Charlton Heston LP Hollywood's Last Icon

The definitive biography of Hollywood icon Charlton Heston—one of the most popular and controversial personalities of American cinema.

Charlton Heston starred in American movies for more than six decades, in roles that ranged from the Biblical leader Moses in The Ten Commandments to the title role in William Wyler’s definitive Ben-Hur, to the heroic astronaut George Taylor in 1968’s sci-fi classic Planet of the Apes, in addition to hundreds of other screen, theater, and television roles. He also served as the head of the National Rifle Association, which placed him at odds with Hollywood’s then-prevalent left-leaning power elite.

New York Times bestselling author Marc Eliot’s definitive biography, which benefits from extraordinary access to friends, family, and private papers, unravels the epic life story of one of America’s most iconic actors, bringing to light Heston’s greatest achievements as well as his greatest failures and regrets—culminating in an account that is informed, moving, artful, and honest. In glistening detail, he examines and celebrates the lasting legacy of Charlton Heston, taking advantage of never-before-heard stories of him as husband, father, and unremitting actor whose stamp on Hollywood grows stronger every year.