'Ben-Hur' star Charlton Heston dies at 84

Los Angeles: Charlton Heston, who won the 1959 best actor Oscar as the chariot-racing "Ben-Hur" and portrayed Moses, Michelangelo, El Cid and other heroic figures in movie epics of the '50s and '60s, has died. He was 84.

Heston's spokesman Bill Powers says the actor died on Saturday night at his home in Beverly Hills with his wife Lydia was at his side.

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.

I deeply regret the demise of the greatest star Hollywood has ever had in this century. Whenever we a see religious movie I will miss him, especially his sonorous voice . God give his wife courage to live without Charlton beside her, may his soul rest in peace.
Theresa
Toronto,Canada
Posted: April 07, 2008, 03:49