Charlton Heston an Oscar winner for his 1958 performance as Ben-Hur and well-known for his portrayals of such figures as Moses Michelangelo and El Cid died Saturday night at age 84 with his wife Lydia at his side A family spokesman declined to comment on the cause of death but Heston in 2002 was revealed to have symptoms consistent with Alzheimers diseaseCharlton Heston was seen by the world as larger than life his family said in a statement He was known for his chiseled jaw broad shoulders and resonating voice and of course for the roles he played 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 countryThe actors publicist tells the AP If Hollywood had a Mt Rushmore Hestons face would be on it He was a heroic figure that I dont think exists to the same degree in Hollywood todayOff-screen Heston served as president of the Screen Actors Guild chairman of the American Film Institute
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