Screen hero Heston dies

Last Modified: 06 Apr 2008
Source: ITN

Hollywood legend Charlton Heston has died at the age of 84.

The actor won the Best Actor Oscar for his performance in the 1959 film Ben-Hur, but he will also be remembered for playing Moses in The Ten Commandments, and for his roles in The Planet of the Apes and Earthquake.

In recent years, he was president of the National Rifle Association, a job which earned him an unexpected role in Michael Moore's Oscar-winning documentary Bowling for Columbine.

In 2002, Heston announced he was suffering the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and he died at his hom in Beverly Hills with his wife Lydia at his side.

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'."

The family said a private memorial service will be held.

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