The Academy Award for Best Actor in 1960 marked a career peak for Charlton Heston, an American performer whose presence dominated Hollywood through roles in biblical epics, science-fiction, and historical dramas. Born in Evanston, Illinois, in 1923, he transitioned from early stage work to becoming a defining leading man in the United States film industry throughout the mid-twentieth century.
Early Development and Military Service
Born John Charles Carter, Heston spent his childhood in rural Michigan before moving to Wilmette, Illinois. He attended New Trier High School and received a drama scholarship to Northwestern University. During his time in college, he participated in a 16 mm adaptation of Peer Gynt. His education was interrupted by World War II, during which he enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces. He served for two years as a radio operator and aerial gunner on B-25 Mitchell bombers stationed in the Aleutian Islands.
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Heston established his screen presence in the 1950s with films such as The Greatest Show on Earth and Secret of the Incas. He reached international recognition for his portrayals of Moses in The Ten Commandments and the title character in Ben-Hur. His filmography continued to expand with projects including Touch of Evil, The Big Country, El Cid, 55 Days at Peking, and Planet of the Apes. Later in his career, he appeared in works such as Soylent Green, Tombstone, True Lies, and Hamlet.
Advocacy and Political Transitions
Throughout the 1950s and early 1960s, Heston served as a vocal supporter of the civil rights movement and publicly denounced racism. His political affiliation underwent a significant change in 1987 when he left the Democratic Party to join the Republican Party. He subsequently founded a conservative political action committee and supported Ronald Reagan. In later years, he served as the president of the National Rifle Association from 1998 to 2003.
Professional Honors and Final Years
His contributions to cinema and public life were recognized with numerous honors, including the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award, the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, and the Kennedy Center Honors. In 2003, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 2002, Heston announced his diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, which prompted his retirement from acting and his position at the NRA. He died in 2008 in Beverly Hills, California.
Fast facts
- Born: 1923, Evanston, Illinois
- Died: 2008, Beverly Hills, California
- Academy Award for Best Actor: 1960
- President of SAG: 1965-1971
- President of NRA: 1998-2003
- Presidential Medal of Freedom: 2003
- Military service: United States Army Air Forces
Questions readers ask
What was Charlton Heston's primary occupation?
He was a multifaceted professional who worked as an actor, screenwriter, writer, director, and stage performer.
Did Heston graduate from Northwestern University?
No, he attended Northwestern University and its School of Communication from 1941 to 1943 but left without completing a degree.
Achievements
- Presidential Medal of Freedom — 2003
- Academy Award for Best Actor — 1960
- Educated at Northwestern University and Northwestern University School of Communication
- Worked as television actor, film actor and film director
