Charlton Heston, also known as John Charles Carter, was born in Wilmette, Ilinois, and began acting in high school. He received a drama scholarship to Northwestern University, and enrolled in the United States Army in 1944. After completing his service, he relocated to New York, with his wife, to launch an acting career. Charlton Heston began his professional career in 1948, appearing on Broadway in “Antony and Cleopatra”. From there, he would go on to a hugely successful career in theater, film, and television.
Charlton Heston became a Hollywood icon, starring in such films as “The Greatest Show on Earth”, “The Ten Commandments”, “Touch of Evil”, “El-Cid”, “Soylent Green”, and “Any Given Sunday”. He won an Oscar for Best Actor for his performance in “Ben-Hur” in 1959. He was also a political activist and served as the President and face of the National Rifle Association for many years. He passed away in 2008.
