could ask for a fuller life than his. No man could have given more to his family, to his profession, and to his country.

"In his own words, 'I have lived such a wonderful life. I've lived enough for two people'."

Share this with others on...
News

Expanding the possible Fernanda Salgado on fantasy, reality, Jan Švankmajer and Ana, En Passant

A burning thing Sneha Mehta and Teddy Stern on falling in love with Mumbai, and making Getar Hero

Nothing is impossible Paul Rowley on moving to New York, the Pulse massacre, and Gays Against Guns

‘The only thing that makes a story universal is emotions’ Warsaw’s Industry panel discuss reaching audiences abroad

The only thing worth saying Chuko and Arie Esiri on adapting Mrs Dalloway and making Clarissa

European Film Academy shortlist announced 68 features vie for nomination

More news and features

We're bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the London Film Festival and Newfest.



We're looking forward to the Belfast Film Festival, Halloween Frightfest, the Cheltenham International Film Festival and the Leeds International Film Festival.



We've recently brought you coverage of the New York Film Festival, Grimmfest, Beyond Fest, the San Sebastian International Film Festival, Fantastic Fest, the Toronto International Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival.



Read our full for more.


Visit our festivals section.

Interact

Don't forget that you can follow us on YouTube for trailers of festival films and more. You can also find us on Mastodon, Instagram and Bluesky.


It's a busy time for festivals and here's the latest:


London Winners announced


Tallinn Black Nights UK co-production joins Works In Progress


Warsaw What Belongs To Others takes top prize


Tallinn Baltic Competition, Rebels With A Cause and Critics' Picks titles announced


Dinard I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning named Best Film