He was an interesting actor-activist, having been a former president of the NRA, an opponent of segregation who fought for civil rights with Rev. Dr. King, and more, he's best known for his over 50-year Hollywood career, a career that featured famous parts in Ben Hur, the Ten Commandments, and other movies.

RIP, Mr. Heston.

I just heard this on CNN. Another Hollywood legend is now gone. Both Ben-Hur and The Ten Commandments are on my all time favorite list. I can't say that I agreed with his NRA politics but as an actor, one of the best. And we don't have to many legends left. One of the last films I saw him in was Burtons, Planet of the Apes, where this time he got to play an ape. R.I.P.
Not to be morbid, but celebraties always die in threes. I always think about Peter O'toole during these times. Wonder if all the alcohol has kept him well preserved.

I can't say I was ever much of a fan of his acting (he was in that late 50's wooden style, if you ask me) and I think he said some bad things as NRA president (especially after some school shottings, etc.), but it's sad to see a legend die.

Agreed aquaman...his "acting" was mediocre at best and downright dreadful at worst. I always thought of him as William Shatner or Adam West with a movie career. Maybe he did some terrific work in smaller films than the ones I am most familiar with (Ben Hur, The Ten Commandments, Planet of the Apes) but his style was just pretty blah to me. But if you check out his list of credits, the man appeared in alot of films and TV productions.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000032/

I bet most people today think of him as some far-right loon based on his NRA activity and his appearance in Bowling for Columbine. On most issues he was pretty liberal. But his gun stance seemed to be almost maniacal at times.

One less vote for McCain in November.

Oh my goodness...I know he had not been well and had alzheimer's disease but I hadn't even heard this until reading it now. I guess when one thinks of his film and tv roles its generational. He'll probably be best remembered for Ben-Hur and The Ten Commandments, but when I think of Charlton Heston I think Jason Colby.