Sad News: Charlton Heston Dead

Dear IMDB friends:

Four days ago, on Tuesday, April 1, I left the following post on the IMDB "Ten Commandments" message board, under the topic, “What will you do when Charlton Heston dies?”:

"It's a sad thing to say, but with Alzheimer's, the person we knew and loved dies long before the body does. Sadly, in that sense, he may already be gone. In the advanced stages of that terrible disease, physical death then becomes merciful - and a technicality.
What was most alarming for me about that Michael Moore sandbag job was that you could see that he was already beginning to fail. I met him twice, in London in 1979, and he was intelligent, generous, and kind. I'll always remember Charlton Heston as he was then, still in his prime - and for the person and actor he was."

Unfortunately, I was being more prophetic than I realized. Speaking personally, I still cannot believe that he's gone.

The following is the is the newswire report, followed by the press release from Charlton Heston’s family, released earlier today, Saturday, April 5:

Saturday April 5, 11:24 pm ET

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., April 5, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Legendary actor, civil rights leader and political activist Charlton Heston passed away today, at the age of 84. He died at his home with Lydia, his wife of 64 years, at his side. Mr. Heston was loved by his two children, Fraser Clarke Heston and Holly Heston Rochell, and his three grandchildren, Jack Alexander Heston, Ridley Rochell and Charlie Rochell.

The Heston family issued the following statement:

"To his loving friends, colleagues and fans, we appreciate your heartfelt prayers and support. Charlton Heston was seen by the world as larger than life. He was known for his chiseled jaw, broad shoulders and resonating voice, and, of course, for the roles he played. Indeed, he committed himself to every role with passion, and pursued every cause with unmatched enthusiasm and integrity.

We knew him as an adoring husband, a kind and devoted father, and a gentle grandfather, with an infectious sense of humor. He served these far greater roles with tremendous faith, courage and dignity. He loved deeply, and he was deeply loved.

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 country. In his own words, "I have lived such a wonderful life! I've lived enough for two people."

A private memorial service will be held. The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Motion Picture and Television Fund:
MPTF
22212 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 300
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
www.mptvfund.org