Charlton Heston - American Actor And Political Activist
Charlton Heston is an American actor and political activist. He has performed as an actor for six decades and has been in more than 100 motion pictures. He is especially remembered for his portrayal in the 1959 movie Ben-Hur, for which he received the Academy Award for Best Actor the same year, in addition to his work in The Ten Commandments.
Author:Emily SanchezReviewer:Elisa MuellerJan 16, 20238.6K Shares511.2K Views
Charlton Heston is an American actor and political activist. He has performed as an actor for six decades and has been in more than 100 motion pictures. He is especially remembered for his portrayal in the 1959 movie Ben-Hur, for which he received the Academy Award for Best Actor the same year, in addition to his work in The Ten Commandments.
Quick Facts About Charlton Heston
| Full Name | John Charles Carter |
| Also Known As | Charlton Heston |
| Nationality | American |
| Birth Place | Wilmette, Illinois, U.S. |
| Date of Birth | 4-Oct-1923 |
| Date of Death | 5-Apr-2008 |
| Country | United States |
| Aged | 85 |
| Height | 1.91 (m) |
| Gender | Male |
Early Life Of Charlton Heston
Charlton Heston was born John Charles Carter on October 4, 1923, in Wilmette, Illinois, to parents Lilla and Whitford. He went to St. Helen, Michigan, with his family as a baby because his father worked as a sawmill operator. Heston spent his childhood there, fishing and hunting in the wilderness.
When his mother remarried, he and his siblings, Lilla and Alan, went back to Wilmette with her. His parents separated when he was ten years old. Heston attended New Trier High School and was active in the theater department there. Additionally, he was involved with the Winnetka Community Theatre. Heston pursued further education at Northwestern University.
Charlton Heston’s Career
He joined the United States Army Air Force in 1944 and served there for two years as an aerial gunner and radio operator. Over the course of his military service, he rose to the rank of staff sergeant.
He relocated to New York City in 1946 to pursue an acting career after being released from the army. Two years later, in "Antony and Cleopatra," he made his Broadway debut. During this time, he started to work in television. At the start of his acting career, he chose the stage name "Charlton Heston."
He received Hollywood offers as a result of his increasing notoriety on the stage and made his 1950 debut in the big-budget movie "Dark City." Cecil B. DeMille, a well-known director, was impressed by his performance and put him in 1952's "The Greatest Show on Earth" as a circus manager.
He played Andrew Jackson in "The President's Lady," the first of several historical roles he would play, in 1953. His portrayal of "Moses," one of his most notable historical characters, in the 1956 movie "The Ten Commandments," propelled him to the rank of a legend in Hollywood.
He made yet another historical appearance in the 1959 film "Ben-Hur," solidifying his position as one of the top character performers in American cinema. His career remained successful throughout the 1960s because of movies like "Planet of the Apes" (1968) and "Khartoum" (1966).
He became interested in political activities in the 1960s and marched in the Washington, D.C., civil rights march in 1963 with Martin Luther King. From 1965 to 1971, he served as a "Screen Actor" He sometimes tried new things with his parts, although he often portrayed authors or historical figures.
He played Mark Antony (1972) in the 1970 films Julius Caesar and Antony and Cleopatra. In "Call of the Wild" (1972), he played "John Thornton," and in "The Three Musketeers" (1973) and its sequel, "The Four Musketeers," he played "Cardinal Richelieu" (1974).
His other movies include "Hamlet," "True Lies," and "Solar Crisis" (1990), to name a few (1996). He also provided narration for the movies "Hercules" (1997) and "Armageddon" (1998). He presided over the "National Rifle Association" in his senior years (1998–2003).
Charlton Heston's Career In Television
Heston's only major appearance on a regular television series was on the 1985–1987 soap opera "The Colbys," which aired during prime time. He has acted in many television movies, including "A Man for All Seasons," "Treasure Island," "The Little Kidnappers," and "The Crucifier of Blood," in addition to several episodes of other series.
Heston co-hosted the 1993 NBC show "The Mystery of the Sphinx," which won an Emmy, among many of his other well-known roles.
Political Activism Of Charlton Heston
Heston was a Democrat early in his career and backed a number of liberal political initiatives, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964. He began to become more conservative nonetheless and began backing Richard Nixon in 1972. Heston formally switched to Republicanism in the 1980s and supported Ronald Reagan.
His engagement in the National Rifle Association marked the culmination of his descent into right-wing thinking. Heston went on to lead the NRA as president from 1998 to 2003. He also delivered a number of speeches during this period that promoted white supremacy by invoking terror.
Some Interesting Facts About Charlton Heston
- The American city of Evanston is where Charlton Heston was born.
- Libra is Charlton Heston's astrological sign.
- In the 1952 Cecil B. DeMille drama The Greatest Show on Earth, he played Brad Braden.
- In March 1944, he married the actress Lydia Clarke; their marriage lasted for 64 years.
- His daughter Holly Ann was born in 1961, and his son Fraser was born in 1955.
- In 1944, Heston joined the military and was commissioned as a staff sergeant.
- A theater was run by Heston and Clarke in Asheville, North Carolina.
- Disney's "Hercules" hired Heston as the narrator because of his seductive voice (1997).
- Heston opposed abortion and backed the right to bear arms.
The Net Worth Of Charlton Heston
At the time of his death, American actor Charlton Heston had a $40 million fortune. In Hollywood, Heston worked for six decades. The Ten Commandments, Touch of Evil, Ben-Hur, Planet of the Apes, and Soylent Green are some of his best-known productions.
For his work in "Ben-Hur," he received the Best Actor Oscar in 1959. After receiving an Alzheimer's diagnosis in 2002, Heston withdrew from both acting and the NRA.
People Also Ask
What Is The Birth Date Of Charlton Heston?
He was born on October 4, 1923.
What Country Does Charlton Heston Hail From?
He was a native American.
What Is Charlton Heston's Estimated Net Worth?
The estimated net worth of Charlton Heston is $40 million.
Conclusion
American actor Charlton Heston was most recognized for his portrayals of literary and historical personalities. In addition to acting, he was a political activist who worked with Martin Luther King, Jr., to advance civil rights. He'll be remembered for his contribution.
Emily Sanchez
Author
Emily Sanchez, a Fashion Journalist who graduated from New York University, brings over a decade of experience to her writing. Her articles delve into fashion trends, celebrity culture, and the fascinating world of numerology.
Emily's unique perspective and deep industry knowledge make her a trusted voice in fashion journalism.
Outside of her work, she enjoys photography, attending live music events, and practicing yoga for relaxation.
Elisa Mueller
Reviewer
Elisa Mueller, a Kansas City native, grew up surrounded by the wonders of books and movies, inspired by her parents' passion for education and film.
She earned bachelor's degrees in English and Journalism from the University of Kansas before moving to New York City, where she spent a decade at Entertainment Weekly, visiting film sets worldwide.
With over 8 years in the entertainment industry, Elisa is a seasoned journalist and media analyst, holding a degree in Journalism from NYU. Her insightful critiques have been featured in prestigious publications, cementing her reputation for accuracy and depth.
Outside of work, she enjoys attending film festivals, painting, writing fiction, and studying numerology.
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