« Influenza B | HomePage | Good Company »
08 April 2008
Moses has left to meet his Maker
Charlton Heston died Saturday, 6th April.
I became a Heston fan after watching Planet of the Apes (1968). From there, I graduated to other Heston films such
as The Ten Commandments (1956), Ben-Hur (1959) and The Omega Man (1971). To this day, I watch The Ten Commandments every Easter. Heston's strong presence and commanding voice did not only make him a great actor, it made him a leader. In every role, it seemed that he was the guy that would keep you safe from harm's way. He always towered over the epics. His presence was so strong that, when he was on screen, Heston stood tall over the huge sets and scenery.
This same quality also made Heston an effective spokesperson offscreen. He became president of the National Rifle Association and proved to be a strong advocate for the right to bear arms. He had NRA audiences cheering when he exclaimed his slogan "From my cold, dead hands!" Meaning that the only way anyone would get a gun away from Heston was if he was dead. Although I think even in death, no one would be able to get his gun. I disagreed with Heston's view on the arms issue but respected his right to voice it. I wrote Heston a letter years back, voicing my displeasure with his views on arms. I received a letter from him. Well, it was signed by Heston, but did he write it? I like to think he did. Anyway, in short the letter said: "I think we make a difference together. We are a freer people if we stand together and fight, no matter our views."
In 2002, Heston was diagnosed with symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. But he never gave up on his fight. "I'm neither giving up nor giving in", he said. And he never did.
Heston once said "I don't seem to have a 20th century face." Indeed, he did not. His face suited every century. As such, he will live long and be fondly remembered.
"It's been quite a ride. I loved every minute of it." I had a good ride too, Mr. Heston, and I cannot thank you enough for it. God bless.
I became a Heston fan after watching Planet of the Apes (1968). From there, I graduated to other Heston films such
as The Ten Commandments (1956), Ben-Hur (1959) and The Omega Man (1971). To this day, I watch The Ten Commandments every Easter. Heston's strong presence and commanding voice did not only make him a great actor, it made him a leader. In every role, it seemed that he was the guy that would keep you safe from harm's way. He always towered over the epics. His presence was so strong that, when he was on screen, Heston stood tall over the huge sets and scenery.This same quality also made Heston an effective spokesperson offscreen. He became president of the National Rifle Association and proved to be a strong advocate for the right to bear arms. He had NRA audiences cheering when he exclaimed his slogan "From my cold, dead hands!" Meaning that the only way anyone would get a gun away from Heston was if he was dead. Although I think even in death, no one would be able to get his gun. I disagreed with Heston's view on the arms issue but respected his right to voice it. I wrote Heston a letter years back, voicing my displeasure with his views on arms. I received a letter from him. Well, it was signed by Heston, but did he write it? I like to think he did. Anyway, in short the letter said: "I think we make a difference together. We are a freer people if we stand together and fight, no matter our views."
In 2002, Heston was diagnosed with symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. But he never gave up on his fight. "I'm neither giving up nor giving in", he said. And he never did.
Heston once said "I don't seem to have a 20th century face." Indeed, he did not. His face suited every century. As such, he will live long and be fondly remembered.
"It's been quite a ride. I loved every minute of it." I had a good ride too, Mr. Heston, and I cannot thank you enough for it. God bless.
06:05 Posted in Movies | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this | Tags: Charlton Heston, actor, legend, movies, guns, spokesperson, NRA
Post a comment
NB: Comments are moderated on this weblog.