bRight & Early

Jim Lynch April 6th, 2008 9:22 am

Film legend, former NRA president, and conservative supporter Charlton Heston has died at 84.

“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 revealed in 2002 that he had symptoms consistent with Alzheimer’s disease, saying, “I must reconcile courage and surrender in equal measure.”

With his large, muscular build, well-boned face and sonorous voice, Heston proved the ideal star during the period when Hollywood was filling movie screens with panoramas depicting the religious and historical past. “I have a face that belongs in another century,” he often remarked.

Publicist Michael Levine, who represented Heston for about 20 years, said the actor’s passing represented the end of an iconic era for cinema.

“If Hollywood had a Mt. Rushmore, Heston’s face would be on it,” Levine said. “He was a heroic figure that I don’t think exists to the same degree in Hollywood today.”

The actor assumed the role of leader offscreen as well. He served as president of the Screen Actors Guild and chairman of the American Film Institute and marched in the civil rights movement of the 1950s. With age, he grew more conservative and campaigned for conservative candidates.

Reactions and commentary from around the blogosphere:

AoSHq — Charlton Heston Dead at 84 Includes several video clips.
Stop The ACLU — Daily Kos Attacking Charlton Heston on His Passing How sad that some people have no class.
Blogs for Victory — RIP, Charlton Heston Read the statement issued by his family.
Macsmind — Charlton Heston RIP Mac has a clip of Mr. Heston taking on the global warmers.
The Jawa Report — Hollywood Just Got 100% Worse Vinnie says, “For as long as I can remember, Charlton Heston was on our t.v. every Spring as Moses in “The Ten Commandments.” Man, to be a fly on the wall when he and Moses talk about it now up in Heaven.”
Outside The Beltway — Charlton Heston Dead at 84 James includes a portion of Heston’s Winning the Cultural War speech with a link to the entire text.
Blue Crab Boulevard — Charlton Heston, 1923-2008
Power Line — Charlton Heston, RIP
Wizbang — Charlton Heston dead at 84

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