April 6, 2008
Posted: 01:36 PM ET
 Charlton Heston had symptoms consistent with Alzheimer's disease.
Charlton Heston had symptoms consistent with Alzheimer's disease.

President Bush issued the following statement on the death of Charlton Heston:

"Laura and I are saddened by the death of our friend, Charlton Heston. Charlton Heston was one of the most successful actors in movie history and a strong advocate for liberty.

"Widely acclaimed for his long, award-winning film career, he also had a profound impact off the screen. He served his country during World War II, marched in the civil rights movement, led a labor union, and vigorously defended Americans' Second Amendment rights. He was a man of character and integrity, with a big heart. For all these reasons, in 2003 I was proud to award Charlton Heston the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Nations's highest civil honor.

"Our prayers are with his wife Lydia and the entire Heston family during this difficult time."

Filed under: President Bush


Pier Giacalone   April 6th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

I wonder how many tears will be shed by the parents of victims of gun violence for this sad man who was clearly more disoriented to the point of being deranged before his altzheimers.

While for most people, Alzheimers is an unthinkably awful way to leave this world there's something out of balance that people like Heston and Reagan who have so much in their lives that requires repentance on their death beds have their slates wiped clean.

Lee Atwater is a good example of what happens to such a man without the benefit of shuffling off this mortal coil with a spotless mind.

Will someone now please pry that gun out of his hand……

Daniel, WA   April 6th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

I too would like to pay my respects to Charlston. He has been an unbelievable actor. My heartfelt condolences to his family.

Michael, Ms   April 6th, 2008 6:10 pm ET

He was a great actor from my generation he will be missed and long remembered for his acting.

Steve   April 6th, 2008 6:03 pm ET

From my cold dead hands.

Rest In Peace.

Robert New York City & Miami, Florida   April 6th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

And only Bush and the Mrs. could be saddened by his death.

Robert New York City & Miami, Florida   April 6th, 2008 5:19 pm ET

Thank God this evil and crazy man is gone.

We need more guns like we need more of him.

I used to be a Democrat   April 6th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

Sad day for not only American history, but Earth history as well.

Justin from West Haven, CT   April 6th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

Yeah he is the head gun nut in the country, of course Bush would be proud.

Steven Furtado, Kunkletown PA   April 6th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

I may not have agreed with everything Mister Heston advocated, but he was still a good man and an awesome actor. My heart goes out to his family.

Matt Canoga Park   April 6th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

Charlton Heston you have given us some of the best movies of all time. You have given all of us some legendary performances and we thank you for it.

no to obama   April 6th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

I love Charlton Heston.RIP

Mary - Independent   April 6th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

Charlton Heston - one of the "old school" actors who made magnificent films.
He gave subperb performances and spoke with a voice of conviction.
A great loss to the film industry and a man that will be missed.

SUE, Michigan   April 6th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

Liberty meaning no restrictions on the guns you can own?
While I respected Mr. Heston as an actor, I was diametrically opposed to his 2nd Amendment reading. But that's what makes me a Democrat.

Gnosticman   April 6th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

Heston is a true American Hero!

Puzzled   April 6th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Charlton Heston had a long running disagreement with Ed Asner. Similar to Alexander the Great having a feud with Casper the Ghost.

Bubba   April 6th, 2008 4:20 pm ET

Rest in Peace, Sir.

ALBO   April 6th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

I am sorry to state that PRESIDENT BUSH's declaration miss the
point regarding HESTON's stance on firearms.

In the last weeks alone, dozens of innocent deaths, incl. children,
wete caused by firearms available to non-criminal persons, which
would this happened in other countries, they would have no access
to them in their crisis moments.

Unfortunately, HESTON was co-responsible !!

ALBO

kathleen   April 6th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

It is sad. Charleton Heston was a fantastic actor and played in
"some of the best" movies. but, I did not know he was "a Republican"
or a bff with Bush's.

Obama 2008

Nancy   April 6th, 2008 3:26 pm ET

Rest in peace dear soul!

love2008   April 6th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

One of the greatest actors of all time. Charlton Heston stands out, larger than life in great screen roles like "Ben Hur", El Cid, The Ten Commandments, Earthquake, True Lies, Any Given Sunday, Touch of Evil, to mention but a few. I remember growing and seeing him for the first time in films like Ben Hur and El Cid. Wow! He was trully the best. Do you know that the film "El Cid" inspired other great, successful movies like Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, 300 etc. He was a legend that will continue to live in our minds and on screen for generations to come. I predict that now in death, he will become even greater as an everlasting icon of truth, integrity, excellence and dedication to family and country. I shall miss him. The world has just lost again, one of its finest.

julie   April 6th, 2008 3:10 pm ET

If Bush is so saddened, he should support stem cell research to help find a cure for Alzheimer's disease, which Heston suffered from.

Spider   April 6th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

I hope, just for the symbolism, someone pryed his gun from his cold dead hands.

DSRobins   April 6th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

So Moses Heston is finally dead. No doubt it was long and painful and he was probably a vegetable like Ronald Reagan at the end. Frankly, it's just what he deserved for his gun nut extremism while he headed the NRA, the most evil institution in America. My favorite memory of Heston was when he was walking away from Michael Moore in Moore's wonderful movie about Columbine, the NRA and the American gun nut movement. As Heston disappeared back into his house, you knew that he would never be seen in public again. It was the perfect ending.

Bush Sad?   April 6th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

I hope this sadness will continue to go towards the sadness of the troops overseas. Bring the boys/girls home now.

Sandy in PA   April 6th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

W seems to have a hard time separating fantasy from reality these days. He probably thinks Heston really was Moses.

Sarah   April 6th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

God bless Charlton Heston…

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