It Was Those Damn Dirty Apes!
April 5, 2008 // Films

Earlier this evening, Charlton Heston passed away at his home in Beverly Hills at the age of 84. In 1959 Heston earned an Academy Award for his performance in Ben Hur, and in 1967 earned cult status for his role in Planet of the Apes. I remember watching Planet of the Apes for the first time, and for some reason being absolutely riveted. Since then I’ve had a soft spot in my heart for him, not matter how gun crazy he became in his later life.

No cause of death has been declared yet, but there was rumor that he was suffering from Alzheimer’s. Hopefully he’s in a better place where apes don’t rule the world.

Bobby

  1. The Alzheimer’s is no rumor. In 2002, he delivered a public statement where he bowed out of public life, explaining that he was suffering from the early stages of Alzheimer’s. How tragic he spent the last six years of his life suffering.

    He was married to the same woman for 64 years, which is also quite an accomplishment. He also advocated civil rights in the early 1960s, before it had become a prominent national cause.

    Comment by Derek Giromini — April 6, 2008 #

  2. I’m certainly no gun lover but his film contribution was immense
    Charlton Heston is Soylent Green!

    Comment by Andrew Town — April 6, 2008 #

  3. I agree, he contributed greatly to the world of movies, but The National Rifle Association… c’mon…

    Still, Alzheimers – that’s tragic! I’m sure he is at a better place now after all…

    Comment by Thomas — April 7, 2008 #