RIP Charlton Heston

Updated: Sunday, April 6, 2008, 9:15 pm -- The Associated Press has an updated story, and leads with the following: "Nancy Reagan was heartbroken over Charlton Heston's death. President Bush hailed him as a "strong advocate for liberty," while John McCain called Heston a devotee for civil and constitutional rights. Even Michael Moore, who mocked Heston in his gun-control documentary "Bowling for Columbine," posted the actor's picture on his Web site to mark his passing."

The Politico also had good things to say about Mr. Heston's role in civil rights, and his NRA stewardship.

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Charlton Heston, trail-blazing 1960s civil rights activist, legendary actor, and former president of the National Rifle Association, passed away yesterday at the age of 84.

In a statement, his family noted the following: "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."

Here is the full text of the statement issued by the Heston family.

In 1997, he wrote his autobiography, titled, "In The Arena." In it, he didn't pen a sleazy tell-all about Hollywood, but instead chronicled his life, his interests and his passions. Of note is that most reviewers lauded him for actually writing "In The Arena" himself, rather than relying on ghost writers to shoulder the load.

For my mind, Mr. Heston helped re-energize the NRA at a time when it needed it most. Though he was lampooned in the media for his role in the organization, it made many Americans sit up and take notice. Not that the NRA didn't have credibility with middle America, but his out-front activism and ability to speak plainly, with conviction, caused many more people to take notice of the message of the Second Amendment. People who, previously, had probably never given this very important American birthright a second thought.

At his core, he was a gentleman. I remember watching him interviewed on The View morning television show several years ago, just before he announced he had alzheimers disease and was stepping away from public appearances. So-called comedian Joy Behar asked him what she thought was a loaded question (designed to rile him up), and before he had a chance to respond, she threw up her hands in mock-surrender and shouted, "don't shoot me!" The line was created as a cheap shot and a way for her to get a laugh. Only a few in the audience took the bait, and Heston -- for a moment -- just sat there with a look in his eye as if to say he pitied this poor thing. That was the gentleman, and astute politician, in Charlton Heston.

He was larger than life, and led an army that surely would have followed him into battle. He will be missed.

Rest in Peace Charlton Heston.