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Actor Charlton Heston was born on October 4, 1923 in Wilmette, Illinois to Lilla and Russell Whitford.
In his early years, he and his two siblings lived with their parents in St. Helen, Michigan. However, when Charlton was 10, his parents divorced. His mother eventually remarried another man, so he and his sister and brother moved with them back to Wilmette, Illinois.
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Charlton attended Evanston, Illinois-based Northwestern University after earning a drama scholarship.
Later on, in 1944, he enlisted in the United States Army Forces, serving as a radio operator until 1946, during the Second World War.
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After the war, the star's acting career took off. In 1948 he was offered a part in a Broadway revival of William Shakespeare's 'Antony and Cleopatra', sharing credits with Katharine Cornell.
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However, it wasn't until 1949 that the actor landed his first TV role. He appeared in an episode of the anthology series 'Suspense', as well as in an episode of drama series 'Studio One'.
The following year he made his film debut in the 1950 movie 'Dark City', playing "Danny Haley".
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In 1959, Heston gained international acclaim after being cast in 'Ben-Hur' in the lead role as "Judah Ben-Hur". Actors Burt Lancaster, Marlon Brando and Rock Hudson were offered the role, but they turned it down.Heston ended up winning an Oscar for Best Actor for his role in the film.In 1977, he was awarded by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, which recognizes those who significantly contribute to humanitarian causes.
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Charlton then continued delivering outstanding performances on the big screen. Some of his most notable films include 'El Cid' (1961), 'Planet of the Apes' (1968), 'Julius Caesar' (1970), 'The Three Musketeers' (1974) and 'Mother Lode' (1982), among many others.
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In television, Heston appeared in multiple shows, both as a lead cast member, as well as a guest star. He is best known for playing "Jason" in 'The Colbys' and 'Dynasty', and for his surprise appearance in the 1998 'Friends' episode 'The One with Joey's Dirty Day'.
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As for his personal life, before joining the military, Heston married Lydia Marie Clarke, whom he met during his time at Northwestern University. They welcomed son Fraser in 1955 and daughter Holly in 1961.The couple, who frequently made red-carpet appearances together, remained married until Heston's 2008 death. Lydia, who was also his 'Studio One' co-star, died 10 years later from pneumonia complications at age 95.
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Quick facts about the 'Ben-Hur' actor:
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After struggling with multiple health issues, including alcoholism, prostate cancer and hip replacement procedures, in 2002 Heston went public on being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease symptoms.
On April 5, 2008, it was announced that the 'Ben-Hur' star had died at his Beverly Hills, California home, with his wife by his side.
Stars Arnold Schwarzenegger, Oliver Stone and Tom Selleck attended his funeral one week later. In his will, Heston requested to be cremated.
In May 2008, authorities determined that Charlton Heston had died of pneumonia.
Born on October 4, 1923, actor Charlton Heston became a household name starting 1941. With +80 film credits and +100 TV appearances, the 'Ben-Hur' star built an impressive career in show business.
Sadly, the actor died in 2008 in Beverly Hills, California. This caused his death.