Running the Race: The 'Public Face' of Charlton Heston

Charlton Heston's iconic chariot race in "Ben-Hur" established him as an international superstar and symbolized his struggle to establish himself in his profession. Brian Steel Wills' book "Chuck Heston: A Life" captures Heston's climb to fame, search for the perfect performance, and meaningful roles in support of causes he embraced. Heston's roles were varied and powerful, including Moses, Ben-Hur, El Cid, Michelangelo, Mike Vargas, and Charles Chinese Gordon. He shifted to science fiction, action, disaster films, and more nuanced roles. Heston defined and redefined his public face in a constant quest for an audience, undertaking public service roles for the government, arts, and other causes. He became an outspoken advocate of the arts and other public and charitable causes, marching with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and supporting Second Amendment rights.

Format: Hardback
Length: 456 pages
Publication date: 08 November 2022
Publisher: Savas Beatie

Thundering across the screen, Judah Ben-Hurs iconic chariot race against his former friend turned bitter foe remains an indelible part of cinematic history and established Charlton Heston as an international superstar. In many ways, the race was a metaphor for the actors dynamic life, symbolizing his struggle to establish himself in his profession. Brian Steel Wills captures for the first time a comprehensive view of the actors climb to fame, his search for the perfect performance, and the meaningful roles he played in support of the causes he embraced.

The actor was born and raised in the Michigan woodlands and suburbs of Chicago, where he found his love of acting in the books he read and the movies he saw. Chuck Hestons introduction to the craft that would become his lifes work began at New Trier High School and spilled over into Northwestern University. The Second World War interrupted his journey when he served his country, after which he and his wife Lydia headed to Asheville, North Carolina, where they both acted and directed in theatre.

The lights of New York City and Broadway beckoned, and live television offered an important platform, but Hollywood and feature films were his destiny. His roles were as varied as they were powerful, and included stints as Moses, Ben-Hur, El Cid, Michelangelo, Mike Vargas, and Charles Chinese Gordon under legendary directors like Cecil B. DeMille, William Wyler, Franklin Schaffner, and Orson Welles. He shifted to science fiction in Planet of the Apes and Soylent Green, a wide range of action and disaster films, and more nuanced roles such as Will Penny.

Over his decades of performance, Heston defined and redefined his public face in a constant quest for an audience for his work. He undertook wide-ranging public service roles for causes he believed in, including his support for the American Civil Liberties Union and his opposition to the Vietnam War. He was also a vocal advocate for animal rights and environmental protection, and was recognized with numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the arts and society.

In conclusion, Charlton Heston was a legendary actor who left an indelible mark on cinematic history with his iconic performances and his commitment to social and political causes. His journey from a humble beginning in Michigan to the heights of Hollywood fame was a testament to his talent, dedication, and his unwavering pursuit of his dreams. His legacy continues to inspire and influence actors and audiences alike, and his impact on the world of entertainment will be felt for generations to come.

Weight: 646g
Dimension: 235 x 161 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781611216288