15. 1. "The Ten Commandments" as Moses
2. "The Greatest Story Ever Told" as John the Baptist
3. "Julius Caesar" as Marc Antony
Can you name the actor who connects those three films?
From Quiz Famous Leading Actors
Answer:
Charlton Heston
Charlton Heston (1923-2008) was an American actor who, between 1941 and 2003, appeared in over one hundred movies, including the three listed above, more than 140 television roles and guest appearances, many stage productions, and numerous radio shows. Because of his strong and magnetic screen personality, he was often cast in epic movies centred around some of the world's mightiest historical and literary figures. This includes the stupendous 1959 film "Ben-Hur" which won Heston an Academy Award for his portrayal of the wealthy Jewish prince, Judah Ben-Hur, who, betrayed by his friend Messala, is condemned to the life of a galley slave. Driven by the need for revenge, he survives against all odds, rises up in the world again, and finally meet Messala in an epic chariot race that is still one of the most incredibly powerful segments ever to appear on film.
Incidentally, that movie, which went on to win eleven Academy Awards in all, was set to be filmed in Libya, but once the Muslim authorities there realized it was about Christianity, they ordered the entire production team out of the country. It was subsequently made in Spain. You may not also know that the MGM lion doesn't roar at the beginning of this movie. That was because the producers felt, given the theme of the film, this would be a little irreverent.
A couple of quotes from the great Charlton Heston himself:
1. "There's a special excitement in playing a man who made a hole in history large enough to be remembered centuries after he died".
2. "It's hard living up to Moses".
3. On his heartbreaking recorded announcement to the world about the Alzheimer's that eventually stole his mind: "For an actor, there is no greater loss than the loss of his audience. I can part the Red Sea, but I can't part with you, which is why I won't exclude you from this stage in my life... For now, I'm not changing anything. I'll insist on work when I can, the doctors will insist on rest when I must. If you see a little less spring to my step, if your name fails to leap to my lips, you'll know why. And if I tell you a funny story for the second time, please laugh anyway...We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep". Thank you, and God bless you, everyone".