“Somebody once approached Kirk Douglas and said they had enjoyed his performance in Ben-Hur. So he said, ‘That wasn’t me, that was another fellow.’ And the man said, ‘Well, if you aren’t Burt Lancaster, who the hell are you?'” — Charlton Heston
Photo: Ben-Hur (1959)
“I think being brought up in a remote place with no other amusement inclined me to books. More than most kids, I suppose, I played games – imaginary, pretend games – living in a made-up world.” — Charlton Heston
“It’s been quite a ride. I loved every minute of it.” — Charlton Heston
“I’m pissed off when Indians say they’re Native Americans! I’m a Native American, for chrisakes!” — Charlton Heston
Source: Margot Hornblower (1998)
Photo: The Savage (1952). With Joan Taylor.
“The Constitution was handed down to guide us by a bunch of those wise old, dead, white guys who invented this country. It’s true–they were white guys. So were most of the guys who died in Lincoln’s name, opposing slavery in the 1860s. So, why should I be ashamed of white guys? Why is Hispanic pride or black pride a good thing, while white pride conjures up shaved heads and white hoods?” — Charlton Heston
Source: 1997
Photo: Touch of Evil (1958)
“Through the years I’ve played more historical roles than any American actor.” — Charlton Heston
Source: Vernon Scott (1976)
Photo: El Cid (1961)
“‘Hard’ is what I do best. I don’t do ‘nice’.” — Charlton Heston
In the photo, he is with his daughter, Holly Ann, on the set of The War Lord (1965).
Heston as “Moses” in The Ten Commandments (1956). 6’4″ tall. $3,000 – $5,000. One of the first figures made for the Hollywood Wax Museum in 1965. Sold at auction in 2009.
“People don’t perceive me as a shy man. But I am. I am thought of mostly in terms of the parts I play. I am seen as a forbidding authority figure. I only wish I were as indomitable as everyone thinks.” — Charlton Heston
