Charlton Heston (1923-2008) was an American actor celebrated for his imposing stature and deep voice, which made him ideal for roles of heroic and biblical figures. His film career was dominated by epic and charismatic performances.

Among his most iconic roles was Moses in *The Ten Commandments* (1956), a performance that cemented his status with global audiences. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for the legendary *Ben-Hur* (1959), where he brought Judah Ben-Hur to life. He also starred in *El Cid* (1961), portraying Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar.

Heston was not confined to historical epics; he demonstrated versatility in science fiction films such as *Planet of the Apes* (1968) and *Soylent Green* (1973). His style was characterized by stoic dignity and an ability to embody leaders and men of great courage, making him a symbol of the classic Hollywood hero.