Screen legend Charlton Heston has died at his Beverly Hills home at the age of 84. The star of such films as BEN HUR and PLANET OF THE APES passed away on Saturday night (April 5, 2008). He had been suffering from Alzheimers Disease since 2002. Heston's wife Lydia was with him at the time of his death.

A family statement said: "We knew him as an adoring husband, a kind and devoted father, and a gentle grandfather, with an infectious sense of humour. He served these far greater roles with tremendous faith, courage and dignity."

Heston appeared in 64 films in all, picking up a Best Actor Academy Award for his work on BEN HUR. H ewent on to play Moses in THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, and appeared in the television shows DYNASTY and THE COLBYS.  Later in life he turn to politics, taking up the controversial role of president of the National Rifle Association, until 2003.