Born:
October 04, 1923
in
Evanston, Illinois
Best Known For:
Playing a series of heroes in classic Hollywood films.
Early-life:
Born John Charles Carter on October 4, 1923, in Evanston, Illinois. His father, Russell Carter, was a mill operator. His wife Lilla divorced him and wed mill-owner Chester Heston. The budding actor studied the classics as part of Northwestern University's drama course, gaining much-needed early experience in a radio performance of Peer Gynt. After his studies, he spent three years in the US Air Force during the Second World War.
Career:
After the war, Heston worked as a model and honed his skills while running a theatre in Asheville, North Carolina. In 1947, he made his Broadway debut in Antony and Cleopatra. His first film was 1950's Dark City. Other major movies include Ben-Hur (for which he won an Oscar), Touch of Evil, The Big Country, The Greatest Story Ever Told, The Ten Commandments, Planet of the Apes and Earthquake. He also appeared in The Colbys, Wayne's World 2, and provided a voice for Cats and Dogs. Heston died of natural causes at his home in Beverly Hills on April 5, 2008, at the age of 84.
Quote:
"If you need a ceiling painted, a chariot race run, a city besieged, or the Red Sea parted, you think of me."
Trivia:
Heston was president of the National Rifle Association from 1998 to 2003.