Charlton Heston

I know this happened yesterday, but internet on Sunday isn’t really my thing.

There’s a lot that can be said about Mr. Heston. I primarily think of him as a fine and faithful man, a patriot, eloquent in his defense of what is right and good.

That he was an actor of towering, often mesmerizing talent, not to mention sheer presence, was clear to all, but too often such talented people are not so good or even decent in their private lives. Charlton Heston fought for his beloved America in World War II, but more importantly, he won the hand of his wife, Lydia, early in college and remained passionately, adoringly at her side for the rest of his life — 64 years, an eternity in Hollywoodland and, sadly, beyond.

His family issued this statement Sunday:

“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

It wasn’t just his talent or defense of America’s founding values (it wasn’t just the Second Amendment he held dear) that led me to love and respect Charlton Heston; it was his sense of honour and decency, as well as his intelligence. Unlike so many stars, he was not a paper-thin human being who spent his life posing for a living; he truly lived, standing up for what he believed and held dear, even when it meant potentially losing his livelihood. Charlton Heston was a real, true person in a swarm of increasingly appalling characterless, valueless fakery and shallowness. He’s the kind of man we think of as exceedingly rare, but is actually more frequently about us than we might imagine. He just had to be honourable and good in the public eye, contending also with temptations some men dream about and most women dread.

In a way, he was a renaissance man. He really was smart and thoughtful, wasn’t he? Like I said last week; another Jimmy Stewart, another who held God, family, and country dear, and in that order. Moreover, Heston was willing to be loud about it. We could use more like him.

He will be missed.

Thankfully, through his films and that vital work in defense of America and her ideals, his example will live on.

Goodbye, Mr. Heston.

We can’t part from you, either.

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