Death of legendary actor Heston follows years of declining health

By Matthew B. Zeidman

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (Hollywood Today) 4/6/08 – Charlton Heston, the man who made the phrase, “Take your stinking paws off me, you damn dirty ape,” famous, passed away on Saturday in his Beverly Hills, Calif. home at the age of 83.

The noted actor was reportedly fighting Alzheimer’s disease, having told media in 2002 that he was suffering from symptoms typical to the terminal affliction, which causes memory loss, dementia and loss of mobility among its patients. Heston was also diagnosed in 1998 with prostate cancer, but was declared in remission the following year after undergoing radiation treatment.

Heston (born John Charles Carter) carved his place in Hollywood history appearing in quasi-historical epics, like “The Ten Commandments” and “Ben-Hur,” as well as sci-fi blockbusters, like “Planet of the Apes” and “Soylent Green.” He was also ardently involved in politics throughout his entire career, protesting racial discrimination in the 1950s and 1960s, campaigning for several presidents in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s and serving as president of the National Rifle Association from 1998 to 2003.