U.S. #4892
2014 49¢ Charlton Heston
Legends of Hollywood
The image on the Charlton Heston stamp is based on a photo taken by Heston’s wife.
Charlton Heston (1923-2008) appeared in 100 films in a career that spanned over sixty years. Known for portraying strong masculine roles in sprawling blockbuster movies, Heston also held deep convictions and was an outspoken political activist.
Heston began acting in high school. After serving in World War II, he settled in New York City, where he dedicated his talents to stage and television. Hollywood producer Hal B. Wallis saw a performance and offered Heston a movie contract. He agreed to act in just “one film to see what it’s like.”
Heston’s first professional role was in the 1950 film, Dark City. His breakthrough came two years later with Cecil B. DeMille’s The Greatest Show on Earth. That film was followed by the actor’s portrayal of Moses in The Ten Commandments, the title role in Ben-Hur, and Michelangelo in The Agony and the Ecstasy.
Heston was also active in the Civil Rights Movement, joining the March on Washington and protesting segregation. He later backed conservative ideals, supporting Ronald Reagan and serving as the spokesman for the National Rifle Association.
In 2002, Heston learned he had Alzheimer’s. He faced the diagnosis and the twilight of his career bravely. “I’ve played three presidents, three saints and two geniuses – that’s probably enough for any man.”
This stamp pictures a color portrait by movie artist Drew Struzan. He modeled the painting after a photo taken by Lydia Heston, Charlton’s wife.
49¢ Charlton Heston, issued to satisfy the first-class mail rate
Issue Date: April 11, 2014
City: Hollywood, CA, as part of the TCM Classic Film Festival at the Creative Life Chinese Theatre.
Quantity: 20,000,000
Category: Commemorative
Printed By: Ashton Potter
Printing Method: Lithographed
Perforations: Serpentine Die Cut 11
Self-adhesive
Charlton Heston is the 18th person to be honored in the Legends of Hollywood series. The series, which features film stars from the Golden-Age of Hollywood, began in 1995 with a stamp picturing Marilyn Monroe.