Actor Charlton Heston, 84, passed away Saturday night at his Beverly Hills Home.
"Charlton Heston was seen by the world as larger than life. He was known for his chiseled jaw, broad shoulders and resonating voice, and, of course, for the roles he played," Heston's family said in a statement. "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."
Heston had said in a 2002 video statement that he was suffering from symptoms consistent with Alzheimer's disease. "I must reconcile courage and surrender in equal measure," he added.
The legendary actor is known for portraying some of the most prominent figures in history: Moses, John the Baptist, Michelangelo, Thomas Jefferson, Sherlock Holmes and El Cid. He appeared in over 100 films in his 60-year film career, and won the best actor Oscar in 1959 for portraying the title character in "Ben-Hur."
Heston was a leader who served as president of the Screen Actors Guild and chairman of the American Film Institute. A liberal turned staunch conservative, he more recently became a controversial figure due to his being elected president of the National Rifle Association in 1998. The proud owner of 30 guns appeared in several ads for the organization that showed him holding a weapon.
Heston is survived by his wife Linda and two children, son Fraser and daughter Holly Ann.
