Star of stage and screen Charlton Heston has died.  The actor had suffered from Alzheimer's disease for some time.  He was 84.

Heston's most famous screen roles were in "Ben-Hur" and "The 10 Commandments," two iconic Biblical epic films, but genre fans know him best as Taylor / "Bright Eyes" from 1968's "The Planet of the Apes" and the 1970 sequel "Beneath the Planet of the Apes."  Heston's performance as a human astronaut thrust into bizarre and ultimately maddening circumstances was highly influential on later science fiction, and helped build a major SF film franchise.

Heston's family released a statement:

To his loving friends, colleagues and fans, we appreciate your heartfelt prayers and support. Charlton Heston was seen by the world as larger than life. He was known for his chiseled jaw, broad shoulders and resonating voice, and, of course, for the roles he played.

Indeed, he committed himself to every role with passion, and pursued every cause with unmatched enthusiasm and integrity.

We knew him as an adoring husband, a kind and devoted father, and a gentle grandfather, with an infectious sense of humor. He served these far greater roles with tremendous faith, courage and dignity. He loved deeply, and he was deeply loved.

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."

Heston is survived by his wife Lydia, son Fraser, and daughter Holly Ann.

(Sources: Yahoo! News, Empire Online)